Stayed here for the 2017 solar eclipse and it was such an amazing experience! Not only did we get…read morelucky with clear skies and having some amateur astronomers staying in the campground, but the campground itself was great! The grounds were very well kept, the bathroom was always clean, and the family that runs the place was so nice and helpful. There are some nice hiking trails that branch off the campgrounds as well, just watch out for horse poop! I had never been to the southern Illinois area but now that I know of a great place to stay, I will definitely be back! Thank you Ben and Patty for this great place!

We were in Paducah to attend the 2026 Quilt show. The reservation process was simple, affordable,…read moreand completed several months in advance. Check-in was efficient, and the staff was exceptionally helpful. Throughout our stay, we experienced no issues with the water supply, electrical, or sewage systems. Our pull-through site accommodated our 35-foot trailer without difficulty. While the Wi-Fi, as is common in RV parks, was not optimal for streaming, it was sufficient for basic phone and tablet use. The water had a noticeable chlorine taste, but our in-line filter and Brita pitcher resolved this. Paducah was conveniently located, offering a wider selection of stores and restaurants than anticipated. The campground offered various activities during our visit. Each morning, a vendor sold fresh baked goods, jams, and jellies, which we found to be very good. Mark Cope provided a BBQ wagon, and his BBQ and potato salad were also excellent. The park also hosted an ice cream social and a wine tasting by "Purple Toad Winery," a family-owned winery in Paducah, KY. There is a lake on-site where fishing is available, and bait is sold. We will certainly choose Fern Lake Campground for our next visit.

Had reservations for a two night stay. Check in was quick and friendly. Site was clean and level…read more Wi-Fi was strong. Right off of 24w. Very quiet and peaceful. Downtown area 15 minutes away. Walked to dinner (great Mexican restaurant). Would stay again!

My wife and I wanted to check this place out since it was on her bucket list and apparently it…read morebecame on my bucket list as well since I love to see some other worldly things in my own home state of illinois. Thankfully we lucked out and we didn't get rained on but this place was still pretty busy. Depending on when you show up parking can be a bit Limited. The trails to the top is not too long either but the interaction is so long and breathtaking. I've never been to a park since I've been to Matheson State Park where you are able to climb on every little thing. The views here and the experience is unlike any other. It felt like I was back in the Smoky Mountains but with less tourists. They have public restrooms here as well though if there's a line it could take a while. Me and my wife spent a good few hours here and if you follow the trail it will take you right back to the parking lot. We also enjoyed that this place is also dog friendly too!

Located in Herod Illinois within the Shawnee National Forest,this is a must stop if in the area…read more The views and scenery are absolutely breathtaking. You can hike,camp,pinic or nature watch. The Observation Trail features unique rock formations and scenic views. Make sure you have gas and essentials as there is nothing available in the area.

Our family had a great time here! Very relaxing and scenic! Large Creek/pond in back and the Ohio…read moreRiver in front. Owners are very friendly and even checked in with is a few times to see if we needed anything. For you folks who would wine about mis-matched coffee mugs or plates, it's not for you! These are nice folks and don't need bothered with people like that. Well definitely be returning some day! Loved the hospitality of the owners and the people surrounding the area. Everyone we met were very nice!

Our trip to Barren Creek Cottages was off the hook ..the fishing and peaceful quiet alone time was…read morespot on ... can't say enough about the area, rivers owners and wildlife ...trust me for the price it's better than any stress releasing therapy on the market.

Inexpensive daily weekly and monthly rates. Always something to do. Beautiful lake. Town amenities…read moreare close by.

Absolutely beautiful park. Well maintained, office guy was super helpful and friendly! 2 awesome…read moreplaygrounds for kids. Beautiful trail around the lake! Friendly ducks walking like they owned the place. Spots along lake were huge. Loved it!!

My husband and I have been camping several times at Crab Orchard Campgrounds. We love it there. The…read morecampgrounds are kept clean, restrooms and shower houses are very clean. Staff is friendly and goes out of their way to be helpful. Every lot has a nice scenic view. You have the opportunity to fish and swim at the beach. We enjoy just walking around the campgrounds. The campground is dog friendly, and all dogs are on a leash or small pen. We are looking forward to many more visits here. The Grizzell.

