RV Parks In Goreville, Illinois

Goreville is a small Johnson County village in deep southern Illinois, sitting near the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest just a few miles from the dramatic Ferne Clyffe State Park. With several motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area, including some free options, Goreville is a prime base camp for exploring some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the entire state of Illinois. The Shawnee National Forest wraps around the area with sandstone bluffs, slot canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and dense hardwood forest that look nothing like the flat Illinois prairie most people picture when they think of this state. Ferne Clyffe State Park, just south of town, has dramatic cliff formations, a beautiful seasonal waterfall, and miles of well-maintained hiking trails through lush forest. The terrain here is hilly, rocky, and heavily wooded -- a dramatic contrast to the rest of Illinois that surprises every first-time visitor. Goreville is also close to several of the Shawnee's most iconic attractions including Garden of the Gods with its famous sandstone formations, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area with its swimming lake, and the River-to-River Trail for long-distance hiking. For RVers who love outdoor adventure and natural beauty, this corner of Illinois delivers an experience comparable to the Ozarks or southern Appalachian foothills at a fraction of the cost and without the heavy crowds of more famous national parks.

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Goreville, Illinois, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Among campgrounds near Goreville, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a fee. Camping in the Shawnee Forest area is moderately priced, with hookup sites at private campgrounds typically running $25 to $40 per night. State park and national forest camping is available at lower rates with basic facilities. Dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest is free for self-contained rigs at designated areas along forest roads. The overall cost of visiting southern Illinois is remarkably low -- camping, fuel, and local dining are all affordable, making this one of the best value outdoor adventure destinations in the entire Midwest for RVers.