Best Campgrounds near Cypress, IL
Camping in the Shawnee National Forest region surrounds the small town of Cypress, Illinois, with a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites. The area includes several developed facilities like Shawnee Forest Campground and Lake Glendale Recreation Area, offering full hookup options for RVs alongside tent sites. Campgrounds range from the more primitive Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area with basic amenities to fully equipped sites at Hilltop Campground with electric, water, and sewer connections. Jackson Falls and Dutchman Lake provide dispersed camping options for those seeking a more rustic experience within the forested landscape.
Road access varies across camping areas with some requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly around more remote dispersed sites. Full hook-up campgrounds like Shawnee Forest tend to have better accessibility for larger vehicles. "Easy access from interstate, full hook-ups, clean bathhouse and friendly camp hosts," noted one camper about Shawnee Forest Campground. Seasonal considerations impact camping conditions, with many campgrounds like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs operating from mid-March through mid-December. Summer brings higher temperatures and humidity, while spring often features wildflowers but potentially muddy conditions. Cell service remains spotty throughout more remote areas of the Shawnee National Forest.
Many campers highlight the fishing opportunities available at several campgrounds in the area. Shawnee Forest Campground, built on a former golf course, features catch-and-release fishing ponds that receive consistent praise in visitor reviews. The extensive trail system throughout the region provides additional recreational opportunities, with the Tunnel Hill bike trails accessible from several camping areas. Bathroom facilities vary considerably between campgrounds, with some offering only basic vault toilets while others provide shower houses. As one visitor noted, "The bathrooms were very clean and grounds generally well kept." Highway noise can be noticeable at campgrounds near Interstate 24, though most visitors find it tolerable given the convenience of location for exploring the Shawnee National Forest's attractions like Garden of the Gods and Little Grand Canyon.
