Dispersed camping opportunities near Cave-In-Rock, Illinois extend throughout Shawnee National Forest and into nearby Kentucky at Land Between the Lakes. The region sits at elevations ranging from 320 to 1,064 feet, with distinct seasonal temperature variations from 26°F winter lows to 90°F summer highs. Spring rainfall often creates seasonal waterfalls and stream crossings that can affect campsite accessibility from March through May.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Multiple trails connect with dispersed camping areas at Jackson Falls, where campers can explore sandstone formations. "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though," notes one visitor who experienced the area during drought conditions.
Water activities: Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a 3-mile lake trail circuit plus swimming and paddling opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "Easy check in, camped in the tent sight... Trail around lake just beautiful, bathroom clean and fun paddling on the lake."
Rock climbing: Jackson Falls provides climbing routes on sandstone bluffs with variable difficulty levels. One camper shared their experience: "The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders. It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids."
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Bring binoculars to spot deer, turkey, and migratory birds common throughout the forest. During fall foliage season, one camper at Jackson Falls observed "Beautiful fall foliage. No falls since it hasn't rained in a while."
What campers like
Solitude and peace: Dutchman Lake Camp provides quiet camping with minimal crowds. One camper described it as a "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too."
Lake access: Several camping areas offer direct water access for fishing and paddling. At LBL FS154 - Dispersed, a camper noted, "The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle."
Cell service variability: Some sites offer connectivity while others provide digital detachment. At Jackson Falls, a camper mentioned "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI," while another at Dutchman Lake noted "Beautiful Verizon works well."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from light pollution create excellent star viewing. The primitive camping areas have minimal artificial lighting, allowing for unobstructed views of constellations and occasional meteor showers.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some Land Between the Lakes dispersed sites require permits purchased in advance. At LBL FS154, a reviewer advised, "Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers."
Road conditions: Access roads vary widely in quality and often deteriorate after rainfall. For Demumber's Bay, "The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel."
Water access: Pack in all drinking water for primitive sites or bring filtration systems. "There is also NO POTABLE water, so you either pack it in or bring your filter and drink lake water," notes a camper at LBL FS154.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings higher water levels but increased mud and insects. A Demumber's Bay visitor warned, "Pulled in around dusk and there was a deserted camper there, about 4 pull in sites for rooftop campers. The bugs were insane and 40 must've flown into my car when i opened the door for a split second."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: LBL FS-326 offers family-friendly dispersed camping with minimal hiking required. "The ground was flat and there was a lot of room," reports one visitor, noting its convenience for overnight stays.
Kid-friendly activities: Lake Glendale Recreation Area combines swimming, hiking, and playground facilities. "The kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade!" shared a frequent visitor.
Safety preparations: Limited cell service means families should bring first aid supplies and emergency plans. At Jackson Falls, one camper 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."
Timing considerations: Visit midweek when possible to secure preferred sites. During weekends, arrive early, especially at Jackson Falls where a camper noted, "They were all taken and incredibly packed during the Memorial Day weekend and honestly seemed very messy and unpleasant."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller RVs but have limited turning space. At Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest, one RVer commented it's "easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
Water crossing assessment: At Jackson Falls, approach water crossings with caution. An experienced RVer 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."
Setup locations: Several sites offer pull-off areas along forest roads. "The campsite is considered to be primitive, which is fine, but it is right along the trail without any cover," noted one RVer about site positioning.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many primitive sites have uneven surfaces. Lake Glendale provides more level options, where "the sites were spotless and well maintained, with some having space under the trees for tents and some having just gravel pads."
