Motorhome Parks In Goreville, IL
37.5545° N, 88.9723° W
Quick Overview
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.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Goreville
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All Dump Stations Near Goreville
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campground | 3.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hilltop Campground Inc | 3.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Devils Kitchen Campground | 9.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cedar Lake Campground | 10.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Little Grassy Lake Campground And Marina | 11.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Giant City Class A Campground | 11.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Giant City Class C Campground | 11.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Shawnee Forest Campground | 11.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Youth Group Camp | 11.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Marion Campground & RV Park | 12.2 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
Campground
3.1 miHilltop Campground Inc
3.4 miDevils Kitchen Campground
9.7 miCedar Lake Campground
10.2 miLittle Grassy Lake Campground And Marina
11.1 miGiant City Class A Campground
11.3 miGiant City Class C Campground
11.3 miShawnee Forest Campground
11.5 miYouth Group Camp
11.8 miMarion Campground & RV Park
12.2 miTraveling to Goreville by RV
Goreville is on IL-37 in Johnson County, accessible from I-57 via the Marion exit and then IL-37 south about 15 miles through rolling terrain. From I-24, take US-45 north through Vienna and connect to IL-37 heading north. The main highways handle RVs fine on the paved two-lane roads, but be aware that some forest roads and state park access roads are narrow and winding with tight curves and limited pull-offs -- not ideal for big Class A motorhomes over 35 feet. Fuel is available in Marion about 15 miles north, which also has Walmart, grocery stores, restaurants, and full services for supply runs. Goreville itself has very limited retail, so stock up before heading into the forest country for your camping stay.
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Dump Station Costs in Goreville
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.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Goreville
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Best Time to Visit Goreville by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
26-46°F
Crowds: Low
Milder than northern Illinois with some campgrounds open year-round. Winter hiking offers solitude on forest trails.
Spring
Mar - May
42-74°F
Crowds: Medium
Waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers carpet the forest floor, and hiking conditions are prime throughout the Shawnee.
Summer
Jun - Aug
68-92°F
Crowds: Medium
Hot and humid under the forest canopy. Swimming at Pounds Hollow provides relief from the summer heat.
Fall
Sep - Oct
48-78°F
Crowds: High
Peak season for fall foliage in the Shawnee. Garden of the Gods and Ferne Clyffe fill up fast on October weekends.
Explore the Goreville Area
Ferne Clyffe State Park is a must-visit right next to Goreville -- the Hawks' Cave shelter bluff and the seasonal waterfall are the highlights, with several trail loops through the forest for all skill levels. Garden of the Gods about 25 miles east is arguably the most photographed natural site in Illinois with its dramatic sandstone formations perched on ridgeline bluffs. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area has a swimming lake and forest camping. The River-to-River Trail crosses through the area for serious hikers who want to explore the Shawnee backcountry. Bring hiking boots, bug spray, and plenty of water because the forest trails demand proper preparation.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Goreville
Where can I find motorhome parks near Goreville, Illinois?
Goreville has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks near the Shawnee National Forest in Johnson County. Options include private parks with full service and amenities, plus dispersed forest camping at designated areas in the national forest for self-contained rigs.
Are there free camping options near Goreville?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist near Goreville. Dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest is available for self-contained rigs at designated forest areas and access roads.
What hiking is available near Goreville?
Ferne Clyffe State Park is right next to town with cliff formations and waterfalls. Garden of the Gods is about 25 miles east with iconic sandstone bluffs. The River-to-River Trail crosses through for longer backcountry hikes.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Goreville?
Private campsite hookup sites run $25 to $40 per night. State park and forest camping is cheaper, and dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest is free for self-contained rigs.
Where can I find motorhome parks near Goreville, Illinois?
Goreville has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks near the Shawnee National Forest in Johnson County. Options include private parks with full service and amenities, plus dispersed forest camping at designated areas in the national forest for self-contained rigs.
Are there free camping options near Goreville?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist near Goreville. Dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest is available for self-contained rigs at designated forest areas and access roads.
What hiking is available near Goreville?
Ferne Clyffe State Park is right next to town with cliff formations and waterfalls. Garden of the Gods is about 25 miles east with iconic sandstone bluffs. The River-to-River Trail crosses through for longer backcountry hikes.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Goreville?
Private campsite hookup sites run $25 to $40 per night. State park and forest camping is cheaper, and dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest is free for self-contained rigs.
Are there free dump stations in Goreville?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Goreville.
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