Best Dispersed Camping near Bargerville, IL
Jackson Falls offers free dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest south of Bargerville, Illinois. Sites are available directly near the parking area and trailhead, with additional spots located further down the trail for more seclusion. The access road features gravel surface with potholes and includes a shallow creek crossing that can become challenging after rainfall. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all garbage. Fire rings are present at most established sites.
Dutchman Lake Camp provides another primitive camping option with drive-in access and tent sites. The area features multiple pull-off spots including a large turnaround that accommodates several vehicles. Trail of Tears State Forest offers more developed dispersed camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities for $8 per night. One camper noted, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw Volvos and Subarus do just fine." The region experiences seasonal limitations, with potential road access issues during wet weather in spring and fall.