$10 / night

Camper submitted image from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground - 1

Camper submitted image from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground - 3

Roads

Camper submitted image from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground - 4

People

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Activities

Established Camping

Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

52 Reviews

About

USDA Forest Service

Shawnee National Forest

One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.

The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Interpretive signs explain the geological history. The 1/4-mile trail is made of natural sandstone and takes about an hour to walk. It contains short, steep grades and steps; benches are located along the trail and as a whole the trail is not tiring. Caution should be used due to the high cliffs in the area.

Overnight parking allowed at Backpacker's Parking Lot only (Indian Point Trailhead). Pets are allowed only on a leash. Picnic areas and Observation Trail are open 6am-10pm. Use trash receptacles where available. Pack It In, Pack It Out while on trails. Camp only at designated sites in the campground. Disposable food and beverage containers are not permitted on the Observation Trail. Stay on the designated trail and leave the beauty of the rocks and plants for others to enjoy.

Fee Info

Campsite $10 / night 8 people & 2 vehicle max.

Reservation Info

Campground is first come- first served. No reservations. No permit required for entering or camping in Garden of the Gods Wilderness.

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Location

Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground is located in Illinois

Directions

From Harrisburg: Take Highway 145 south 5 miles, to Highway 34, then take 34 south for 10 miles. Then turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road 2.5 miles to Forest Road. Turn north. Drive 1.5 miles to the recreation area entrance road. Parking: Observation Trail has two large parking lots. Overnight parking is allowed at Backpacker's Parking Lot in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and at Hitching Post Trailhead along Gape Hollow Road on the west side of Garden of the Gods Wilderness. No overnight parking is allowed in picnic area or Observation Trail parking lots.

Coordinates

37.60233729408974 N
88.37947168590664 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Poor

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

$10

/ night

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

First Come - First Served

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Contact

General Info

Sam H.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 11, 2023

Loved it!

Visited in the first half of March, so yes it was cold, and rain one of the nights, which I'm sure contributed a lot to there being only maybe five campsites occupied. Camp area was clean of trash and obstacles. Ground around spots is mostly pine needles and cones, not grass. Lots are close to level, minimal leveling blocks needed. Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park. $10 per night fee is done via honor system dropbox at entrance to campground.

Site2

Month of VisitApril

Daav I.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2022

Too Busy for 5 Stars

Hammock friendly established campsites, which are rare for IL, also accommodating for tents, campers, and RVs.

Water pump tastes pretty good, no electricity hook up, bathrooms are usually pretty clean and are emptied regularly, decent cell phone signal.

Very busy on Fridays and weekends. Too many people, mostly day hikers, mostly parents with loud children, who have no concern for nature. They park wherever they can squeeze their car, even if it's obstructing your campsite; they leave garbage and waste everywhere.

Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday (except during spring break and holiday weekends) in spring and autumn (when the air is getting colder). The bluffs are treacherous after rainfall, but the views are more stunning and your more likely to have them to yourself.

Month of VisitMay

Jason F.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2022

Near perfect for our family...

We loved our stay here. The trails, the clean campsites, the peace, the views, the trees, the seclusion. It is one of, if not our favorite places to camp now. We hadn't even left and were discussing returning.

There is no potable water on site. That would be my only complaint. There is some a few miles away, but other than that, there is not a single thing I would change about this campground. Well worth the drive from nearly anywhere in my opinion.

Month of VisitJuly

Danielle C.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 4, 2021

Hiker passing through

This place has been on our bucket list for a few years. We didn't get to camp there, but hiked a couple of the trails. It's definitely worth the visit!

The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail was a short, easy hike with some amazing scenic views.

The wilderness has several other hikes, but we also ended up doing the Indian Point Loop Trail. This one still had great views and lots to explore, but was way more private and peaceful. We saw only one other group the whole time we were out there.

I would definitely recommend both!

