Dispersed camping options near Carbondale, Illinois center around the Shawnee National Forest, which covers over 280,000 acres of southern Illinois. The region features diverse terrain with sandstone bluffs, rugged hills, and hardwood forests, with elevations ranging between 350-700 feet. Winter camping can be challenging with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing, while summer humidity creates muggy conditions that affect gear and comfort.
What to do
Fishing at small lakes: Dutchman Lake Camp offers access to fishing without the crowds of larger recreation areas. "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," reports Jonathan H., who spent a weekend at Dutchman Lake Camp.
Rock formations exploration: The Panther Den Wilderness area contains unique rock formations created by geological processes dating back millions of years. The area requires a short hike to access primitive camping spots but rewards with solitude and distinctive geological features not found elsewhere in the region.
Trail hiking: Lake Glendale features a 3-mile loop trail that circles the entire lake. Donald S. notes, "An easy 3 mile hike around the lake. There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods, and segments of the Trail of Tears," making Lake Glendale Recreation Area a good base for exploring historical features.
Rock climbing: Jackson Falls offers numerous climbing routes on sandstone formations. Jeremy R. shares, "Beautiful location. Definitely off the beaten path. There was another group of campers but they camped on the trail." The area is popular with climbers but remains less developed than commercial climbing destinations.
What campers like
Seclusion with easy access: Trail of Tears State Forest provides remote camping with vehicle access. Bob P. describes it as "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude." The forest offers a balance of convenience and wilderness experience not found at more developed campgrounds.
Affordable sites with amenities: At Trail of Tears State Forest, campers appreciate the value. "Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration. Nice picnic table and raised fire ring/grill," notes Bill C., who found the $8/night fee reasonable for what's provided.
Proximity to interstate: For travelers seeking quick overnight camping during road trips, some sites offer convenience. Matthew Z. from Dutchman Lake Camp reports, "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway." This makes free camping near Carbondale, Illinois practical for those passing through.
Cell service in select areas: While much of the region lacks reliable connectivity, J A. reports, "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too. Verizon works well" at Dutchman Lake Camp. Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds and even between sites within the same area.
What you should know
Road conditions after rain: Access to remote sites can become problematic during wet weather. Jeremy R. warns about Jackson Falls: "Grave Road getting there was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was a little nervous getting out after it had rained." Many forest roads deteriorate quickly in precipitation.
GPS reliability issues: Accurate navigation can be challenging. Daniel S. advises, "Be sure to make sure you set the correct location into GPS. We ended up at the wrong location at first try." Similarly, Shelby B. experienced difficulty finding Jackson Falls: "This place is popular with climbers, but I'm not one and had a rough time locating this place."
Seasonal water availability: Many sites have intermittent water features. Casie A. shares, "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!" Water levels at creeks and falls vary dramatically by season and recent rainfall.
Toilet facilities vary widely: Some sites offer basic facilities while others have none. Mark F. notes about Jackson Falls, "The bathroom was a bit dirty," while at Trail of Tears State Forest, Bill C. found "nice porta potty at our site."
Tips for camping with families
Weekend crowds management: Busy periods affect the family camping experience, especially at easily accessible sites. Marta S. cautions about Jackson Falls: "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."
Tick prevention essential: Insect protection should be a priority, especially with children. Marta S. warns, "Important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere." Long pants, closed shoes, and regular tick checks are necessary, particularly from April through October.
Bring sufficient wood: Firewood availability varies at free camping sites. AC advises, "Bring everything you need, there is no water source and bring lots of wood. We scavenged wood from the hills around but ultimately had to leave and purchase wood." Local regulations often restrict bringing firewood from outside the immediate area.
Water safety considerations: Lakes provide recreation but require supervision. Chelsea D. mentions that at Lake Glendale, "the kids love the playground," but families should note that swimming areas generally lack lifeguards and water quality varies seasonally.
Tips from RVers
Water crossing assessment: RVers should carefully evaluate water crossings before proceeding. Tom L. shares about his experience at Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest: "Love this spot! It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway." Even locations labeled as accessible may have seasonal challenges.
Campsite size limitations: Many primitive sites have limited space for larger vehicles. Mark F. notes about Jackson Falls, "Car camped without any issues but it's worth mentioning that I didn't have T-Mobile cellphone reception and the bathroom was a bit dirty. Also there was a shallow creek crossing right before the camping areas."
Weekday arrival recommended: RVers often find better options midweek. Donald S. reports, "Campground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass." Arriving during weekdays significantly improves site selection opportunities at popular areas.
Cell service planning: Connectivity varies dramatically, affecting RVers who need to stay connected. Rebekah cautions, "Off the beaten path and wasn't sure what to expect but once there it was nice." For reliable service, Donald S. suggests, "ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower."
