This was our first weekend camping at Perryville RV resort and we were really happy with our stay…read more The campgrounds were clean. Bathroom and shower houses were clean. Playground and jump pad for the kids. Nice shaded drive thru lots. We got a buddy lot with my in laws so our kids could play together in between. Everyone, including employees, were very nice and respectful. Check-in had clear instructions and they come pick up your trash for you. They had a ton of fun activities for Halloween and we plan on coming back next summer to check out the pool! They also had golf carts to rent. Pet friendly was very nice as we brought our senior dog but I wish the leashed policy was enforced a little more. 9/10 for that but we will be back!

Last minute decision to stay at Perryville RV Resort last night. Great park. Very clean, sites were…read moreclean (hate it when I get to a campsite with a million cigarette butts on the ground), and easy freeway access. Duane made the reservation for me and was there to greet upon arrival. Thank you so much for moving me to a cement slab spot. I have two dogs and it made it easier. Highly recommend this cute, quaint place.

This is most definitely not a beginner's hiking trail!!…read more This spot is hidden away outside Carbondale, and offers a great overview of the bluffs and the Big Muddy River. The trail is rugged and is quite slippery, especially after a rain. You will have to descend down a slippery rocky waterway to get down into the canyon, but the views are amazing. To get back out, another climb up a waterway is needed, and both can be quite hard to get up and down on. However, if you are looking for an amazing but challenging trail with great views, a wonderful stroll along the bluffs, and just overall connect with nature, definitely give this trail a try. Definitely need a good pair of shoes for this. Hiking boots/shoes greatly recommend!!

Trying to milk every last possible drop of warm weather out of the fall, our friends Eric and Laura…read moreasked us to get outside and take a hike with them. Knowing that my boyfriend has been getting restless to travel amidst the pandemic, The Little Grand Canyon gave us the perfect opportunity to "get out" of St. Louis and enjoy a mini-road trip with two great friends. At just two hours outside of the city, this popular hiking spot was the perfect destination. More about the actual trail: Erosion carved this deep box canyon located in Shawnee National Forest, south of Murphysboro. It is located on east bank of the Big Muddy River across from Turkey Bayou to the west, between Swallow Rock to the north and Chalk Bluff to the south. There is about a 350-foot difference in elevation between the bottom of the canyon and the trailhead. Access to the park is gained from Hickory Ridge Road to the east. The area was designated a National Natural Landmark in February 1980. The trailhead area is well maintained. There's a small bathroom, a few picnic tables, and ample parking. We did go on a slightly busy day and the access road was a bit tough to navigate because of people trying to drive as close to the trailhead as possible. From the trailhead to the first overlook is a pretty easy hike. The trail is well worn and doesn't change elevation much. The first overlook is incredible! You truly understand why it's called the Little Grand Canyon. It had three levels so it was easy to space out away from other hikers so you could get your group photos! Once you have your good social media post, you can either take the trail back to your car or descent into the canyon. DO IT. The second half of the trail is definitely more challenging as you go through a steep and sometimes slippery sandstone side canyon to the lusher, damper habitat of the canyon floor. But getting to see the way the stone has eroded over the years is absolutely worth it. You feel like you're on a movie set or on a different planet. The beauty of the stone is beyond compare. Getting back up out of the canyon was quite a workout. You really don't realize how far you had gone down until you have to go back up. I did, however, enjoy the challenge! Worked up a sweat getting back up to the car. I was glad I didn't drive so that I could snooze on the car ride back to St. Louis!

Had a really nice weekend at Ferne Clyff. There are 18 trails that are maintained and for various…read morelevels, but be aware that nearly every trail has poison ivy just at the edge of pathways. There's lots to do, whether you're there to hike, bike, climb, or relax in nature. The camping grounds are a bit crowded, but most everyone keeps to themselves and are very friendly. There are lots of primitive restrooms throughout the park, but maintained with plumbing restrooms are only available for overnight paid guests. If you forget firewood, there is a place near the main campground restrooms where you can get bundles of firewood from a vet owned business. As of 5/8/2026 when I'm writing this, each bundle is $5 and can be paid in cash or QR.