Month of VisitSeptember

(5) View All

Tiffany S.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Camping

Loved it. Visit all the time. Plenty of hiking, trails. Places with amazing views

Month of VisitJuly

Angela S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2021

Peaceful Place

I stayed Thursday-Sunday. Very peaceful and clean. Very well maintained. Even the pit toliets are nicely stocked with toliet paper. Love the tall trees and that it's down the road from Garden of the Gods trails/ observation trail. Great for tents and Hammocks.

Site5

Month of VisitAugust

(8) View All

Monay M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2021

Good

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2021

So close to hiking but close to each other in the sites

This campground is a small loop with sites on both sides. You pass a public picnic area on the way in. This was packed when we went. The sites were a bit too close to each other for us. Our dog needs more vegetation to mask other camper distractions. The campground is beautiful though. The main draw for us was being able to walk to the Garden of the Gods trail. The views are refreshing. The rock formations are intriguing. The trail is only 1/4 mile or so but we spent quite some time mesmerized by the unique patterns and formations. Signs gave some education but our minds expanded more by imagining how they could have been formed. This is a popular place and we did come across plenty of dogs checking things out with their humans. The big draw for this campground has to be the closeness to the trails and views.

Month of VisitMay

(9) View All

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2021

Backpacking camping along Indian Point Trail

Many different experiences available so decide what you are looking for. The parking lot is marked as backpacking parking. We headed down Indian Point Trail and within 50 yards or so we came upon the first site. An offshoot trail headed off to the right and ended at a nice campsite with a set fire circle. If you are looking for something close to the car this is perfect. We kept going and found others close by. If you can keep going further. About halfway around the loop trail we found some wonderful campsites. One was nicely tucked atop the cliff with a perfect view. A group of young campers grabbed the furthest site. It was also on the cliff but the trail went right thru it. A small trail headed in and ended in a nice clearing providing room to stretch out your group. The crowds at the Garden of the Gods main parking didn’t make their way onto this trail so traffic was light. This is a great option if you are willing to hike in.

Month of VisitMay

(8) View All

Jason W.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 12, 2021

Very nice hilltop camp.

Not big by any means but we'll kept and cozy. Primitive with water and restrooms. Worth the stay for thise wanting a small area and tent camp.

Plenty of hiking trails with a lot of information about the area. Pretty close to convenience stores for your needs.

(25) View All

Abby M.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2021

Nice little campground

I arrived on Friday around 2:30pm hoping to get a spot but unfortunately, all spots were already taken (about 10-12). The vault toilet looked decently clean and all sites had a nice fire ring, picnic table and hanging hooks. Some sites were closer together than others but would work for a night or two to enjoy the beauty around! Little picnic area just around the corner and about .5 from several awesome hikes!

Hannah F.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2021

Remote with lots of Trails

If you’re looking for a fun place to hike this is it. Lots of trails, old and new, with unique rock formations that you will love climbing through, around and over. There are also trailhead lots you can camp in for free if you prefer and have the items necessary. Watch for snakes, stumbled across a few danger noodles ourselves!

Ace E.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 1, 2020

Great for all kinds, except weekenders

RVs, tents, hammocks, teardrops, and camper vans are all great here.

Just be warned that there aren't many lots and they fill up fast, especially Friday through Sunday, especially in the autumn as the leaves are changing.

And if it's unseasonably warm in October, don't bother coming out. Dayhikers clutter the parking spots so badly overnighters risk car accidents trying to get in or out. Lots of kids and Karens.

Steve C.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 30, 2020

Basic campsite in a great location

Basic car camping campsites with a picnic table, fire ring and a food pole at each site. The sites were clean the night I was there but the water seems to have been already turned off for the season (late October). There are vault style outhouses and an honor system check in box $15/night. The best part of this campsite is it’s a 5-10 minute walk to main trail/recreation area as well as the various other trails in the area.

Jade G.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2020

Majestic Landscape of Geological Formations

This place really is "Of the Gods". The Geological formations are very majestic. It is so different from the rest of the state of IL. AMAZING place to visit.

Please be careful if you bring children or those that like to wander. It is can be dangerous if one goes without caution. I'm pretty sure this is the kind of place where the phrase "slipped through the cracks" was coined. There are many cracks and various rocks that someone can slip on or through or fall off of, so be careful.

