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.
"A few miles down a dirt road this is a beautiful campsite with great volunteer hosts."
"Though no trash or showers--only porta-potty."
"We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."
"Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."
"This hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs."
"Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"
"This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"
"There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest. When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."
from $12 - $44 / night
"Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."
"Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others."
"It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
GuideThis hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW! On the trail there is a sign to set up for selfies. With a dog it wasn’t as easy as I’d hope to capture the moment. Ha
GuideI started coming to this campground once a year as a child with my family 50 years ago. This place will always have a special place in my heart. Lots of memories and lots left to be made. I am thankful that the hosts have done their best with the up keep. The last visit we rented the Goose Bay Picnic area for a group of 8 of us. Beautiful place. Typically quiet during the week. Best sites IMO are 51, 52, 54, 13
LegendPicked a spot that unknowingly left me a sitting duck for tornadoes later that evening. Great view, though. And never saw a single person. Moved to the spillway the second night... little less vulnerable.
LegendNothing here but an open field and an old barn like structure. Just isolated.
TravelerOur family had a great time camping here! The road leading into the campsite is mostly gravel with a few rough patches. There are a few shallow creek crossings to reach the more remote spots (water levels may vary depending on rainfall).
4x4 isn’t necessarily required, but I’d highly recommend it—along with a high-clearance vehicle. We brought our Jeep Wrangler, and it handled everything like a champ. We didn’t even need to engage 4x4 the entire way in.
There are a few campsites you can access without crossing the creeks, but the dispersed site we stayed at was surprisingly clean. We only found a couple small pieces of trash—otherwise, it was spotless. Previous campers left some firewood and kindling near the rock fire ring, and we made sure to do the same for the next group.
We camped during the weekdays, and it was nice and quiet. As we were leaving on Friday, more people were starting to show up, so I’d assume weekends get pretty busy. That said, most campers didn’t go past the first creek, so the farther back you go, the fewer people you’ll run into.
One thing to note: I have Verizon, and I was on SOS the entire time—so don’t expect reliable service out there if you have Verizon.
TravelerThere is tent camping in the area of the bath house that doesn’t require any creek crossing. Now, getting to the more remote spots can be sketchy if you have a small or very loaded vehicle. There are two small creeks to cross and are somewhat rough to get through. I made it through in my minivan, but dragged through the second creek.
There are hiking trails that run through, but that’s about all I can say about that.
I had no Verizon cell service unless I walked about 2/10 of a mile up a hill to an opening and only then I could make a phone call, but I couldn’t access the Internet.
GuidePlenty of dispersed camping on a well maintained dirt road. There’s fire pits all over and no shortage of spots.
GuideWe pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.
GuideCampground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass.
There are several historical sites to visit. Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on
ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower. 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
Dispersed camping opportunities near Bargerville, Illinois offer rugged outdoor experiences in the Shawnee National Forest region. The area ranges from 350 to 700 feet in elevation with mixed hardwood forests and rock formations throughout. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer camping can see highs above 90°F with high humidity, requiring appropriate gear for seasonal conditions.
Rock climbing excursions: Panther Den Wilderness in the Shawnee National Forest provides challenging climbing opportunities amid unusual rock formations. The area attracts dedicated climbers seeking more remote experiences away from popular spots.
Hiking trail exploration: Jackson Falls offers multiple hiking options beyond the falls area. "The hiking is incredible," notes camper Tyler S., while another visitor mentioned, "Cool views of the Bluffs 1/4 mile down the path and a bridge that would go over a waterfall if it wasn't so dried up."
Lake-based activities: Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides fishing access and paddling opportunities within 30 minutes of primitive camping areas. A camper noted, "Easy 3 mile hike around the lake" and "Electric motors only on the lake."
Seclusion from crowds: Most primitive campsites near Bargerville provide genuine isolation. At Dutchman Lake Camp, one visitor mentioned, "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too."
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes this region excellent for night sky viewing. The dense forest canopy at many sites creates defined viewing windows, with clearings offering better visibility during new moon phases.
Wildlife encounters: The forests surrounding Bargerville host diverse wildlife. One Jackson Falls visitor reported, "Forests and great big, moss covered boulders. It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids."
Cell coverage limitations: Communication can be challenging in this remote area. One Jackson Falls visitor warned, "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI." At Dutchman Lake Camp, however, a camper noted, "Verizon works well."
Bug activity considerations: Insect populations vary by season and location. A Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest visitor observed, "It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
Toilet facilities variation: Restroom availability differs between camping areas. One Lake Glendale visitor mentioned their campground had "new shower house" facilities while a Jackson Falls reviewer noted, "Toliet was clean and open."
Site selection strategy: Choose spots based on your family's specific needs and vehicle. At Jackson Falls, one family camper shared, "The site is popular and there was a good amount of people on Labor Day weekend, however secluded camp sites were easy to find, isolation was achieved."
Water supply planning: No potable water exists at most primitive sites. A Jackson Falls visitor advised, "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."
Weather adaptability: Prepare for varying conditions that can change rapidly. A camper at Trail of Tears State Forest found unexpected amenities: "Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal)."
Vehicle clearance considerations: Most primitive camping areas require careful navigation. A Jackson Falls RV camper shared, "We run a 28ft RV and we're able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading."
Site accessibility limitations: Know your vehicle's capabilities before attempting primitive camping access roads. A Jackson Falls visitor cautioned, "Gravel Road getting there was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather."
Location verification: Confirm exact coordinates before travel. One Jackson Falls camper advised, "Be sure to make sure you set the correct location into GPS. We ended up at the wrong location at first try."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bargerville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bargerville, IL is Turkey Bayou Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bargerville, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Bargerville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
