Established Camping
Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
About
National Forest
Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs and an abundance of vegetation unique to Illinois. The trail system consists of eight miles of interconnected trails featuring strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Sweet Spot
I hate to review this one because I don’t want it to get crowded and ruined. lol. It was a great spot. I think there are 20 spots and including us only 5 were taken. Very quiet and peaceful
Perfect Timing
There was barely anyone here when we visited in April , new pit toilets , water was not available and no power . The road getting there does vary in surfaces but our van made it fine no issues . Great hiking and scenery and it was very quiet at night . Cleaned up a mess someone left behind and watched another couple doing the same . Likely not a summertime destination for us but plenty of water you could go and cook off in .
- (8) View All
As advertised
We were here, and the ONLY campers! Loved that. Sites were spacious. Toilets were clean enough and stocked. Road in was rough blue easily passable.
- (9) View All
Location
Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is located in Illinois
Directions
From Harrisburg: Take Highway 145 south 11 miles to Burden Falls Road. Turn right, go 5 miles to Ozark Rd. Turn south (left). Go to Bell Smith Springs Rd. Turn southwest (right) and proceed 2 miles to Bell Smith Springs. From Vienna: Take Highway 45 north 12 miles to Ozark Road. Turn east (right). Go 10 miles to Bell Smith Springs Rd. Turn southwest (right) and proceed 2 miles to Bell Smith Springs.
Coordinates
37.51889054 N
88.65644755 W