Motorhome Parks In Elizabethtown, IL
37.4459° N, 88.3050° W
Quick Overview
Elizabethtown is a tiny river town in Hardin County, perched on a bluff above the Ohio River in the far southeastern corner of Illinois, and it delivers some of the most scenic and adventurous motorhome camping in the entire state. With several motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area, including some free options, this remote and rugged corner of Illinois rewards travelers who make the effort to get here with landscapes that look nothing like the rest of the state. Elizabethtown is deep in the Shawnee National Forest, surrounded by sandstone bluffs, dense old-growth hardwood forests, and dramatic rock formations that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. Garden of the Gods -- the undisputed crown jewel of the Shawnee -- is just a short drive north, with its stunning sandstone formations and panoramic observation trails overlooking endless forested ridges. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area offers peaceful lakeside camping in the national forest with swimming and fishing. Cave-in-Rock State Park on the Ohio River has campsite sites with river bluff views and a famous river cave that played a role in frontier history. This is as far from the typical flat-prairie Illinois experience as you can possibly get. The terrain is rugged and hilly, with winding roads through deep forest canopy and dramatic elevation changes. It's not the place for a quick overnight stop off the interstate -- it's a genuine destination for RVers who want real outdoor adventure, world-class hiking, and the kind of deep quiet you simply can't find anywhere near the interstates. The Ohio River itself adds a scenic dimension to the area, with wide views across the water to Kentucky from several vantage points. Bald eagles are regularly spotted along the river corridor, and the birding throughout the Shawnee is exceptional. For travelers willing to venture off the beaten path and explore one of Illinois' most remote and beautiful corners, the Elizabethtown area rewards the effort with unforgettable landscapes and genuine solitude.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Elizabethtown
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All Dump Stations Near Elizabethtown
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Cadiz | 0.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tower Rock Campground, Shawnee National Forest | 4.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| River Shores Campground | 6.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| God’s Little Acre Campground | 7.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tk Ranch Campground | 9.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| High Knob Campground | 10.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Steamboat Hill Campground | 11.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pharaoh Campground | 11.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Riverview Park | 11.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pine Ridge Campground | 11.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Camp Cadiz
0.0 miTower Rock Campground, Shawnee National Forest
4.1 miRiver Shores Campground
6.0 miGod’s Little Acre Campground
7.4 miTk Ranch Campground
9.4 miHigh Knob Campground
10.8 miSteamboat Hill Campground
11.0 miPharaoh Campground
11.6 miRiverview Park
11.7 miPine Ridge Campground
11.8 miTraveling to Elizabethtown by RV
Elizabethtown is on IL-146 along the Ohio River, about 70 miles southeast of Harrisburg and a good distance from any interstate highway. From I-24, take US-45 north to IL-146 east through the Shawnee hills. From Evansville, Indiana, cross the Ohio River and head east on IL-13 to IL-1 south, then connect to IL-146. Be prepared for winding, hilly roads once you're in Hardin County -- they're genuinely scenic and beautiful but require your full attention, especially with a long trailer behind you. Some roads have tight curves, notable grades, and limited sight lines that heavy rigs should take slowly and carefully. Fuel up before entering the area because gas stations are sparse and widely spaced once you leave the main highways. Elizabethtown has very limited services with just a few small businesses, so stock up on groceries, water, and supplies in Harrisburg, Golconda, or another larger town before heading in.
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Dump Station Costs in Elizabethtown
Of the camping options near Elizabethtown, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a fee for overnight stays. National forest campgrounds like Pounds Hollow charge $10 to $20 per night for basic sites with fire rings and restroom access. Cave-in-Rock State Park charges $15 to $25 for electric sites on the bluff. Dispersed camping throughout the Shawnee National Forest is completely free for self-contained rigs, making this one of the absolute best budget camping destinations in all of Illinois. Private campgrounds are limited in this remote and sparsely-populated area but offer full service where available for $25 to $35 per night.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Elizabethtown
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Best Time to Visit Elizabethtown by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
25-50°F
Crowds: Low
Mild southern Illinois winters keep trails hikeable year-round. Most campgrounds close but dispersed camping remains available.
Spring
Mar - May
45-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Wildflowers carpet the Shawnee forest floor and the hiking is outstanding. Moderate crowds at Garden of the Gods on weekends.
