Camping sites near Cypress, Illinois range from rugged dispersed areas to Class A facilities with full services. The Shawnee National Forest region rises 400-800 feet above the surrounding plains, creating diverse microclimates for camping. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, so campers should pack accordingly when visiting during colder months.
What to do
Fishing spots: Lake Glendale provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple access points around the 80-acre lake. "There is a nice paved walking trail around the lake that gives you a good look at the park. On the hike you pass two large shelters built by the CCC as well as the boat ramp, dam, and swimming beach," notes Annie C. Electric motors are allowed, but gas motors are prohibited.
Rock climbing: Jackson Falls offers technical climbing routes for experienced climbers. "This place is popular with climbers, but I'm not one and had a rough time locating this place. The roads weren't marked the same way they are on the website's map," reports Shelby B. The sandstone formations provide various difficulty levels for climbing enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: Giant City State Park Campground features unique geological formations along its trails. "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails," explains Shana D. The park's signature feature is massive sandstone bluffs forming "streets" between rock walls.
Wildlife viewing: Ferne Clyffe State Park attracts diverse birdlife throughout the seasons. "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" shares Stephanie S. Spring brings wildflower displays throughout the forest floor, particularly along the Rebman and Happy Hollow trails.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Deer Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe offers well-separated sites. "Good size campground with both electric and non electric loops. Good number of sites," notes Jacob T. The campground includes 16 Class A sites with electricity and 22 Class B/S sites for more primitive camping experiences.
Natural swimming holes: Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs features popular swimming areas. "There is a spring/large swimming hole, with a few places to jump off of, but check with the locals to make sure the water is deep enough. Water levels were low when we were there, so you couldn't jump from the highest ledge," reports Tommy S. The natural rock formations create several pools of varying depths.
Shade coverage: Oak Point - Lake Glendale provides well-shaded sites under mature trees. "Nice shaded sites with electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric with Senior Pass," shares Donald S. The pine forest canopy keeps sites cooler during summer months.
Clean facilities: Hilltop Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower houses. "This is a very clean, quiet, shady campground. It is off interstate 57 if you are passing through or a great place to park and see the sites of Shawnee National Forest," according to Joel H. The campground operates year-round with full hookups available.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Jackson Falls requires caution in wet weather. "Definitely off the beaten path. The gravel road getting there was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was a little nervous getting out after it had rained," warns Jeremy R. Four-wheel drive is recommended after heavy rainfall.
Cell service variability: Most forest campgrounds have limited connectivity. "I lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI," notes Casie A. about Jackson Falls. Stronger signals can be found at Hilltop Campground and Shawnee Forest Campground.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Bell Smith Springs' Redbud Campground typically closes from mid-December through mid-March. "We stayed at this campground on a weekend in July 2020. I used this park as a base camp for exploring Shawnee National Forest and the Cache River Preserve," shares Marc H.
Site selection: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "You have the option of two different camping areas in Oak Point Campground, with several double sites that are ideal for family and group camping," explains Shelly S. Weekends from April through October typically see higher occupancy rates.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Glendale Recreation Area features dedicated play equipment. "We love going to Lake Glendale and go several times per year. It is quiet, the campsites are pretty (especially group), there are great hikes nearby, and a beach to swim on," says Maggie P. The playground area is centrally located near the shower houses.
Beginner-friendly trails: Ferne Clyffe State Park offers shorter hiking options. "Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. It's just that gorgeous! There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!" shares Dani B.
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer water activities for various ages. "The walk from the picnic area to the beach is not far either by road or lake trail," notes Shelly S. about Lake Glendale. The designated swimming beach includes a sand area and roped-off sections for different water depths.
Educational opportunities: Turkey Ridge Campground provides nature learning experiences. "The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the 'outhouses'. There was a ton of wildlife though and it was really neat to listen to all the different species throughout the night," explains Gina J. The campground connects to several interpretive trails.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds require additional equipment. "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook," advises Greg S. about Shawnee Forest Campground.
Water access planning: Limited water hookups at some campgrounds require preparation. "Nice quiet campground with lots of trees and nicely separated camp spots. Water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available," reports Glenda at Deer Ridge Campground.
Winter camping options: Shawnee Forest Campground offers year-round access. "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go. The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice. The water pressure was good around 50 psi," shares MickandKarla W.
Big rig considerations: Certain campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21," notes MickandKarla W. about Shawnee Forest Campground. Giant City State Park also offers several pull-through sites suitable for larger RVs.
