Dispersed camping opportunities near Belknap offer unique overnight experiences in the southern Illinois wilderness. The region sits within the Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 300-700 feet, with humid summers and mild winters. Fall temperatures average 60-70°F during the day, making September through early November prime camping season for visitors seeking fewer bugs and comfortable hiking conditions.
What to Do
Rock climbing access: 10-minute drive from Jackson Falls to popular climbing routes. "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," notes Jeremy R.
Fishing opportunities: multiple stocked ponds at Shawnee Forest Campground. "They have 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," according to MickandKarla W.
Waterfall hikes: 0.7-mile trail leading to seasonal falls at Dixon Springs. "Ghost Dance Canyon Trail is .7 miles long and an interesting, picture worthy hike," says reviewer Shelly S., who adds that the park's unique geography includes "a block of rock along a fault line" with accessible waterfall and covered spring directly from the parking lot.
What Campers Like
Privacy among trees: Sites at Turkey Ridge Campground provide natural separation. "The sites are large and include a cooking grate. It was easy to find firewood with out having to go very far, becareful there is a good amount of poison ivy," advises Scott N., who recommends the Happy Hollow Trail for its "amazing" views.
Swimming options: multiple natural pools at Bell Smith Springs. "There is a spring/large swimming hole, with a few places to jump off of, but check with the locals to make sure the water is deep enough. Water levels were low when we were there, so you couldn't jump from the highest ledge at this time," reports Tommy S.
Firefly displays: spectacular at dusk during summer months. "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" exclaims Stephanie S. about her experience at Deer Ridge Campground, which offers "clean open campground with little privacy" but compensates with "well kept bathrooms and water pumps throughout."
What You Should Know
Poison ivy presence: Widespread in wooded areas throughout the region. "The woods are filled with poison ivy so the big camp area is very useful," warns Art S. about Bell Smith Springs, while Rachel C. notes about Oak Point Campground: "Unfortunately, there was SO MUCH poison ivy that we couldn't play in the woods."
Water sources: limited at primitive sites. Redbud Campground has "a hand pump for water near the garbage cans," according to Art S., who recommends filling containers upon arrival. Jackson Falls has "no water source," requiring campers to "bring everything you need," as noted by reviewer AC.
Road conditions: challenging for some vehicles. "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21," reports MickandKarla W. about Shawnee Forest Campground, while Jeremy R. warns about Jackson Falls: "Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: centrally located at Lake Glendale. "The kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade! The campsites are pretty private and some of them are nice and large," reports Chelsea D., who also mentions nearby hiking and a chocolate factory that was "a real treat."
Beach swimming: $5 per person fee at Lake Glendale's swimming area. "The sites were sort of close together but the trees still helped provide a sense of privacy. There were clean bathrooms with running water a short walk away... We could easily walk to the trails and we went fishing in the lake," shares Madison K.
Kid-friendly trails: less than 1 mile options available at several parks. "Rebman trail is good for anyone including little kids," recommends David H. about trails at Ferne Clyffe State Park, while another reviewer notes that Hawk's Cave Trail is "an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," reports MickandKarla W. about Shawnee Forest Campground. At Dixon Springs, Jessica R. notes: "At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level."
Site selection strategy: ask for specific areas. "If we come back, we'll know where to ask for a site," advises MickandKarla W., explaining that despite plenty of open sites at Shawnee Forest Campground, "we were not offered one of the better ones."
Dog-friendly pathways: paved surfaces ideal for pet exercise. "The campground's paved walking trails from its former golf course layout create excellent pet exercise opportunities," with Greg S. noting the unique feature: "it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths!"
Guide
