Karnak draws RV travelers to southern Illinois' wild Cache River swamps and Mermet Lake's monster bass. Camp at Main Bros Campground from $31 a night or Riverview Campground at $25. Paddle ancient cypress waters by day, grill fresh catch under starry skies at night.
2 parks found
Karnak anchors outdoor adventures along US Highway 37 in Pulaski County. The Cache River carves through towering cypress trees and blackwater sloughs nearby, home to bald eagles and rare orchids. Anglers target trophy largemouth at Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, five miles south. Birders scan skies from gravel bars, hunters stalk deer in fall woods.
Main Bros Campground offers budget stays from $31 nightly for solo explorers chasing river solitude. Riverview Campground fits families and groups with pet-friendly pull-through sites, a dump station for easy wastewater handling. Both parks hug the river, so launch kayaks steps from your rig and return to hookups.
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Karnak stands out for Cache River swamps and Mermet Lake fishing. Cypress knees tower over blackwater paddling routes where bald eagles soar. Anglers haul in five-pound largemouth bass from the lake's depths, just minutes from town. This tiny village serves as base camp for southern Illinois' wetland wonders.
Main Bros Campground and Riverview Campground list in Karnak. Main Bros starts at $31 nightly along local roads. Riverview at $25 offers pull-through sites near the river.
Riverview Campground welcomes pets with dedicated sites. Pull-through spots ease big rig access for you and your dog. Main Bros suits pet owners too, though check rules on arrival.