Is Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground?

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground is open Vehicle access on gravel roads is closed Dec 24 until after spring turkey season; spring and fall are the preferred seasons for visiting. Services and vehicle access are limited in winter.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground?

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground have?

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground?

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground: Many sites have fire rings and several shelters include fireplaces; campers should follow posted fire restrictions, use provided fire rings or shelters, and follow pack-in/pack-out and leave-no-trace practices.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.75

24 reviews

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground

Top 3% in ILFall

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Vehicle access on gr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Vehicle access on gr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Check Availability

Get Directions

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground

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Illinois State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground

37.4847, -89.3486

Nearby places

Jonesboro (~5 miles southeast)

Nearby supplies

Jonesboro (basic services and supplies, ~5 miles)

Driving directionsAccess is via local roads off IL-127/near Jonesboro with internal gravel forest roads providing access to campsites; note that gravel roads are closed to vehicles from Dec 24 until after spring turkey season, during which access is by foot only.

Accessible from IL-127 and nearby routes around Jonesboro; internal access is on gravel forest roads that are seasonally closed to vehicles (Dec 24–after spring turkey season).

Weather at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground

Spring beckons with carpets of wildflowers and the reopening of forest roads after turkey season, while fall transforms the canopy into a spectacular show peaking in early-to-mid October. Summer days can climb near 90°F with thick humidity—perfect for lingering in shaded campsites and exploring cool hollows. Winter brings solitude and crisp temperatures dipping to 20°F, though note that gravel roads close from December 24th through spring turkey season, limiting vehicle access for those seeking a true winter wilderness experience.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in IL

Fall canopy 'spectacular' with peak early‑mid October; reviewers praise fall color.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Vehicle access on gravel roads is closed Dec 24 until after spring turkey season; spring and fall are the preferred seasons for visiting. Services and vehicle access are limited in winter.

About Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground

Escape to a secluded backcountry retreat where mature pines and oaks tower over widely spaced campsites in Illinois's rugged Ozark Hills. Trail of Tears State Forest Campground offers the rare gift of true solitude—a rustic, primitive camping experience complemented by miles of quiet trails winding through dense forest.

Rustic Class C and Class D campsites (no hookups) with a mix of drive‑in and walk‑in/backpack sites; some sites include open or log shelters with fireplaces.

Historical Significance

The forest lies within the broader Trail of Tears National Historic Trail corridor and is named for the forced Native American removals of the 1830s, reflecting regional cultural and historical significance. Camping sources do not detail on-site interpretive exhibits, though the name and location tie the area to that history.

Weather and SeasonsSpring beckons with carpets of wildflowers and the reopening of forest roads after turkey season, while fall transforms the canopy into a spectacular show peaking in early-to-mid October. Summer days can climb near 90°F with thick humidity—perfect for lingering in shaded campsites and exploring cool hollows. Winter brings solitude and crisp temperatures dipping to 20°F, though note that gravel roads close from December 24th through spring turkey season, limiting vehicle access for those seeking a true winter wilderness experience.

Natural Features and ScenerySpanning nearly 5,000 acres, this heavily forested landscape unfolds in a dramatic series of long ridges, steep hillsides, and hidden valleys that define southern Illinois's Ozark character. Ancient pines stand sentinel alongside sprawling hardwoods, while small streams trickle through the hollows and tranquil ponds dot the interior. Twenty-two miles of well-marked trails invite you to explore this varied terrain on foot or horseback, climbing ridgelines for sweeping views or descending into quiet hollows where the forest canopy closes overhead.

Geological RegionOzark Hills of southern Illinois

Scenic ViewsWoodland- and ridge-focused views rather than large panoramas: ridge-top perspectives over narrow valleys and multi-hued hardwood canopies in fall. Intimate stream- and pond-side settings add scenic variety.

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (typical for Illinois State Parks)

Total Campsites14 campsites

Best CampsitesSites that are more spaced out and surrounded by mature pines and oaks are generally preferred for shade and solitude. Several sites include open or log shelters with fireplaces (attractive for weather protection), and walk-in/backpack sites are noted for extra quiet and separation from vehicle noise.

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Amenities available

Rustic campground with pit toilets/privies at campsites, potable drinking water available at several shelters and picnic areas, picnic tables, fire rings, and some open/log shelters with fireplaces. Large day‑use picnic shelters have restrooms and electricity (these restrooms are not at campsites). No campsite hookups.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Outdoor recreation focused on hiking, primitive tent/backpack camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing and fishing in small streams and ponds; some trails allow equestrian use and hunting is permitted in season in designated areas.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVenomous copperheads and timber rattlesnakes have been reported; poison ivy is common off-trail; expect ticks and mosquitoes in warmer months. Terrain includes steep slopes and rolling hills; hunting occurs in season in designated areas—visitors should be aware of seasonal hunting activity and wear high-visibility clothing when appropriate.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

Fire PolicyMany sites have fire rings and several shelters include fireplaces; campers should follow posted fire restrictions, use provided fire rings or shelters, and follow pack-in/pack-out and leave-no-trace practices.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours reported as 10:00 PM–7:00 AM (day-use hours 6:00 AM–10:00 PM).

Cell CoverageNone of the major camping sources provide explicit cell coverage data for this forest.[1][3][5][6] Based on its location in hilly, forested terrain of rural Union County and typical coverage patterns, reception is often **spotty to weak**, especially in valleys and away from main roads (this is an informed inference, not directly sourced). Practical assumption (inferred): - Expect **limited coverage** for most carriers once you are deep in the forest. - Coverage is likely better near higher ridges and near IL‑127/IL‑3 and Jonesboro, but you should not rely on consistent data or voice service while camping. Since no carrier‑specific information is documented, campers should plan as if they have **minimal or no service** and download maps or trail info in advance.

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.8

24 reviews

Top-Rated

Trail Of Tears State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall strongly positive feedback highlighting solitude, scenic forest setting, varied trails and a rustic, well‑maintained campground experience; visitors consistently praise the natural surroundings and shelters.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Solitude and rustic character; mature pines and oaks with attractive fall color; about 22 miles of trails; shelters (some with fireplaces) and well‑maintained picnic areas; mix of drive‑in and...

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Prepare for primitive conditions—bring drinking water and supplies, pack‑in/pack‑out trash, check seasonal gravel road closures (vehicle access limited Dec 24 until after spring turkey season), wear...

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Absolutely gorgeous!! Great campsites and friendly staff.” — “Nice primitive camping area. Restrooms. Pit toilets at campsites.” — “IMO - The best remote camping in Southern Illinois!!”

Based on 24 reviews

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