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Best Dispersed Camping near Cobden, IL

41 Reviews

Shawnee National Forest provides the primary dispersed camping opportunities near Cobden, Illinois, with multiple free sites in undeveloped areas. Jackson Falls offers primitive camping along the hiking trails and near the trailhead parking area, serving as a popular spot for rock climbers and hikers. Other options include Dutchman Lake Camp, Panther Den Wilderness, and dispersed sites throughout Shawnee National Forest, particularly near Herod. These areas typically have minimal or no facilities and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Several access routes require careful navigation, especially after rainfall. The road to Jackson Falls features water crossings and rough sections that may challenge vehicles without adequate clearance. As one camper noted, "The road was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather." Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, electricity, or trash service. Only a few locations offer vault toilets. Fire regulations vary by season and location, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit fires completely. Camping is generally limited to 14 days within any 30-day period on national forest land.

The camping experience varies significantly by location and season. Areas near Jackson Falls can become crowded during climbing season and weekends, particularly near the parking area. "If you don't mind hiking in a bit, peace and quiet can be found," according to one review. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with hiking trails connecting many of the dispersed camping areas. Another camper reported, "We scavenged wood from the hills around but ultimately had to leave and purchase wood," indicating firewood collection may be challenging in some locations. Cell service is unreliable across most dispersed camping areas, with one review mentioning "no T-Mobile cellphone reception" at Jackson Falls. Panther Den Wilderness offers the most remote experience for those seeking true solitude.

Map showing campgrounds near Cobden, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cobden, Illinois (6)

    1. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Jonesboro, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 833-4910

    "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."

    2. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    19 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    3. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "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."

    4. Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Goreville, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 699-6637

    5. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "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."

    6. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest

    1 Review
    Grantsburg, IL
    33 miles

    "It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cobden, IL

10 Photos of 6 Cobden Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cobden, IL

41 Reviews of 6 Cobden Campgrounds

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Jackson Falls

    Popular dispersed camping area

    This is dispersed camping within the Shawnee National Forest. The area can be tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. It can also get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus. It is also very popular with rock climbers and people on horseback. I found the trails to be somewhat confusing and not well marked. I was here Easter weekend and the weather was great, so there were a lot of tents set up right near the parking area. If you don’t mind hiking in a bit, peace and quiet can be found.

  • tom L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Jackson Falls

    Jackson Falls Dispersed

    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.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2020

    Jackson Falls

    Waterfalls, hiking, climbing, and FREE camping

    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. Most of the routes here are sport routes, though there are a number of trad routes.

    There are primative campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite. If those campsites are full, there are additional campsites further down the road.

    Most campsites have fire rings. There are no picnic tables or campfire grills there. There are also no garbage cans. You must pack out all of your garbage. You also need to bring your own drinking water as there is no fresh water there.

    There's a single outhouse at the trailhead that is well maintained and pretty clean.

  • J K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Our IL #1

    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 that back right up to Lake Glendale. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very

  • Marta S.
    Jun. 13, 2021

    Jackson Falls

    Unimpressive and crowded

    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 and honestly seemed very messy and unpleasant. I would not feel comfortable leaving my equipment and gear here unattended at all. I'm not sure if it's any better the further along the trail you go, but the areas we hiked it didn't appear there were additional primitive/dispersed camping spots available other than the ones near the trail head. Also, important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere.

    I have camped in backcountry locations and have done dispersed/primitive camping and enjoy it quite a bit, but I would have been miserable at this location.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2024

    Jackson Falls

    Love this place!

    This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to. Great hiking around the area. 

    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.  Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain.  Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's. Tough turnarounds for large trailers or 5th wheels.

  • R
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Jackson Falls

    Great campground

    Off the beaten path and wasn’t sure what to expect but once there it was nice…just a parking lot with a vault lock toilet and a few campsites you see right away… also a few down the path if you want a little remote. The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanatizer or water. None available there. 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…would probably real pretty to see in the spring. Drove my Hyundai Elantra thru just fine, but it is a rough road and your car will get dirty.

  • Shawn M.
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Jackson Falls

    Gorgeous Winter hiking

    Jackson Falls is popular with climbers and has many marked routes. You are able to camp right along the water near the parking pull out and if you don't mind hikers passing by, it is a beautiful location. We were out in spring after a mid-march snow fall and melt which meant good water. I would love to come back in warmer weather to get wet. I would imagine warmer weather brings crowds.

  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Road trip break

    Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway

Guide to Cobden

Dispersed camping near Cobden, Illinois centers primarily within Shawnee National Forest, which spans over 280,000 acres across southern Illinois. The region features sandstone bluffs, hardwood forests, and elevations ranging from 350 to 1,064 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically average 20-40°F, while summer months often reach 85-95°F with high humidity.

What to do

Climbing opportunities: Jackson Falls has become a popular destination for rock climbers with routes suitable for various skill levels. "Beautiful location. Definitely off the beaten path. There was another group of campers but they camped on the trail," notes one visitor to Jackson Falls.

Hiking trails: A 3-mile loop circles Lake Glendale, passing historic CCC-built structures. "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," shares a camper at Lake Glendale Recreation Area.

Fishing spots: Several lakes in the area offer fishing opportunities without requiring a boat. "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," reports a visitor to Dutchman Lake Camp.

What campers like

Easy accessibility: Some dispersed sites provide straightforward access from main roads. "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," mentions a camper at Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest.

Privacy options: Trail of Tears State Forest offers secluded sites away from crowds. "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude," explains a visitor who appreciated the forest's layout.

Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations including deer, turkey, and various bird species. "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though! The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders," shares a Jackson Falls camper who enjoyed exploring despite dry conditions.

What you should know

Weather considerations: Rain can dramatically change camping conditions in the area. "Beautiful location. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was a little nervous getting out after it had rained. But luckily it wasn't too much rain," warns a Jackson Falls visitor.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI," notes one Jackson Falls camper, while another at Dutchman Lake Camp reports, "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too. Verizon works well."

Seasonal crowds: Weekends and peak seasons can bring higher visitor numbers. "Easy check in, camped in the tent sight. Unfortunately there was a lot of glitter pieces, plastic kid's pieces and myself along picked up 34 cigarette butts," reports a Lake Glendale camper during spring season.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Lake Glendale offers a designated swimming beach for families. "The beach and swimming area was so nice for us to enjoy," shares one Trail of Tears State Forest visitor who appreciated the recreational facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cobden, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cobden, IL is Trail of Tears State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cobden, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Cobden, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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