Giant City State Park Campground

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.