Brought out 6 year old and 8 year old to camp for the weekend. Before we knew it we had kids from…read moreseveral other camp sites at our site so my husband brought out the s'mores and began fixing them for everyone. He cut a limb from the tree in our yard for 1 of the boys and all of a sudden a man filming him with a phone started walking towards us yelling at him. This was one of the camp host.My husband explained what he was doing and the man continued to film in in front of all the children and yell about the stick he pulled from the tree. My husband apologized and said it wouldn't happen again. About an hour later about an hour later the refugee police pulled up and said that the man had called him grumbling about the tree. We were ticked and fined. I have read other reviews on the FB website where people have written about this particular camp host.

A nice state park in the area with a pretty nice trail in the Ghost Dance Canyon. Some interesting…read morestuff to see when it's raining, but the rain also makes the rocks very slick. All in all, I have no complaints it, but this shouldn't be your first or second or even third stop if you have time to roam around in the area.

Beautiful place we went right after a cold snap sure beautiful! I love the peace of this placeread more

Had a really nice weekend at Ferne Clyff. There are 18 trails that are maintained and for various…read morelevels, but be aware that nearly every trail has poison ivy just at the edge of pathways. There's lots to do, whether you're there to hike, bike, climb, or relax in nature. The camping grounds are a bit crowded, but most everyone keeps to themselves and are very friendly. There are lots of primitive restrooms throughout the park, but maintained with plumbing restrooms are only available for overnight paid guests. If you forget firewood, there is a place near the main campground restrooms where you can get bundles of firewood from a vet owned business. As of 5/8/2026 when I'm writing this, each bundle is $5 and can be paid in cash or QR.

This is my go to hiking park when I need to introduce someone to the beauty of SoILL on a tight…read moretime budget. The Waterfall Trail is flat and wide and boasts a fun waterfall in wet seasons, but also lovely bluffs and wildlife even when it's dry. My favorite hike was on a cold January day. We started with flurries, and the ground was completely white when we completed it. My kids are also HUGE fans of the Hawks Cave hike. Lots of fun boulders to climb on and explore. It's a short (though a bit steeper) hike, but begs you to linger at the cave.

Very nice campground! Well maintained large sites and grounds. Jan was very professional,…read morecourteous and helpful! Definitely recommend staying here.

It's such a pleasure to stay in this RV campground! An…read moreexceptionally clean, spacious and safe campground. A pond is located in the center of the campground spaces where most RVs can choose to park. (I did choose to get a spot near the pond where I watched fellow RVers do some fun fishing---ex. catfish, baby large mouth bass ). Trees abound in RV areas, providing shade and fresh air. Amenities include 30 to50amps, clean water connections, electrical and sewer hook-ups, plus just less than 3.5 miles drive to the groceries, fast food places, department stores, etc. Each RV pull-through space and back in slots have ample space for extra vehicle parking. Park has an existing covered/ well lighted pavillion for barbecues, open playground with slide and swings for kids, gated pet area where you can leave your furbabies to run without leashes....and the coin-operated laundromat is always open, so with the public restroom-- which is kept really clean. The group of RVers who have comeback more than twice(like me) have noticed the consistently well-maintained walking areas, well-lighted walkways, pet area/ grassy areas always mowed, and ample trash cans that keep this place spotless. The real kicker is their current RV spot prices, whether daily, weekly or monthly---soooo inexpensive!

In my opinion, after living here for 13 months, the owner of the RV park presents himself as a…read moredecent man. I am here to tell you that my experience is he has quite a temper. If you do something he does not like, even if it's not a violation the park rules, he will come after you with a vengeance. I am moving and I would recommend you stay away from the site. There is a very nice RV park just south of here in Marion. I strongly Suggest you go there instead. Do not cross the owner or you will experience his wrath. Please I am Ploor you to check other sites in the area. This is the last place I never want to come to.