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Best Dispersed Camping near Alto Pass, IL

41 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Alto Pass, Illinois primarily occurs within the Shawnee National Forest, where several primitive sites exist without developed facilities. Trail of Tears State Forest and Jackson Falls provide free or low-cost options for campers seeking remote experiences away from established campgrounds. Dutchman Lake Camp represents another dispersed option in the region, with simple tent sites accessible by vehicle. The Panther Den Wilderness area supports hike-in backcountry camping with minimal impact requirements and no established amenities.

Access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads that can become challenging after rainfall. Jackson Falls features a rough gravel road with potential water crossings that may require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions. Several campers note that standard sedans can reach many sites during dry weather, but road conditions deteriorate quickly following storms. Most areas lack drinking water, restrooms are limited to vault toilets where available, and campers must pack out all trash. According to one visitor, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw volvos and subarus do just fine."

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking seclusion and natural surroundings. Trail of Tears State Forest sites feature picnic tables and fire rings for $8 per night, while Jackson Falls remains completely free with more rustic conditions. A camper described Jackson Falls as having "campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite." Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, particularly at Jackson Falls where visitors report complete disconnection from networks. Weekend crowds can reduce availability at popular sites, especially during climbing season at Jackson Falls. The terrain throughout the region features sandstone formations, dense forest, and seasonal waterfalls that create unique camping experiences compared to other Midwestern locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Alto Pass, Illinois (6)

    1. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Jonesboro, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 833-4910

    "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."

    "Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others."

    2. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    23 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    3. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."

    "Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."

    4. Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Goreville, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 699-6637

    5. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest.

    When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

    6. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest

    1 Review
    Grantsburg, IL
    38 miles

    "It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Alto Pass, IL

10 Photos of 6 Alto Pass Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Alto Pass, IL

41 Reviews of 6 Alto Pass Campgrounds

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Jackson Falls

    Popular dispersed camping area

    This is dispersed camping within the Shawnee National Forest. The area can be tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. It can also get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus. It is also very popular with rock climbers and people on horseback. I found the trails to be somewhat confusing and not well marked. I was here Easter weekend and the weather was great, so there were a lot of tents set up right near the parking area. If you don’t mind hiking in a bit, peace and quiet can be found.

  • tom L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Jackson Falls

    Jackson Falls Dispersed

    We run a 28ft RV and we’re able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2020

    Jackson Falls

    Waterfalls, hiking, climbing, and FREE camping

    Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes. Most of the routes here are sport routes, though there are a number of trad routes.

    There are primative campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite. If those campsites are full, there are additional campsites further down the road.

    Most campsites have fire rings. There are no picnic tables or campfire grills there. There are also no garbage cans. You must pack out all of your garbage. You also need to bring your own drinking water as there is no fresh water there.

    There's a single outhouse at the trailhead that is well maintained and pretty clean.

  • J K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Our IL #1

    This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very

  • Marta S.
    Jun. 13, 2021

    Jackson Falls

    Unimpressive and crowded

    The campsite is considered to be primitive, which is fine, but it is right along the trail without any cover. All the campsites are one on top of the other without any cover in between or from the trail. They were all taken and incredibly packed during the Memorial Day weekend and honestly seemed very messy and unpleasant. I would not feel comfortable leaving my equipment and gear here unattended at all. I'm not sure if it's any better the further along the trail you go, but the areas we hiked it didn't appear there were additional primitive/dispersed camping spots available other than the ones near the trail head. Also, important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere.

    I have camped in backcountry locations and have done dispersed/primitive camping and enjoy it quite a bit, but I would have been miserable at this location.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2024

    Jackson Falls

    Love this place!

    This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to. Great hiking around the area. 

    The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw volvos and subarus do just fine.  Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain.  Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's. Tough turnarounds for large trailers or 5th wheels.

  • R
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Jackson Falls

    Great campground

    Off the beaten path and wasn’t sure what to expect but once there it was nice…just a parking lot with a vault lock toilet and a few campsites you see right away… also a few down the path if you want a little remote. The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanatizer or water. None available there. Cool views of the Bluffs 1/4 mile down the path and a bridge that would go over a waterfall if it wasn’t so dried up…would probably real pretty to see in the spring. Drove my Hyundai Elantra thru just fine, but it is a rough road and your car will get dirty.

  • Shawn M.
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Jackson Falls

    Gorgeous Winter hiking

    Jackson Falls is popular with climbers and has many marked routes. You are able to camp right along the water near the parking pull out and if you don't mind hikers passing by, it is a beautiful location. We were out in spring after a mid-march snow fall and melt which meant good water. I would love to come back in warmer weather to get wet. I would imagine warmer weather brings crowds.

  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Road trip break

    Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway

Guide to Alto Pass

Dispersed camping near Alto Pass, Illinois occurs primarily within the Shawnee National Forest's 280,000 acres of federally protected woodland. The region sits at elevations ranging from 350 to 1,064 feet above sea level, with Köppen climate classification of humid subtropical climate. Primitive camping sites feature oak-hickory forests with sandstone outcroppings typical of southern Illinois terrain, with seasonal creeks and small waterfalls that flow primarily during spring and after heavy rainfall events.

What to do

Climbing at Jackson Falls: Approximately 60+ established climbing routes on sandstone bluffs with difficulty ratings from 5.4 to 5.13, particularly active during spring and fall seasons. According to one visitor at Jackson Falls, "Beautiful location. Definitely off the beaten path. There was another group of campers but they camped on the trail. Grave Road getting there was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather."

Fishing at Dutchman Lake: Located within 10 minutes of Interstate 57, the lake supports bass, bluegill and crappie fishing with no motor restrictions. As one camper at Dutchman Lake Camp notes, "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing."

Hiking in Panther Den Wilderness: 935-acre designated wilderness area featuring maze-like rock formations, natural rock shelters, and unmarked trails requiring navigation skills. Backcountry camping requires 150-foot setback from trails and water sources per forest service regulations. Pets are not permitted within the Panther Den Wilderness area, unlike other Shawnee National Forest locations.

What campers like

Solitude during weekdays: Reduced crowds outside peak seasons and weekends provides quieter experiences at established sites. "Campground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass," reports a camper at Lake Glendale Recreation Area.

Accessible wilderness: Many primitive sites balance seclusion with relatively straightforward access for standard vehicles. One camper at Trail of Tears State Forest observed, "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."

Cell service availability: Unlike some primitive camping areas, certain sites maintain connectivity. At Dutchman Lake Camp, a visitor noted "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too. Verizon works well," which contrasts with many other remote locations in the region.

What you should know

Spring conditions impact access: Water crossings and unpaved roads become challenging after rainfall. "There was a shallow creek crossing right before the camping areas that I was worried about when I arrived at night, but I realized in the morning that it was not a big deal even for 2WD vehicles," explains a camper from Jackson Falls.

Limited amenities require preparation: Most primitive sites lack water sources and have minimal facilities. One camper at Jackson Falls advises, "Bring your own firewood. From inside the state of IL of course. The hiking is incredible."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Alto Pass, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Alto Pass, IL is Trail of Tears State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Alto Pass, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Alto Pass, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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