Is Camp Cadiz Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Camp Cadiz Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Camp Cadiz Campground?

Camp Cadiz Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Camp Cadiz Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Camp Cadiz Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Camp Cadiz Campground?

Camp Cadiz Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Camp Cadiz Campground?

Popular activities at Camp Cadiz Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Camp Cadiz Campground

3.88

41 reviews

Peace & QuietStargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:RV Camping Illinois

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

610 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

610 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Camp Cadiz Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Camp Cadiz Campground

37.5783, -88.2442

Driving directionsFrom Harrisburg, Illinois: Take Hwy 13 east 14 miles to Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 south 15 miles, to Camp Cadiz Rd. Turn west on Camp Cadiz Rd and go 2 miles to the campground entrance. From Evansville, Indiana: Take Hwy 62 west to Illinois Hwy 141 and continue west to Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 south 30 miles to Camp Cadiz Rd. Turn west on Camp Cadiz Rd and go 2 miles to the campground entrance.

Weather at Camp Cadiz Campground

Best Time to Camp at Camp Cadiz Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the longest days and reliably warm weather for exploring the CCC-era structures and miles of forested trails; daytime highs typically range from the low 80s to low 90s°F with cooler nights in the 60s. This is the peak time for multi-day hikes, wildlife viewing (early morning and evening), and comfortable campfires at well-equipped sites. Crowds remain moderate because Camp Cadiz is tucked off main roads, but be prepared for summer humidity, mosquitoes, and occasional thunderstorms. Peak months: June, July, September, May

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer called best season: warm days, cool nights, longer daylight for trails and ruins.

Planning Tips

About Camp Cadiz Campground

Camp Cadiz Campground sits in Shawnee National Forest, a former Civilian Conservation Corps site surrounded by forested trails and low-elevation hardwood terrain. The U.S. Forest Service maintains this quiet spot with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for multi-day hikes, wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk, and the historical character of the CCC-era structures.

Camp Cadiz offers basic camping options with minimal amenities, emphasizing a rustic and quiet experience. Reviews and official materials note its suitability for equestrian camping and small RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the longest days and reliably warm weather for exploring the CCC-era structures and miles of forested trails; daytime highs typically range from the low 80s to low 90s°F with cooler nights in the 60s. This is the peak time for multi-day hikes, wildlife viewing (early morning and evening), and comfortable campfires at well-equipped sites. Crowds remain moderate because Camp Cadiz is tucked off main roads, but be prepared for summer humidity, mosquitoes, and occasional thunderstorms. Peak months: June, July, September, May

Elevation610 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies mixed hardwood-pine forest typical of southern Illinois, where rolling terrain and dense tree cover create shaded camping areas. Pine needles blanket the forest floor, and weathered CCC-era stone and timber structures emerge from the vegetation. The canopy provides consistent shade, and the surrounding Shawnee landscape reflects millions of years of geological shaping. Elevation sits at 610 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or additional accommodations are mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at Camp Cadiz.

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Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeThe campground is described as small, with sites suitable for up to 24-foot campers.

PrivacyCampsites offer limited privacy as the campground is close to the road, but the road is noted as being quiet and not well-traveled.

Recommended SitesMultiple reviewers recommend bringing water jugs, as the water system does not allow direct RV hookups. Campsites are described as level and suitable for smaller campers up to 24ft.

Amenities available

Camp Cadiz Campground is a site of historical significance as it was previously a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. It is described as being off the beaten path, offering a quiet and rarely crowded camping experience except during turkey and deer hunting seasons. Each campsite has a fire ring with a grill and a picnic table. Equestrian camping is allowed. Official sources note the presence of level campsites and minimal amenities, while user reviews generally praise the cleanliness and the peaceful environment, though some highlight the absence of direct water hookups for RVs and occasional crowding by hunters.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Camp Cadiz offers opportunities for activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and equestrian camping. It is located within close proximity to popular hiking areas like Garden of the Gods, making it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts. Users highlight the quiet and peaceful environment as conducive to relaxation and unwinding.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at the campground.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

41 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Camp Cadiz Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's quiet and peaceful environment, cleanliness, and proximity to hiking destinations. It is described as a good option for relaxation and seclusion, with minor drawbacks like occasional hunter crowding and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground for its tranquility, cleanliness, and historical significance as a former CCC site. "The restrooms were clean" and "The campground was nice" are recurring themes....

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the removal of water access without notice, limited privacy due to the proximity to the road, and occasional crowding by hunters during hunting seasons. One user noted, "The water...

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not mentioned in the reviews, but the campground is generally noted as small and suitable for 24-foot campers.

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a flashlight for nighttime restroom visits, jugs for collecting water if using an RV, and visiting during non-hunting seasons for a quieter experience.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground experiences a surge in visitors during hunting seasons, which might disrupt the usual tranquility. Summer reviews emphasize the campground's peacefulness and...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Only 1 other person there, clean bathrooms water onsite quiet at night." "Stayed only one night, but highest sleep score EVER!" "Fun place to camp but it was taken over by hunters the Thursday I...

Based on 41 reviews