Summer
Jun - Aug
70-95°F
Crowds: Medium
Hot and humid in the river valley but the forest canopy provides shade. Swimming at Pounds Hollow Lake is refreshing.
Fall
Sep - Oct
50-80°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak fall foliage season in the Shawnee is stunning. Many consider October the best time to visit this area.
Explore the Elizabethtown Area
Garden of the Gods is an absolute must-see that should be at the top of your list -- the Observation Trail is an easy quarter-mile loop with jaw-dropping panoramic views of sandstone formations that took hundreds of millions of years to form. Get there early in the morning for the best photography light and the fewest other visitors. Pounds Hollow Lake is great for a quiet swim or paddle on a hot afternoon, and the campsite there is peaceful, well-maintained, and rarely crowded. Cave-in-Rock State Park lets you explore a real river cave that was used by Ohio River pirates and outlaws in the 1700s and 1800s -- it's a fascinating piece of frontier history. The roads through the Shawnee are spectacular for scenic driving but keep your speed down and watch constantly for deer crossing. If you're self-contained, the national forest offers dispersed camping at no cost throughout the area with dozens of potential spots.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Illinois
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Elizabethtown
Where are the campgrounds near Elizabethtown, Illinois?
Elizabethtown has {{stationCount}} camping options for RVers in the area. These include Pounds Hollow Recreation Area in the Shawnee National Forest, Cave-in-Rock State Park on the Ohio River bluff, and free dispersed camping available throughout the national forest for self-contained rigs.
Is there free camping near Elizabethtown?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist in this area. The Shawnee National Forest allows dispersed camping for self-contained RVs at no cost throughout its boundaries, making this one of the premier free camping regions in the entire state of Illinois.
Can I take a big rig to Elizabethtown?
You can, but proceed with caution and plan your route carefully. The roads through Hardin County are hilly, winding, and occasionally narrow with tight curves and notable grades. Rigs over 35 feet should take it very slow and stick to the main state highways where possible. Some campsite access roads may be narrow.
What is Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a Shawnee National Forest recreation area featuring dramatic sandstone rock formations sculpted over hundreds of millions of years. The Observation Trail is an easy quarter-mile loop offering stunning panoramic views. It's one of the most photographed natural locations in Illinois and completely free to visit.
How remote is Elizabethtown?
Very remote by Illinois standards. The nearest Walmart or major grocery store is about an hour's drive away in Harrisburg. Gas stations are sparse and widely separated. Come fully stocked with food, water, fuel, and all the supplies you'll need. That remoteness is a big part of the charm -- it's quiet, uncrowded, and peaceful.
Where are the campgrounds near Elizabethtown, Illinois?
Elizabethtown has {{stationCount}} camping options for RVers in the area. These include Pounds Hollow Recreation Area in the Shawnee National Forest, Cave-in-Rock State Park on the Ohio River bluff, and free dispersed camping available throughout the national forest for self-contained rigs.
Is there free camping near Elizabethtown?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist in this area. The Shawnee National Forest allows dispersed camping for self-contained RVs at no cost throughout its boundaries, making this one of the premier free camping regions in the entire state of Illinois.
Can I take a big rig to Elizabethtown?
You can, but proceed with caution and plan your route carefully. The roads through Hardin County are hilly, winding, and occasionally narrow with tight curves and notable grades. Rigs over 35 feet should take it very slow and stick to the main state highways where possible. Some campsite access roads may be narrow.
What is Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a Shawnee National Forest recreation area featuring dramatic sandstone rock formations sculpted over hundreds of millions of years. The Observation Trail is an easy quarter-mile loop offering stunning panoramic views. It's one of the most photographed natural locations in Illinois and completely free to visit.
How remote is Elizabethtown?
Very remote by Illinois standards. The nearest Walmart or major grocery store is about an hour's drive away in Harrisburg. Gas stations are sparse and widely separated. Come fully stocked with food, water, fuel, and all the supplies you'll need. That remoteness is a big part of the charm -- it's quiet, uncrowded, and peaceful.
Are there free dump stations in Elizabethtown?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Elizabethtown.
All Dump Stations Near Elizabethtown (102)
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