This is my go to hiking park when I need to introduce someone to the beauty of SoILL on a tight…read moretime budget. The Waterfall Trail is flat and wide and boasts a fun waterfall in wet seasons, but also lovely bluffs and wildlife even when it's dry. My favorite hike was on a cold January day. We started with flurries, and the ground was completely white when we completed it. My kids are also HUGE fans of the Hawks Cave hike. Lots of fun boulders to climb on and explore. It's a short (though a bit steeper) hike, but begs you to linger at the cave.

This is a nice mark tucked on the north side of Carterville. We came here for my nephew's soccer…read moregame. The fields were in good shape, the park was well maintained, there was a nice walking path, and the bathroom was clean.

A nice clean park. The grass is mowed and the lake is clean. I am happy to spend some time there.read more

Nice walk from a very small parking area. Gate is closed but go around it to follow main path…read more About a mile in to get to the creek which is beautiful view of the bluffs and the stream. Cross over the stream( rock jumping) and take a look at the Rock Art which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Hard to follow path after leafy fall .

Hello! What a great place! Quiet, tidy, easy in and out. We have stayed twice so far and will be…read moreback. The online reservation process worked great. Easy to see your options and prices. Please keep up the great work and don't feel like you need to compete with the place down the street. Not everyone is looking for all the amenities and pricey costs.

Spent a few days here recently while in the area on our summer walkabout. The park is comfortable,…read morequiet and well spaced out with nice room between sites. This park is a couple miles inland off the highway, the road in is wide and well marked and the route does take you through part of town. I made reservations over the phone and the woman helping me not only gave me a great rate for my stay, she gave me an additional 10% off for my military service. They do support veterans here. Not all RV parks do. The park is pretty much self check in, there is no office per se, but management is available over the phone and via text messages. Our site was down inside the park, site 39, a level gravel pull through with 50 amp service and FHU. All the hooks up were within a few feet of each other making connections simple and straight forward. This park has FHU on every other site, so if you are looking for that be aware not all sites have a sewer drain port. Each site has a concrete patio area with an aluminum picnic table with benches and a fire ring. There are play areas with swings for kids, a small soccer field and a covered gazebo on the end which has a solid concrete floor with picnic table benches, power, water, lights and a huge smoker and bbq station along with a portapotty. There's a self serve ice station up front along with a dumpster, and covered RV storage. Wide gravel roads with no interior trees makes navigation through the park pretty simple and easy. There are some perimeter shaded back in sites along the outside down by the creek and gazebo, otherwise its full sun. Note* All units must be self contained as there are no shower or restroom facilities here. 4 Stars a solid choice for an overnight or longer 01298

Loved the many places in the Shawnee National Forest! Of course we came down to this area for…read moreGarden of the Gods which is five stars, top three places in Illinois to visit! And we hiked there as well. The Shawnee is large and stretches east and west, so it's really like, two National forests in one! The town of Marion was lovely, and we camped at Cave in Rock on the Ohio River. I also visited Scratch Brewing in Ava, IL. There's so much to do on all sides of the Shawnee, I'd love to return to do more hiking!

People don't even realize how big the Shawnee National Forest is. It basically stands most of…read moresouthern Illinois. It would truly take you about a week or more to truly experience everything in this entirety or at least the most out of it. Most of your activities if you come to the show National Forest are on the west side. Many things I wish we could still check out where the Little Grand Canyon that were on my bucket list but unfortunately we couldn't make it. Due to time restraints. The east side of the Shawnee National Forest is basically home to the very popular Garden of the Gods and I recommend the Rimrock Trail as well. I have yet to visit the central part of the Shawnee national forest as well as a few other parts. This place was beautiful to check out it says I felt like I was not even in Illinois, it felt like I was back parts of the Smoky Mountains. I do recommend if you come out to bring plenty of bug and Sun spray because these bugs do bite out here and you should be prepared especially in the summer

This is a great company to rent kayaks from! They did everything for us and it was easy to schedule…read moreand pay as a large group! Thanks!