Tent camping near Alto Pass, Illinois centers around the western edge of Shawnee National Forest, situated in the Ozark Hills that rise 400-800 feet above the surrounding plains. Campers should prepare for humidity during summer months when temperatures average 85-90°F, while fall brings drier conditions with cooler nights around 50°F. Winter camping requires cold-weather gear as temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
**Waterfall hunting: Spring is prime time for visiting the seasonal waterfalls at Turkey Ridge Campground in Ferne Clyffe State Park. "Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. It's just that gorgeous! There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc," writes reviewer Dani B.
**Rock climbing: Limestone bluffs throughout the region provide various climbing opportunities. As Joel R. notes about Backpack Campground, "There are several limestone bluffs, great for climbing, naturally forested woodlands, cliff caves, and several small waterfalls."
**Fishing: Bass and panfish are abundant at nearby lakes. "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," shares Jonathan H. about Dutchman Lake Camp, where anglers can fish from shore or small watercraft.
What campers like
**Trail variety: Hikers appreciate the diverse terrain. "Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours! Also in this park is a little lake and a gorgeous waterfall," mentions a Turkey Ridge Campground visitor.
**Quiet weekday camping: For solitude, plan mid-week visits. Scott N. reports about Dutchman Lake Camp: "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too," making it ideal for those seeking peace and privacy.
**Wooded sites: Many campsites offer natural shade and screening. "Not a lot of tent sites, but enough. Nice wooded primitive sites with easy access to water and toilets," explains Tye K. about the Backpack Campground area, providing natural cooling during hot summer days.
What you should know
**Bathroom facilities vary widely: From primitive to more developed. At Turkey Ridge Campground, one camper warned, "There are 'out houses' close by. Although they were pretty bad my buddy said 'storm of flies came shooting out the hole like a tornado.'"
**Water availability: Plan accordingly based on your campground. At Lake Girardeau Conservation Area, "The campground area here is very small. There is no running water. There is one bathroom," notes Kim R., highlighting the need to bring your own water supply.
**Firewood scarcity: Finding wood can be challenging in some areas. Tye K. mentions about Backpack Campground: "Only issue I found at all was firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by," suggesting campers either bring their own or plan to purchase from stores before arriving.
Tips for camping with families
**Cave exploration: Kids love the natural rock features. "Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!" shares a visitor to Turkey Ridge Campground.
**Swimming options: Several lakes offer family-friendly swimming. At North Marcum Day Use Area, "This is a beautiful little beach on Rend lake. The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for my fellow bird watchers to go! The beach is also tidy and free of a lot of trash, perfect for the youngsters to play in," writes Jill R.
**Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars for bird and animal watching. "There was a ton of wildlife though and it was really neat to listen to all the different species throughout the night," notes Gina J. about tent camping at Turkey Ridge, creating natural entertainment for curious children.
Tips from RVers
**Limited RV options: Many sites near Alto Pass work best for tent camping or smaller rigs. At Lake Girardeau Conservation Area, Matthew G. explains, "Nice little primitive campground with about 8 small spots. Has a nice sized lake good fishing if you are using a boat, or kayak. Spots have a table and a fire pit."
**Campsite size considerations: Some areas offer more spacious options. "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There's a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles," notes Katie B. about her overnight stay at Dutchman Lake Camp, making it suitable for those with larger setups.
**Electric access: Plan for limited hookups at most natural areas. A visitor to North Marcum notes, "Just beautiful, the Corp of Engineering's really take care of these camp grounds, very clean, most have new showers," indicating this is one of the few spots with more developed facilities for those requiring electric connections.
