Giant City State Park Campground
Open year-round. Shower building closes the day after the first shotgun deer season and reopens April 1. Equestrian campground operates May 1 through October 31. Reservations available through ExploreMoreIL; walk-ins can self-register at the silent host station.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 10:16AM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with peak afternoon heat index values up to around 110 degrees can be expected. For the Heat Advisory on Independence Day, peak afternoon heat index values up to around 105 degrees are anticipated. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged duration extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight lows will only fall into the mid 70s, providing little relief during this prolonged, extended duration of dangerously high heat and humidity.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 10:16AM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with peak afternoon heat index values up to around 110 degrees can be expected. For the Heat Advisory on Independence Day, peak afternoon heat index values up to around 105 degrees are anticipated. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged duration extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight lows will only fall into the mid 70s, providing little relief during this prolonged, extended duration of dangerously high heat and humidity.
About
Giant City State Park Campground sits within 4,000 acres of rugged Shawnee Hills terrain near Carbondale, Illinois. The park takes its name from towering sandstone formations that create "streets" between massive rock walls, carved by erosion over 12,000 years. The main campground provides 85 Class A sites offering electricity (including nine 50-amp sites), access to potable water, a shower house with flush toilets, and paved sites suitable for RVs and trailers. For those seeking a more primitive experience, 14 Class C walk-in sites occupy the southern end of the campground, featuring fire rings and outdoor privies while still providing shower access. A separate 25-site equestrian campground in the southwest corner serves horse campers with hitching posts, electricity, dump station access, and proximity to the 12-mile trail system. The backcountry Red Cedar site offers one overnight spot six miles out on the hiking trail for backpackers. Beyond camping, the park supports rock climbing and rappelling on designated bluffs, fishing at multiple stocked ponds, and over 12 miles of hiking trails through diverse forest harboring 75+ tree species. Giant City Lodge operates seasonally with dining, cabins, and a swimming pool.
Directions
From Carbondale, take US-51 south approximately 8 miles, then turn east on Giant City Road and follow signs to the park entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $8 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| DNR.GiantCity@illinois.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (618) 457-4836 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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