Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop

Hello, fellow Illinoisans! Are you yearning for a refreshing escape into the heart of nature, where towering bluffs, serene waterfalls, and peaceful trails await? Look no further than Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop in Goreville. Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Southern Illinois, this campground offers an idyllic setting for your next outdoor adventure, whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a family looking for a memorable getaway, or simply seeking a quiet spot to unwind.

Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop is a truly cherished destination within our state, renowned for its natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. Visitors consistently describe it as a "lovely and well-maintained campground" that offers a "quiet and somewhat isolated" feel, perfect for unwinding. Its prime location provides "close proximity of nice hiking trails," making it an ideal base for exploring the park's diverse landscapes, including dramatic bluffs, hidden caves, and cascading waterfalls. The campground offers a variety of camping experiences, from primitive tent sites to electric sites for RVs, catering to different comfort levels. What truly sets Ferne Clyffe apart, as highlighted by numerous reviews, is the exceptional cleanliness of its facilities, even the basic privies, and the welcoming nature of the staff. One reviewer enthusiastically declared it "Easily my favorite state park in Illinois," a testament to the positive and memorable experiences it offers. Whether you're looking for an active hiking trip, a peaceful family vacation, or a quiet retreat surrounded by the natural wonders of Southern Illinois, Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop delivers an outstanding outdoor experience that truly connects you with the heart of our state's wilderness.

Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop is located in Goreville, IL 62939, USA. This places it deep within the scenic Southern Illinois region, specifically in Johnson County, an area celebrated for its unique geological formations and lush forests. For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the central and southern parts of the state, reaching Ferne Clyffe is a relatively easy and picturesque journey.

The park is conveniently situated on Illinois Route 37, just one mile south of Goreville and about 12 miles south of Marion. This strategic placement ensures excellent accessibility from major interstates, including I-57 and I-24, making it a manageable drive for visitors coming from various parts of Illinois. Despite its easy access, the campground itself maintains a "quiet and somewhat isolated" feel, as noted by visitors, providing that desirable sense of escape without being truly remote. The park's location also places it firmly within the broader Shawnee National Forest area, opening up even more opportunities for exploration beyond the park boundaries. This blend of convenient road access and a secluded natural environment makes Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop an ideal destination for Illinoisans seeking to immerse themselves in the state's natural beauty without extensive travel complications.

Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop provides a range of services designed to accommodate various camping preferences, from rustic to more comfortable:

• Diverse Campsite Types: Offers modern Class A electric sites (Deer Ridge Campground), Class C walk-in primitive sites (Turkey Ridge Campground), Class C Backpack campgrounds for solitude, Class D Youth Group campgrounds, and Class C Equestrian campgrounds.
• Electric Hookups: Available at Class A sites (Deer Ridge Campground) with 30 and 50-amp service.
• Water Access: Drinking water is available at various points, including near parking lots and at certain campground facilities.
• Restrooms and Showers: Flush toilets and showers are available, especially at Deer Ridge Campground. Vault toilets are also available. Reviews note these facilities are "basic but kept up well" and "amazingly clean."
• Picnic Tables and Cooking Grills: Provided at most campsites for convenient outdoor dining.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Available at Deer Ridge Campground for RVs.
• Camp Host: Friendly and informative camp hosts are often on site, providing assistance and information.
• Playground: A "very well kept playground for families that's centrally located."
• Walk-in Camping (Off-Season): During off-season periods, walk-in camping is available for both primitive and electric sites, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Reservations: Campsites in some loops (e.g., Deer Ridge) can be reserved online via ExploreMoreIL, typically 180 days in advance. Some sites are first-come, first-served.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The park is renowned for its unique geological features, including impressive bluffs, shelter caves, and waterfalls, especially notable after rainfall (like Big Rocky Hollow and Bork's Waterfall).
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Features 18 miles of varied trails, ranging from easy to difficult, allowing visitors to explore diverse landscapes, from dense woods to cliff tops. The River to River Trail also passes through the park.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Consistently praised by visitors for its cleanliness, including privies and general campground upkeep.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and communion with nature, described as "somewhat isolated."
• Friendly and Informative Camp Hosts: Visitors frequently commend the welcoming and helpful nature of the camp hosts.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Features a "very well kept playground" centrally located for children.
• Diverse Recreation Opportunities: Beyond camping and hiking, the park offers fishing (Ferne Clyffe Lake), hunting (deer, turkey, squirrel, quail, rabbit), rock climbing in designated areas, and equestrian trails.
• Accessibility from Campground to Trails: Some trails are directly accessible from the campground, enhancing the convenience for hikers.
• Off-Season Charm: Offers a uniquely tranquil experience during the off-season, with fewer crowds.
• Shaded Sites: Many campsites, particularly in the main loop, are "full of mature trees, providing plenty of shade."

