Little Grand Canyon
Murphysboro, IL
A three-mile loop trail drops through a sandstone box canyon and climbs to bluff views over the Big Muddy River bottoms. Steep and slick after rain.
- Nearest town
- Murphysboro, IL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.6810, -89.3950
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kinkaid Lake Campsites (Annual Lease)Motorhome stopover8 mi from Little Grand CanyonMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Pine Hills CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Little Grand CanyonToilets
- Johnson Creek CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Little Grand Canyon · 20 pitches
- Trail of Tears CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Little Grand CanyonToilets
- Little Grassy Campground & MarinaCampsite14 mi from Little Grand Canyon
- Crab Orchard CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Little Grand CanyonTentsCaravans
All campsites in Illinois · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Little Grand Canyon?
Little Grand Canyon is in Murphysboro, IL, at GPS 37.6810, -89.3950. It is about 10 mi from Carbondale.
Can you camp near Little Grand Canyon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Turkey Bayou Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Little Grand Canyon?
Little Grand Canyon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Shawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills.
What is there to see near Little Grand Canyon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bald Knob Cross of Peace (10 mi), Giant City State Park (12 mi), Sainte Genevieve Historic District (41 mi) and Superman Statue (52 mi).
When is the best time to visit Little Grand Canyon?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)