Camp Cadiz Campground
4.2715 reviewsCamp Cadiz Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campground fees are $10 per night, as confirmed by multiple reviewers. Payments are made through an unattended honor system where visitors place money in an envelope and deposit it in a drop box.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the tranquil depths of Shawnee National Forest, Camp Cadiz Campground offers a rare glimpse into America's conservation heritage as a former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. This hidden gem rewards those who venture off the main routes with peaceful solitude and authentic wilderness camping. Each well-appointed campsite features level ground perfect for tents and RVs, complete with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table for memorable outdoor meals. The campground maintains its serene atmosphere year-round, with only the excitement of turkey and deer hunting seasons bringing larger crowds. Equestrian campers will find a warm welcome here, making it an ideal basecamp for horseback adventures through the surrounding forest trails.
Camp Cadiz offers basic camping options with minimal amenities, emphasizing a rustic and quiet experience. Reviews and official materials note its suitability for equestrian camping and small RVs.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this authentic Civilian Conservation Corps site, where young men once labored to restore America's forests during the Great Depression. The campground preserves the legacy of the CCC's transformative work, with fascinating remnants of original structures still visible throughout the grounds. These weathered ruins serve as silent monuments to the dedication and craftsmanship of the workers who helped shape our modern national forest system, offering campers a unique opportunity to connect with this pivotal chapter in American conservation history.
Natural Features and SceneryCamp Cadiz immerses visitors in the pristine beauty of Shawnee National Forest, where towering trees create a natural cathedral overhead. The campground's forest floor is carpeted with aromatic pine needles that crunch softly underfoot, filling the air with the distinctive scent of evergreens. Weathered remnants of CCC structures peek through the vegetation, creating an intriguing blend of nature reclaiming history. The dense canopy provides cooling shade during summer months while creating dramatic plays of light and shadow that photographers and nature lovers will appreciate.
Geological RegionNestled within the diverse ecosystem of Shawnee National Forest, Camp Cadiz sits amidst a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological forces. The surrounding forest showcases the region's characteristic rolling terrain and mixed hardwood-pine forests that define southern Illinois. The presence of historical CCC structures adds a unique human layer to this natural tapestry, where weathered stone and timber constructions blend seamlessly with the forest environment, creating a compelling intersection of natural and cultural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as small, with sites suitable for up to 24-foot campers.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer limited privacy as the campground is close to the road, but the road is noted as being quiet and not well-traveled.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesMultiple reviewers recommend bringing water jugs, as the water system does not allow direct RV hookups. Campsites are described as level and suitable for smaller campers up to 24ft.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Walk-in AvailabilityCamp Cadiz operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis as reservations cannot be made in advance. It is described as rarely full except during hunting seasons.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not applicable as the campground is not reservable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camp Cadiz offers opportunities for activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and equestrian camping. It is located within close proximity to popular hiking areas like Garden of the Gods, making it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts. Users highlight the quiet and peaceful environment as conducive to relaxation and unwinding.
Hiking
The campground provides access to nearby hiking trails, including routes to the Garden of the Gods, which is noted for its scenic beauty and popular trails. Details on trail length or difficulty are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The quiet and secluded environment makes Camp Cadiz a good location for observing local wildlife, although specific species are not described.Winter Activities
The campground is minimally developed, so no specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
No specific water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are described.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsReviewers mention a dirt road leading to the campground, which could be challenging to navigate in poor weather conditions or for large RVs without preparation. Wildlife activity may include hunting during specific seasons.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground has a trash disposal site near the vault toilets. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground does have water fountains; however, one reviewer noted they bypassed them as they did not use the service.
Common complaintsSome reviewers have expressed dissatisfaction due to unexpected removal of water services and lack of website updates for this change.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Harrisburg, Illinois: Take Hwy 13 east 14 miles to Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 south 15 miles, to Camp Cadiz Rd. Turn west on Camp Cadiz Rd and go 2 miles to the campground entrance. From Evansville, Indiana: Take Hwy 62 west to Illinois Hwy 141 and continue west to Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 south 30 miles to Camp Cadiz Rd. Turn west on Camp Cadiz Rd and go 2 miles to the campground entrance.
Camp Cadiz is somewhat off the beaten path, accessed via Camp Cadiz Rd from Hwy 1. The road to the campground itself is described as dirt by one reviewer, indicating unpaved surfaces.Camper Reviews
4.3
15 reviews
Camp Cadiz Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's quiet and peaceful environment, cleanliness, and proximity to hiking destinations. It is described as a good option for relaxation and seclusion, with minor drawbacks like occasional hunter crowding and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praise the campground for its tranquility, cleanliness, and historical significance as a former CCC site. "The restrooms were clean" and "The campground was nice" are recurring themes....
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include the removal of water access without notice, limited privacy due to the proximity to the road, and occasional crowding by hunters during hunting seasons. One user noted, "The water...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing a flashlight for nighttime restroom visits, jugs for collecting water if using an RV, and visiting during non-hunting seasons for a quieter experience.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground experiences a surge in visitors during hunting seasons, which might disrupt the usual tranquility. Summer reviews emphasize the campground's peacefulness and...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Only 1 other person there, clean bathrooms water onsite quiet at night." "Stayed only one night, but highest sleep score EVER!" "Fun place to camp but it was taken over by hunters the Thursday I...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not mentioned in the reviews, but the campground is generally noted as small and suitable for 24-foot campers.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews mention specific accessibility experiences.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025