Some of the most incredible scenery ever and the trails allow access to everything. I am ready to go back, it is so beautiful.

Month of VisitNovember

(20) View All

Joel H.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020

Nice

I feel like the Garden of the Gods Campground website is deceitful. Their pictures do not accurately reflect the campground experience. If you are ok with living like a sardine during your stay, this is a great base location for site seeing.

Jim L.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020

Garden of the gods

I’ll tell y’all, the beauty of this place, just amazing how god has created this outstanding and magnificent place.

Jim L.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020

Garden of the Gods

Spectacular, outstanding views, ancient cliff formations I love this place. They have camping, i think just tents though.

Kyla C.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2020

You’re advertising the wrong location

The campground is fabulous.

Unfortunately this website is showing the wrong Garden of the Gods in the photos. These photos are representing Garden of the Gods in Colorado not Illinois. This could cause a serious problem

Chelsea D.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 23, 2020

Pharaoh Campground provides easy access to view Camel Rock

I really like this little campground. The sites area bit close together, and popups are probably the only camper that can fit comfortably. This campground is very close to the Observation Trail where you can view Camel Rock. There is no electricity at this campground, and sometimes people bring very loud generators, and there isn't much that can be done about that. But it's usually pretty busy with tent-campers. This is one of the locations on the Forest that fills up more often than other campgrounds, especially on holiday weekends.

Henry D.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 2, 2020

Fun

My friend and I went there one summer and had the best time of our life

John F.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2019

Very nice

Great camping, limited facilities, no showers within 10 miles. Awesome views.

Site12

Month of VisitOctober

(9) View All

Todd H.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2019

Great day hikes and options for overnight !

We did a quick day hike and really enjoyed the trails! Several options for beginners and experienced hikers. For the beginners, bring water and a map!

(7) View All

Rhonda W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2019

You can’t beat the natural beauty here

It is so beautiful here but if you need an actual bathroom, the pits were so gross this last trip. You can’t beat these views! One of the prettiest in Shawnee Forest in my opinion.

Month of VisitSeptember

Frank S.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2019

Good times

A lot of good hiking and the view is great

Taylor L.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2019

Awesome camp grounds & view!

10/10 would recommend. Super nice and convenient camp sights & not a far walk to the sight seeing location!

Dylane S.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2019

Love love love

We showed up at 4:00 and had a selection of about 6 spots.. the rest filled up shortly after. It’s no surprise this place is beautiful. If you can watch the sunset from the observation trail DO IT you won’t regret it!!

Lane M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2019

Great little spot!

This camping spot is just down the road from Southern IL’s Garden Of the Gods. There were 12 camping areas. Plenty of room and trees for tents and hammocks. Also, there is a good amount of shade so if you tent in the right spot you don’t wake up roasting from the sun. The campsites have a lot of room so your neighbors don’t seem like they are on top of your site. The spots include a picnic table, hanging poles for trash or lantern, and a fire pit with movable built-in grill. The area is very wooded so unless the ground is wet you can find lots of firewood. There is a drinking water pump at the entrance of the campsite but it’s pretty chlorinated. There is no shower or running water and the toilets are pit style; but there are toilets. I don’t know if other sites had this but ours had 2 trails leading right out of the woods. Great for close to home hiking.

P.S. Beware of tailless raccoon at site 12 that likes to steal Doritos.

(7) View All

Erick S.

Scout

Reviewed May. 27, 2019

Great site!

My family and I camped here for the night and it was great. Very clean, and well maintained. The bathrooms are on close proximity to the sites. Only downside is that there are only 12 sites, and they are first come, first serve... so you might want to have a second option on a weekend.

Dexter E.

Scout

Reviewed May. 10, 2019

Wrong Garden.

Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US. Garden of The Gods in Illinois is a beautiful area and great for relaxing, hiking, sightseeing, campings, and picnicking. Great for a day trip or extended stay while exploring the lands between the mighty rivers.