State Parks near Carbondale, IL

Beall Woods State Park, near Mount Carmel, is a government-owned nature preserve that was established in 1966. The area had been owned by the Beall family since the mid-1800s, but only half of it had been farmed while the remaining area was left undisturbed. Following the death of the last family member, the land was purchased by a man who intended to harvest the forest. However, the property was purchased by the state of Illinois after numerous local citizens and groups protested, resulting in a civil lawsuit.The land is a prairie woodland, a type of ecosystem that was once common across the state; its vegetation includes a variety of grasses, cottonweed, prickly pear cactus, and much more. The …

The state of Illinois is home to Beaver Dam State Park, which covers 750-acres of hickory and oak woodlands, perfect for a state park RV camping trip. Located very close to Carlinville, Bunker Hill and Gillespie, check out these cities on your motorhome camping trip. Search for an RV rental in Macoupin County, to gain convenient access to the park and its surrounding towns and cities. Known for a range of recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking, camping and picnicking, Beaver Dam State Park serves as an ideal getaway to unwind in the midst of nature for a couple of days.The 59-acre lake that is a part of Beaver Dam State Park was a popular fishing …

Castlewood State Park in the state of Missouri is an ideal motorhome camping trip location. Spanning Meramec River, the park is in the town of Ballwin. Scenically located in the lush green Meramec Valley, the state park is popular with outdoor enthusiasts from different parts of the state. Not too far from Castlewood State Park is the city of Chesterfield, and renting an RV will make it easy to travel here. Book an RV rental in St. Louis County to discover everything in the areas around Castlewood State Park. Even before Castlewood State Park was established in 1974, the park was a popular location with visitors. Resorts and hotels abounded in the area, and St. Louis residents would …

Base your next Illinois motorhome camping trip near Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion, and you'll be in the midst of relaxing wilderness vibes with access to lots of outdoor recreational opportunities. The refuge's terrain features broad tree lines and lakes, with cropland, oak-hickory forests, and even waterfalls found throughout.When you book an RV in Williamson County, you can start your adventure at Crab Orchard for prime bird and wildlife observation; keep your eyes peeled for bobcats, bald eagles, and the many resident aquatic creatures. Expand your area explorations with a visit to nearby Shawnee National Forest near Vienna or the sprawling Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area near Grand Rivers, Kentucky. If you are looking …

Located in Pope County, some ten miles west from the town of Golconda, Dixon Springs State Park is one of the top RV camping destinations in the state of Illinois. Golconda campers come here to enjoy the 800-acre recreation area, have a picnic with their families, hike through nature, or swim. The landscape is characterized by craggy terrain, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests home to groundhog, rabbit, deer, squirrel, and fox.The park is named after William Dixon, who acquired the land back in 1848, which then led to the development of a small community. By the end of the 19th century, Dixon Springs had become a health spa, attracting hundreds of people who wanted to try out the …

Eldon Hazlet State Park is a popular tourist destination for campers looking to make a splash. When you park your RV rental here, you'll have access to 3,000 acres of shoreline along the massive Carlyle Reservoir, which is ideal for a variety of watersports, including boating, fishing, and much more. This park is also great for hiking, and during your hike, you'll see some of Eldon Hazlet's unique and abundant flora and fauna.When you book an RV in Clinton County, you'll have access to a popular campground and some of the most beautiful countrysides in Illinois. Carlyle is the closest city to the park, and from there, campers can branch out and visit other gorgeous parks, including Pere …

Drawing visitors from far and wide are the incredible rock formations in Elephant Rocks State Park. Many people say that the rocks look like elephants, hence where the park got its name. Located in southeast Missouri, this state park has a lot to offer those that rent an RV Iron County. The rocks are formed from 1.5 billion-year-old granite and have created some fascinating shapes.Elephant Rocks State Park was created by the donation of land to the state from geologist John Stafford in 1967 and is now managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. While in the area, many people choose to explore the surrounding picturesque landscape or explore some of the nearby towns such as Ironton, …

Emmenegger Nature Park is a nature preserve and public recreation area near Valley Park, Missouri. It is bordered along its western perimeter by the Meramec River and to the south by Possum Woods Conservation Area. In the past, the property was owned by a family who also owned and operated a brewery. Its varied uses included a tennis club, a public swimming pool, and a riverside resort; it was also used for breeding exotic animals for the St. Louis Zoo. The land was purchased in the 1970s by a private citizen who donated part of the estate to the city of Kirkwood; the property is managed by the city and the Missouri Department of Conservation.The geography of the …

Ferne Clyffe State Park is located in the state of Illinois and serves as a perfect getaway for a motorhome camping trip. Located near Illinois Route 37, the park is even accessible by the US Bicycle Route 76. On the outskirts of Goreville, which also happens to be the closest town to the state park, you’ll find renting an RV one of the best ways to explore the region. Not very far from the cities of Marion and Harrisburg, you’ll want to book an RV in Johnson County to explore the state park and cities nearby with ease.Nestled in the majestic Shawnee Hills, the park is known for being one of the most scenic natural areas in …

History buffs and war reenactors will want to rent an RV in Massac County and camp at Fort Massac State Park to experience one of its infamous Revolutionary War-era encampments. Fort Massac, in Metropolis, Illinois, was Illinois’ first state park, founded in 1908 due to its historical significance. The site has been historically significant since Spanish explorers first settled the area in the 16th century, and it saw heavy military action in every conflict from the French and Indian War through the War of 1812. It served as a training camp during the Civil War, and it soon came under civilian care and entered the state parks system.Fort Massac State Park is on the southern end of Illinois, …

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is in Vincennes, Indiana, near the banks of the Wabash River. It's a monument to a hero of the American Revolution. A colonel in the American Army, George Rogers Clark led his soldiers and a contingent of Illinois civilians into Fort Sackville in 1877. Today, you can visit the monument and retrace Clark's steps as he moved against the British.Before going to the monument, you should stop by the park's visitor center, which features exhibits and a short movie explaining the history of the site. There is a bookstore in the center selling souvenirs and gifts as well. The center is open during normal business hours. Once you've seen the park, there …

With excellent hiking and beautiful natural scenery, Giant City State Park is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves immersing themselves in the great outdoors. Located about half an hour southwest of Marion, Illinois, this 4,000-acre park is home to the Giant City Streets, which were formed more than 10,000 years ago by imposing bluffs of sandstone.Several miles of hiking trails wind their way through this patch of untamed wilderness, while fishing, hunting, rock climbing, and horseback riding are also on offer in the park. Best of all, Giant City Campground offers 85 Class A campsites where you can park your RV for a few nights while you explore the best the park has to offer.If this …

Just eight miles southeast of McLeansboro, Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area spreads across 1,683 acres of breathtaking nature. One of the biggest attractions is the 75-acre Dolan Lake, perfect for water sports enthusiasts camping with an RV. You can search for an RV in Hamilton County and enjoy any of the park's outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking.Three miles of shoreline surrounded by gently rolling hills make Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area an ideal getaway for any Norris City or Carmi camper. If you're planning an RV camping trip in Illinois, Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area should be one of your go-to destinations, since it's loaded …