Best Dispersed Camping near McClure, IL
Dispersed camping opportunities near McClure, Illinois are concentrated within the Shawnee National Forest. Jackson Falls offers primitive camping sites with established fire rings but no amenities. Trail of Tears State Forest provides more developed sites with picnic tables and vault toilets for $8 per night. Dutchman Lake Camp features tent-only sites accessible via drive-in or walk-in routes. Several campers noted that Jackson Falls can be "tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area" and trails are "somewhat confusing and not well marked."
Road conditions vary significantly by location and recent weather. The access road to Jackson Falls includes water crossings that become problematic after rainfall. According to reviews, "the road was completely washed out" during wet periods, making "a 4x4 necessary to reach some sites." Standard passenger vehicles can typically reach the main parking areas, but reaching remote sites requires higher clearance. Cell service is unreliable throughout the region, with many campers reporting complete loss of signal upon entering these areas.
These primitive sites require self-sufficiency. No drinking water is available at Jackson Falls or Dutchman Lake; campers must bring all water needed. Most sites have fire rings, but no firewood is provided. The single vault toilet at Jackson Falls trailhead is maintained but lacks running water. Pack-out requirements apply to all trash. For those seeking more amenities, Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and reservable sites approximately 30 minutes from McClure. The area experiences significant seasonal variation in water levels, with the falls often reduced to "nothing but a trickle" during dry periods.
