Best Dispersed Camping near Benton, IL
Southern Illinois offers diverse camping experiences within an hour of Benton, with the Shawnee National Forest providing the primary backdrop for outdoor recreation. Jackson Falls features free dispersed camping popular with rock climbers and hikers, offering primitive sites with fire rings but minimal amenities. Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides more developed options with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Trail of Tears State Forest and Dutchman Lake Camp round out the options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities, from basic tent sites to RV-compatible areas with picnic tables and toilets.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, particularly at Jackson Falls where water crossings can challenge vehicles without adequate clearance. As one camper noted, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long and a little bumpy, but we had no problem in a 4x4. Sprinter vans would be fine, but definitely not fun for even small RVs." Spring rains can make access difficult, while summer drought often reduces waterfalls to a trickle. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas, particularly in the more remote sections of Shawnee National Forest. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while Lake Glendale offers reservations.
Campers consistently highlight the natural features that make this region distinctive. The sandstone bluffs and climbing routes at Jackson Falls attract outdoor enthusiasts, with one visitor noting there are "about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders." Lake Glendale receives praise for its shaded sites and beach access, with reviewers describing it as "tucked into the tall pines" with sites that "back right up to Lake Glendale." Holiday weekends bring crowds to the more accessible areas, particularly at Jackson Falls where sites near the parking area fill quickly. Ticks and poison ivy are common in warmer months, and campers should be prepared with adequate supplies as drinking water is not available at many sites.
