Dispersed camping near Cave-In-Rock offers several primitive options within Shawnee National Forest. The area sits at the southern edge of Illinois along the Ohio River, with elevations varying from around 340 feet near the river to 900 feet at higher ridges. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
What to Do
Rock climbing at Jackson Falls: This free primitive camping area offers numerous climbing routes on sandstone bluffs. The natural formations attract climbers of varying skill levels, with bouldering areas accessible from campsites. "The formations are amazing!! We love to hike here in the fall when it's cooler outside and when the leaves are changing it's absolutely beautiful. The views are some of the best around," notes a camper at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground.
Swimming in natural pools: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area provides natural swimming holes for cooling off. "No shower but the springs offer a refreshing soak after a long day of hiking. Water is easily accessible and clean," according to one visitor at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs. The water levels vary seasonally, typically being highest in spring and early summer.
Ohio River fishing: Tower Rock Campground provides direct river access for anglers. The area permits both shore and boat fishing with appropriate Illinois licenses. "Right on the Ohio river..and is very open. Doesn't have many sites so you'd have to get there at an earlier time.. but it has a great view of the Ohio river and across you can see Kentucky," reports one camper.
What Campers Like
Affordable camping fees: Most Shawnee National Forest campgrounds charge minimal fees. Pine Ridge Campground offers electric sites at reasonable rates. "It's a great area with the small beach nearby and garden of the gods so close, the only problem is the drinking water pump is broke so you must bring your own water," says a visitor at Pine Ridge Campground.
Dark night skies: The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. Campers report exceptional visibility on clear nights. "We camped in the backcountry along the River to River trail adjacent to Garden of the Gods. The camping area we found was great, about 7 miles down the River to River trail," notes one backpacker.
Spacious campsites: Cave-in-Rock State Park offers well-separated sites. "Very spacious sites, and there was hardly anyone there, so it seemed like we had the campground to ourselves. So peaceful. The shower house was very nice and clean and had flush toilets," shares a visitor at Cave-in-Rock State Park.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have weak or nonexistent coverage. "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI. The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders," reports a visitor at Jackson Falls.
Variable water availability: Water pumps at some campgrounds may be inoperative seasonally. "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," advises a Jackson Falls camper.
Road conditions vary: Some forest roads become difficult after rain. "The road goes through some small towns with gas and food but not much else. Farms surround the area," notes a camper regarding access to Tower Rock Recreation Area.
Tips for Camping with Families
Plan for bathroom access: Facilities range from vault toilets to modern restrooms. "Pit toilets were dirty even for pit toilets. Decent primitive sites, not very level though. Good for tent camping or small camper," warns a Redbud Campground visitor.
Bring tick protection: The area has a high tick population, especially in warmer months. "There was poison ivy everywhere along the trail which made for a stressful hike, trying to keep ourselves on the trail without rubbing against the poison ivy," cautions a visitor at Garden of the Gods.
Check local store hours: Supply options are limited near most campgrounds. "If you want to buy alcohol the nearest place is Elizabethtown where they have a liquor store. Overall this is a wonderful campground and we will return someday!" mentions a camper from Tower Rock Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric but lack full hookups. "My family and I camped here for the night and it was great. Very clean, and well maintained. The bathrooms are on close proximity to the sites," shares a visitor at Pharoah Campground.
Plan for limited dump stations: Cave-in-Rock State Park provides sanitary dump facilities, while most forest service campgrounds do not. "Electric and primitive sites are spaced so you don't have to listen to a generator all night. Not super private but never that busy either. Bathrooms are clean and showers are free!" notes a Cave-in-Rock camper.
Size limitations on forest roads: Many access roads have tight turns or rough conditions. Smaller RVs under 30 feet typically navigate the area better than larger rigs. "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," advises a Jackson Falls visitor.
Legend
