Belknap sits near the heart of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois at approximately 400 feet above sea level. The area features a mix of hardwood forests, sandstone formations, and recreational lakes that remain accessible through most seasons. Winter temperatures rarely dip below 20°F, allowing for extended camping seasons at most sites compared to northern Illinois locations.
What to do
Hiking trails near Lake Glendale: Oak Point Campground provides access to a scenic lake trail that circles the entire shoreline. "We could easily walk to the trails and we went fishing in the lake. It was mild and quiet the days we went in Mid-May," notes a visitor to Oak Point Campground.
Rock climbing opportunities: Giant City State Park offers trad and sport climbing routes for experienced climbers. "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else," explains a visitor to Giant City State Park Campground.
Fishing in multiple locations: Several campgrounds feature on-site fishing options. "There is a small lake and two ponds for fishing. There's no formal dog area, but there are paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs," mentions a camper at Shawnee Forest Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites with shade: Pine Ridge campground offers well-spaced campsites with natural cover. "The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private. The hookup sites were closer together and did not look as well spaced. There is a 2 mile loop road that goes around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake," shares a visitor to Pounds Hollow Recreation Area.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower houses. "Bath houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work. All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer," notes a camper at Crab Orchard Lake.
Affordable pricing: Campgrounds in the region offer good value compared to other destinations. "We stayed at site 6 in May. It was a roomy, wooded site with water and electric for $22/night," explains a visitor to Oak Point Campground, while another camper at Pine Ridge mentions, "And it was only $10 a night!!!"
What you should know
First-come, first-served policies: Several campgrounds don't accept reservations. "Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy," advises a camper about Oak Point Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Glamping close to Belknap, Illinois requires planning around specific seasons. "We were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived," notes a visitor to Shawnee Forest Campground.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies throughout the area. "We got two bars on Verizon," mentions a Shawnee Forest Campground visitor, providing useful information for those needing to stay connected while enjoying luxury camping near Belknap.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "They have a small playground, beach, several bath houses, a group camping 'pad', boat ramp, boat dock and easy roads for cycling," shares a visitor to Canal Campground.
Beach amenities: Swimming options exist but may have associated costs. "There is also a beach, but you have to pay $5/person which felt excessive for what it was," notes a camper at Oak Point Campground.
Trail difficulty considerations: Assess hiking options based on children's abilities. "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails," explains a visitor to Giant City State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require adjustments for comfortable parking. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps. There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones," advises an RVer at Shawnee Forest Campground.
Hookup locations: Utility connections vary by campground. "The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," notes a Shawnee Forest Campground visitor.
Access for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have limitations for big RVs. "Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front," advises a camper about Oak Point Campground, providing valuable information for those seeking glamping accommodations near Belknap with larger vehicles.
