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Ferne Clyffe State Park RV & Campground Guide

Illinois

Ferne Clyffe State Park is located near the town of Goreville in southern Illinois. The 2,430-acre site is a stunning woodland paradise filled with wildflowers, limestone bluffs, mysterious caves, and cascading waterfalls. Eighteen trails will take you deep into nature, where you can listen to songbirds and chattering squirrels as you take a peaceful hike through the greenery. The park also provides plenty of opportunities to picnic, ride horses, hunt, fish, rock climb, and camp. If you come to the park in the fall, you will enjoy one of the most gorgeous displays of color in the area as the trees turn red, purple, and gold.

Nearby Cities:

  • Goreville, IL

  • Harrisburg, IL

  • Marion, IL

  • Carbondale, IL

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Weather
Spring 37-77 F
Summer 64-89 F
Fall 36-82 F
Winter 24-46 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Ferne Clyffe State Park

Campground Accommodations

Deer Ridge Campground

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 60 feet

  • Other amenities: ADA access, picnic tables, trash receptacles, fire rings, firewood available, cooking grills, drinking water, showers, toilets, dump station

Turkey Ridge Campground

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: No

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: N/A

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 60 feet

  • Other amenities: Picnic tables, trash receptacles, fire rings, firewood available, cooking grills, drinking water, showers, toilets

Deer Ridge Campground

Surrounded by prominent rock formations, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a magnificent waterfall, Deer Ridge Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, it sits right in the middle of Ferne Clyffe State Park. The campground offers a gravel pad to suit any size RV, a picnic table, and a cooking grill for all campsites.

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Dump station, showers, and restrooms

Hilltop Campground

This hidden gem is right off of Interstate-57, just a short, drivable distance from the state park. All 34 gravel sites offer plenty of shade and a beautiful landscape. This spot offers the opportunity to sit back and relax by a campfire with your family and friends.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Restroom, showers, picnic table, and playground

Marion Campground & RV Park

Experience the comfort and convenience of Marion Campground & RV Park, conveniently located one block east of Interstate-57. There are 58 full-service RV and tent sites, with 27 of them being pull-thru style to accommodate bigger rigs. Satellite television service is available at each site.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Laundromat, showers, lounge and restrooms

RV Rentals Near Ferne Clyffe State Park

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What to Do at
Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe State Park offers a bounty of natural wonders to anyone who loves to explore the woodlands. You can gaze at the waterfalls as you hike the trails, look out for wildflowers, and enjoy calm breezes as the birds sing in the trees. The fresh scent of the forest and the chance to see frolicking woodland creatures make this park a picturesque setting for a relaxing getaway.

Inside Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe State Park is home to 18 diverse trails that let you enjoy the natural beauty of the land. Bank fishermen will surely be impressed by how populated the lake is with redear, bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. There are also a variety of sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables and cooking grills for picnicking. Children can have a blast at the playground. While swimming or boating isn't permitted, you can still relax by the lake and enjoy the scenery. 

Fishing Fishing

You can fish for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and sunfish from the banks of the deep, placid Ferne Clyffe Lake.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

As you walk the trails, immerse yourself in a natural wonderland filled with sparkling waterfalls, towering cliffs, and shallow caves. If you love to discover new plants and spot animals making their way through the woodlands, you'll enjoy spending time in the Round Bluff Nature Preserve after a relaxing picnic. All plants and wildlife within the preserve are protected, and you will need to stay on the trails to avoid snakes. In spring, you can look out for uncommon wildflowers like trillium, Dutchman's breeches, and trout lily that add color near the ground. Later in the season, ferns and mosses turn the park into an emerald paradise. In autumn, the hills glow with brilliant, magical colors.

Stargazing Stargazing

The park is far from city lights, making it an excellent place to spend an evening stargazing. You can set up a telescope to get a closer view of the heavens in the picnic area or head to the lake to experience the ethereal feeling of seeing the night sky reflected below in the water.

Flora and Fauna

Ferne Clyffe State Park is home to a lush array of plant life, with over 700 species of trees, ferns, and flowers. While you walk through the forest, you can spot everything from flowering dogwood to spicebush and sumac. Redbud, sweetgum, oak, maple, and hickory trees cover the hills, while wildflowers blanket the woods in color in early May. In the summertime, you can find honeysuckle and autumn olive as you walk the trails. It's not uncommon to see squirrels, rabbits, quail, bluebirds, and the occasional turkey as you make your way through the woods. As you explore, be aware that copperheads and cottonmouth water moccasins live in the park. They don't typically bother or threaten humans unless they are disturbed.

Hiking Hiking

Ferne Clyffe State Park is a wonderful destination for hikers, with eighteen trails that vary in difficulty. Trails are named and numbered to make them easy to identify and maneuver, and some are horse- and wheelchair-accessible. The rocky cliffs create some natural hazards within the park, so use caution and stay on the paths. As you hike, you'll pass the lake, caves, and waterfalls. Trails include the easy, half-mile-long Hawk's Cave Trail that passes a large shelter bluff. Alternatively, the Round Bluff Nature Preserve Trail is a mile-long, moderately challenging trail through areas filled with rare plants. The Waterfall Trail, Big Rocky Hollow Trail, and Bork's Waterfall Trail all lead to the park's most spectacular natural feature, a 100-foot-tall waterfall.

Climbing Climbing

Ferne Clyffe State Park is a premier destination for beginning and experienced climbers who enjoy scaling the designated climbing areas at Boat Rock, Cedar Bluff, and Rebman Trail. Rebman Trail and Cedar Bluff both provide foot access to rappelling and climbing areas. The park offers nearly 150 routes for climbers of every skill level.

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How to Get to
Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe State Park is a two-hour drive from St. Louis, Missouri. It's located in southern Illinois, one mile south of Goreville, and is easily accessible from Interstate 57 or Interstate 24. From I-57, you should take exit 40 and drive 5 miles east to Route 37. The park entrance is one mile south of Goreville. From I-24, you can take exit 7, drive two miles west to Route 37, then drive south one-half mile to the park entrance.

Entering Ferne Clyffe State Park

There are 13 parking lots distributed around the campsites. Ferne Clyffe State Park does not charge an entrance or parking fee.

Ferne Clyffe State Park Per Vehicle : $0.0

Ferne Clyffe State Park is a magical, serene destination that offers you wonderful green vistas and bountiful outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ferne Clyffe State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Ferne Clyffe State Park?

The park is especially lovely in the spring and fall. In springtime, the park blooms with many species of wildflowers, and fall brings a stunning display of autumn colors. The park is also beautiful when the waterfalls are most active after heavy rainfall.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Ferne Clyffe State Park?

As you hike the trails, you may see squirrels, rabbits, quail, turkeys, bluebirds, and songbirds. You might also see raccoons at the park's campsites. There are poisonous snakes in the park, but they tend to be in secluded areas and won't bother you unless disturbed.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Ferne Clyffe State Park?

The Deer Ridge Campground and Turkey Ridge Campground are designated RV camping spots in Ferne Clyffe State Park. Deer Ridge has spots with electrical hookups, and all campsites have a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby bathrooms.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Ferne Clyffe State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations are recommended for Deer Ridge Campground. The camping fee is $20 per night. Turkey Ridge Campground is first come, first served.

Are pets allowed at Ferne Clyffe State Park?

Ferne Clyffe State Park is pet-friendly. Pets are allowed on trails, but they must be kept on leashes. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and keeping the park clean.