Occasional train whistles punctuate the quiet at this basic Forest Service campground in the Shawnee National Forest. Pine Hills provides primitive camping with no hookups, making it well-suited for tent campers who prefer simplicity over amenities. The campground sits on open terrain near Wolf Lake, with sites that accommodate RVs up to 80 feet despite the lack of electrical connections.
The Forest Service maintains clean restrooms and provides picnic tables at each site. A covered pavilion offers shelter during weather, while a central fire pit with seating creates a communal gathering space. Dave N. notes the campground stays "very quiet and clean," though he warns about heavy ant activity at certain sites. Campers report spacious sites with some supplied firewood and adequate shade from surrounding trees.
Sheriff patrols provide security in this relatively remote location, where cell service remains available. The $10 nightly fee makes this an affordable base for exploring places to camp near Shawnee National Forest. Nearby options include Trail of Tears State Forest and several campgrounds at Trail of Tears State Park Campground across the Missouri border.
Reservations are available for the March through December season, though walk-ins often find sites available during weekdays.
Description
Pine Hills campground has level campsites with open grassy areas between campsites. Popular with hunters in the spring and fall, the campground is also ideal for those who like to view nature, go birding, hike or take a scenic drive. Pine Hills Road leads to the top of the bluffs and features panoramic views of the LaRue Swamp and Mississippi River floodplain. Located adjacent to one of the largest natural areas in the state Pine Hills is ideal for nature lovers. In addition the Snake Road, located at the bottom of the bluffs is closed biannually to vehicular traffic, to protect the thousands of the reptiles and amphibians as they migrate between their summer and winter habitats. Pine Hills Campground Map
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPine Hills is located in Illinois
Directions
From Jonesboro take Illinois 146 west to Route 127 north. Go north three miles to the State Forest blacktop road. Turn west and travel 9 miles to FR236 or Pine Hills road. The camground is .07 miles north on Pine Hills road. To access PHCG from Illinois Route 3, turn onto the State Forest blacktop at the south edge of Wolf Lake. Travel east approx. 1 mile to the Pine Hills Road, FR236. Turn north onto FR236 and travel .07 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
37.51600094 N
89.42200055 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 27 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 6 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 53 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 19 min from Evansville, IN