As a state park campground, Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop operates under the guidelines of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Therefore, it typically does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The pricing for campsites is generally standardized by the state.

However, the inherent value provided by Ferne Clyffe State Park can be considered its ongoing "offer." This includes:

• Affordable Camping Rates: State park camping is typically more budget-friendly than private campgrounds, offering excellent value for access to prime natural areas. Class A electric sites generally cost around $20 per night, and primitive Class C sites around $8 per night.
• Free Park Entry: There is no entrance fee to Ferne Clyffe State Park itself, meaning you only pay for your campsite.
• Seasonal Accessibility: The option for walk-in camping during the off-season allows for flexible and potentially less crowded visits, which can be seen as a benefit.
• Abundant Free Activities: Access to miles of free hiking trails, scenic overlooks, fishing at Ferne Clyffe Lake, and wildlife viewing opportunities are all included with your stay.
• Reservations: While not a "promotion," the ability to make reservations up to 180 days in advance (for some sites) through the ExploreMoreIL platform provides convenience and peace of mind for planning your trip, especially during peak seasons.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping fees and any specific guidelines for reservations or off-season access, it is always best to consult the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or the ExploreMoreIL reservation portal for Ferne Clyffe State Park.

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather more details about Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop, please note the park's location. While there isn't a direct phone number specific to the campground loop itself in the provided information, the general park address is:

• Address: Goreville, IL 62939, USA

For general information about Ferne Clyffe State Park, including camping details, regulations, and to make reservations, it's recommended to utilize the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website or their central contact information. State park information is often managed centrally. A common phone number for IDNR parks is 217-782-6302, and reservations for Ferne Clyffe can often be made online through the ExploreMoreIL website (camp.exploremoreil.com/location/216).

It is always advisable to check the official IDNR website for Ferne Clyffe State Park for the most current contact details and reservation procedures before planning your visit.

For us Illinoisans, Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground Loop is an absolute gem and an exceptionally suitable destination for a myriad of reasons, truly representing the best of what our state's natural resources have to offer. Its location in Southern Illinois means it's a manageable drive for a significant portion of the state's population, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without the need for extensive travel. The ease of access from major interstates like I-57 and I-24 ensures a smooth journey into nature.

What truly sets Ferne Clyffe apart for locals is its unparalleled combination of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. Reviews consistently highlight it as "lovely and well-maintained," with "amazingly clean" restrooms and a "very well kept playground," demonstrating a commitment to visitor comfort. The "quiet and somewhat isolated" atmosphere offers a genuine escape from the daily grind, allowing us to truly de-stress and reconnect with the outdoors.

The park's abundant "nice hiking trails" with unique geological features, including bluffs, caves, and waterfalls, cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from casual walkers to avid hikers. This direct access to some of Southern Illinois' most stunning landscapes right from the campground is a major draw. Add to this the friendly and informative "camp host," and you have a welcoming environment that makes every visit enjoyable. Whether you're looking to explore challenging trails, enjoy a peaceful family picnic, or simply bask in the tranquility of nature, Ferne Clyffe State Park offers a quintessential Illinois outdoor experience. It's truly "Easily my favorite state park in Illinois," a sentiment many locals will undoubtedly share once they experience its charm.