Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe State Park is a great place for your south Illinois outdoor adventure, and the park’s Fido-friendly campground is the paw-fect place for you and your pooch to pitch your tent! Whether you're looking for a real rustic experience or as many mod-cons as possible, Ferne Clyffe has the campground for you. 

If you're looking for a little more luxury, check out Deer Ridge, which has showers, electricity, and a dump station. Both the Backpacker's and the Turkey Ridge Campground are a little more primitive (both have showers, but no electricity or RV hookups), but the Backpacker's campground is located deeper into the park, ideal for those looking for a little alone time. An equestrian campground and a group site are also available. 

All campgrounds are in a pretty pawesome location, too! Situated just outside of Goreville, the park is a true gem. Nestled on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest, Ferne Clyffe is aptly named -- the area is home to a stunning variety of rare ferns, and you don’t need to think that geology rocks to appreciate the striking bluffs. The sight of the wildflowers in late spring has to be seen to be believed, and the lovely Fern Lake is just a bone’s throw away from all of the campgrounds. Campsites can fill up quickly here, so it's a good idea to make your reservation early. Nightly fees start at just $10, making this vacay wallet-friendly.

You and your buddy certainly won’t be bored during your stay! Keen anglers might be glad to know that there’s good shoreside fishing in Fern Lake.  However, hound-dog hikers might get the most out of a trip here. You’ll find a trail at Ferne Clyffe to suit each and every ability, from the fittest furry friend to the most committed couch pup-tato, and routes run through wooded wonderland, along creeks, past the bluffs, and around the lake. Most of the trails are fairly short, but if you’re looking for a longer walk, you and your pupper can check out the River to River Trail. Eight miles of the Ohio River - Mississippi River route runs through the park. Just watch out for horses!

Whether you pre-fur primitive camping or "glamping" in style, Ferne Clyffe State Park has accommodations to suit your needs!