Cave-in-Rock State Park
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- YesAlso lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- dnr.illinois.gov(618) 289-4325
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
In Hardin County, about 10 miles northwest of Marion, Cave-in-Rock State Park covers about 188 acres.
If you'd rather not camp, the park offers lodge rooms.
Fees and passes
Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.
Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
See the park’s wording
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
In addition to the Cave-in-Rock Lodge and Restaurant, there are camping accommodations on the scenic north side of the park. There are 34 Class A sites that rent for $20 a night, and $30 a night on holiday weekends/weekdays (Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day). Each is equipped with electricity and can accommodate units up to 60-feet long. Twenty-five Class B/S tent sites also are available for $10 a night, and showers, restrooms and dumping stations are present in both camping areas. Contact the site superintendent or campground host for camping permits and information. Accessible sites also are available. Grills are furnished at each campsite.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Trails
Hiking
In addition to the natural splendor of the cave itself, the park contains two established hiking trails of moderate difficulty, plus numerous unmarked trails for exploration and appreciation of tranquil forests and inspiring views.
Fishing
Boating and Fishing
A pond is available for fishing, and the Ohio River provides excellent fishing, boating and water sport opportunities. The river can be accessed directly from two boat ramps with adjacent parking on the western edge of the park. The site superintendent and park rangers can provide details on fishing licenses and the rules and regulations for fishing and boating on the river.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Park or camp store
Lodging
- Lodge or inn rooms
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Accessibility at Cave-in-Rock:
- Parking - All parking lots are concrete or asphalt and connect to concrete sidewalks.
- Camping - There are accessible parking spaces at our primitive and electric campground. Our primitive campground offers accessible sites #1 and #2. Camping fees for primitive camping are $10 a night. Our electric campground offers sites #26 and #27. Camping fees for electric camping are $20 a night.
- Restrooms - There are three vault toilets located in the park and two located in the campground. The shower house has two accessible stalls.
- Service animals are welcome in the park, but there are no outdoor water fountains available.
- Cave - The cave has 55 - 60 stairs leading to it. The river front is very uneven and rocky.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 1 New State Park Rd.
Cave-in-Rock, IL 62919 - Nearest town
- Marion — about 10 mi northwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 37.4690, -88.1590
- Phone
- (618) 289-4325
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Illinois State Parks (IDNR state parks and recreation areas) — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- IDNR All Parks list (AEM content-fragment list JSON) + each unit's landing page for official title, coordinates, address, phone
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Public Lands Institute - Cave-in-Rock State Park - 001.tif — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), Public Lands Institute
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology