Free Camping in Illinois
Discover 22 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Climate
Continental with hot summers and cold winters
Terrain
Forests, Prairie
Free Spots
22 locations
Camping Spots (22)
Shawnee NF – Bay Creek Roads
"Free dispersed camping around Shawnee NF Illinois. Sandstone bluffs and hardwood hollows with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Hidden Springs. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Narrow shoulders Arrive early to claim a legal
Shawnee – Lusk Creek Backroads
"Free dispersed camping at Shawnee – Lusk Creek Backroads in Illinois. Sandstone bluffs and hardwood hollows with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Lusk Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow shoulders Arrive early
Shawnee – Bell Smith Springs Backcountry
Tent-friendly primitive camping near Bell Smith Springs area (where allowed). Popular hikes and swimming; verify regulations.
Shawnee – Garden of the Gods Primitive
Primitive tent camping opportunities near Garden of the Gods recreation area. Limited services; arrive early.
Shawnee – Burden Falls Forest Pullouts
Forest pullouts and primitive clearings in the Burden Falls vicinity. Pack out waste; check seasonal closures.
Lake Shelbyville – Primitive Area
Primitive-style tent camping areas around Lake Shelbyville. Expect designated primitive loops rather than true dispersed.
Kinkaid Lake – Primitive Area
Tent camping near Kinkaid Lake with a more primitive feel. Check site rules and seasons.
Crab Orchard NWR – Primitive Camp Area
Primitive tent camping areas associated with the refuge (where permitted). Follow posted rules and closures.
Ferme Clyffe – Backcountry Area
Backcountry/primitive tent camping near Ferne Clyffe State Park region (where allowed). Verify permits.
Sand Ridge State Forest – Primitive Camping
Primitive tent camping options in Sand Ridge State Forest. Sandy soils; limited water.
Moraine View – Primitive Area
Primitive tent camping loop within Moraine View area. Minimal services; pack out waste.
Illinois River Bluffs – Primitive Sites
Primitive tent sites along bluffs and trail corridors (where designated). Leave no trace.
Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt
Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 7.1 miles W of Ozark. It has approximately 41 campsites.
Camp Cadiz
Camp Cadiz is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 4.9 miles E of Karber's Ridge. It has approximately 15 campsites. Reported amenities include laundry.
Devils Kitchen
Devils Kitchen is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 5.6 miles E of Makanda. It has approximately 45 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, showers.
Johnson Creek
Johnson Creek is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 11.2 miles NW of Murphysboro. It has approximately 20 campsites. Reported amenities include dump station, laundry.
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Oak Point - Lake Glendale is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 13.0 miles E of Vienna. It has approximately 74 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, laundry.
Pharoah - Garden Of The Gods
Pharoah - Garden Of The Gods is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 12.9 miles SE of Harrisburg. It has approximately 12 campsites. Reported amenities include drinking water, laundry. Typical operating season: all year.
Pine Hills
Pine Hills is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 9.5 miles NW of Jonesboro. It has approximately 13 campsites. Reported amenities include laundry.
Pine Ridge - Pounds Hollow
Pine Ridge - Pounds Hollow is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 4.4 miles NE of Karber's Ridge. It has approximately 76 campsites. Reported amenities include laundry. Notes: lake swimming.
Redbud - Bell Smith Springs
Redbud - Bell Smith Springs is a national forest campground in Illinois, about 6.0 miles E of Ozark. It has approximately 21 campsites.
Teal Pond
Teal Pond is a national forest campground in Illinois. Typical operating season: all year.
Popular Camping Areas
- Shawnee National Forest
- Garden of the Gods
- Cache River State Natural Area
Important Regulations
- 14-day camping limits
- Hunting season restrictions
- Fire restrictions during dry periods
Permits: Most camping is free, some areas require permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Illinois
Illinois offers limited free camping opportunities primarily in Shawnee National Forest in the south, with unique rock formations and forest trails.
Best Free Camping Areas in Illinois
Illinois offers diverse free camping opportunities across forests, prairie, rivers, rock formations. The most popular areas include Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, Cache River State Natural Area, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Illinois for Camping
The best times for free camping in Illinois are during spring, summer, fall. The state's continental with hot summers and cold winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Illinois Camping Regulations
Before camping in Illinois, it's important to understand local regulations. Most camping is free, some areas require permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Illinois typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore forests, prairie, rivers, rock formations at your own pace.