Dispersed camping options near Eddyville, Illinois sit within the eastern region of Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet. The forest contains over 280,000 acres of public land with sandstone bluffs, hardwood forests, and multiple creek systems. Summer temperatures often reach the high 80s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures in the 60s-70s with occasional heavy rainfall that impacts trail and camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking beyond Jackson Falls: The Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest offers secluded hiking with unique rock formations. Trails wind through sandstone corridors and natural rock shelters with limited marking. Hikers should bring detailed maps as cell service is unreliable throughout the area.
Water activities during dry periods: Lake Glendale remains accessible for paddling even when creek beds are dry. "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!" noted one visitor to Jackson Falls. Kayaking on smaller lakes provides a quieter alternative to the sometimes crowded creek areas.
Rock climbing preparation: When visiting Jackson Falls Dispersed for climbing, arrive early during peak seasons. The area features approximately 60 established climbing routes on sandstone bluffs. "The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders. It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids," one camper reported.
What campers like
Seasonal variations: Fall camping provides unique colors and more comfortable temperatures. "Beautiful fall foliage. No falls since it hasn't rained in a while. Great hike around," noted a camper about Jackson Falls. Spring offers flowing waterfalls after rainfall, while summer provides warmer water for swimming.
Quieter weekday camping: Most primitive camping areas near Eddyville see weekend crowds, especially during summer and fall. "Campground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups," reported a visitor at Lake Glendale Recreation Area, where weekday visitors often find more solitude.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning offers the best wildlife viewing throughout the forest. Deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species are common near water sources. The secluded campsite areas away from main trails provide better wildlife observation points.
What you should know
Access challenges after rain: Most primitive campsites require careful navigation on unpaved roads. "Gravel Road getting there was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather," mentioned one Jackson Falls visitor. Vehicles without high clearance should avoid accessing dispersed sites during or immediately following rainfall.
Limited facilities planning: The vault toilet at Jackson Falls is the only reliable restroom facility among dispersed sites. "Bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water. None available there," noted a camper at Trail of Tears State Forest, which offers more developed facilities than most dispersed areas.
Water supply management: During summer months, water sources often dry up. "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," reported a Jackson Falls camper. Plan to carry at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and cooking.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly primitive sites: Lake Glendale offers easier primitive camping for families new to dispersed camping. "There are several double sites that are ideal for family and group camping," mentioned a visitor. Sites closer to established facilities provide a good introduction to primitive camping for families.
Kid-friendly activities: Despite limited facilities, natural features provide entertainment for children. "It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids. The site is popular and there was a good amount of people on Labor Day weekend, however secluded camp sites were easy to find," reported a Dutchman Lake Camp visitor about exploring the area.
Safety considerations: Families should be aware of poison ivy present throughout the region. "Important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere," warned one Jackson Falls visitor. Pack first aid supplies including tweezers for tick removal and calamine lotion for plant irritation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most dispersed camping areas have limited space for larger RVs. "We run a 28ft RV and we're able to cross the first water wash without problem. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible," reported an RV camper at Jackson Falls. The main parking areas provide better options for RVs than attempting to access the more remote sites.
Road conditions for RV access: Demumber's Bay provides better RV access than most Shawnee Forest locations. "The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel. This is a well maintained campground," noted one visitor. RVers should check recent road condition reports before attempting forest roads.
Seasonal campsite availability: Spring and fall offer better RV access to primitive sites as summer rainfall can make roads impassable for larger vehicles. Most primitive sites cannot accommodate RVs over 25 feet in length, with Jackson Falls main lot being the most reliable year-round option.
