The Shawnee National Forest surrounds Golconda, Illinois with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,020 feet above sea level. Pet friendly camping near Golconda offers a mix of wooded sites and water access throughout the forest's 280,000 acres. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions with temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Hiking at Garden of the Gods: Just 12 miles from Golconda, this recreation area offers unique rock formations and trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "The formations are amazing!! We love to hike here in the fall when it's cooler outside and when the leaves are changing it's absolutely beautiful. The views are some of the best around," shares Robin M. from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground.
Swimming in natural pools: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area offers natural swimming holes about 20 minutes from Golconda. "This is one of my favorite spots. I had no service and it was pitch black at night. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water. Plenty of hiking right from your site. 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive to the river where you can hike, swim or wade," reports Kate B. from Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs.
Climbing at Jackson Falls: Popular with rock climbers, this area offers both traditional and sport routes. "Beautiful location. Definitely off the beaten path... We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!" says Casie A., who visited Jackson Falls with her family.
Explore historic Cave-in-Rock: This natural limestone cave along the Ohio River was once a hideout for river pirates. "We took a 2 mile loop hike across to the lodge, along the cliff face and down to the cave. A lot of history here and some nice views," notes Shelly S. from Cave-in-Rock State Park.
What campers like
Peaceful, secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at Pine Ridge campground. "Spent a week here and had a blast! Camp sites are fairly well spaced, though not private. Area is split with power and no power. Vault style restrooms are very clean and regularly maintained," shares Brian E. from Pine Ridge.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in Shawnee National Forest creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Dark nights with star gazing and even a little bit of that eerie scary movie vibe at the far end of the lake where it's a little too quiet," comments Shelly S. about Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Affordable camping options: The area offers budget-friendly campsites throughout the forest. "Headed here after garden of the gods was full. This place is very close to where you need to be... Very basic campsite for drive up. People were very respectful, very dog friendly. Great places around to hike," notes Brennan M. about Pine Ridge, highlighting its $10 per night fee.
Wildlife viewing: The forest provides opportunities to spot local fauna. "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI. 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," reports Casie A., who visited Jackson Falls.
What you should know
Ticks and poison ivy: These are common throughout Shawnee National Forest, especially during warmer months. "The sites were level and good for tent camping. There are a few vault toilets scattered around that are ok but not the best we've seen. The woods are filled with poison ivy so the big camp area is very useful," warns Art S. about Bell Smith Springs.
Cellular service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. "We got two bars on Verizon. Each of the bath houses have a washer and dryer. Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," reports MickandKarla W. about Shawnee Forest Campground.
Seasonal water levels: Many water features depend on recent rainfall. "Beautiful fall foliage. No falls since it hasn't rained in a while. Great hike around. Campsites were plentiful, a lot of cars driving in late at night. Toilet was clean and open," notes AC about Jackson Falls.
Limited amenities at some sites: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Write your directions down for this whole area, the cell phone coverage is spotty and it will keep frustration down," advises Shelly S. about the Cave-in-Rock area.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and swimming access: Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers family-friendly amenities. "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," recommends J K. from Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
Educational hiking opportunities: Garden of the Gods offers geological formations kids find fascinating. "The rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome," shares ellen from Pharoah campground.
Beginner-friendly water activities: Several lakes permit only electric motors, creating safer environments for children. "This campground was clean, peaceful, and quiet. The sites are well-shaded, and the bathrooms/showerhouses were clean. Our kids enjoyed the playground and walking down to the lake," reports Chelsea D. about Oak Point Campground.
Plan for insects: Bring appropriate repellents and treatments. "Great hiking and great camp site. No shower but the springs offer a refreshing soak after a long day of hiking. Water is easily accessible and clean. Definitely lots of ticks but you're in nature so it's a given," notes Layton F. from Bell Smith Springs.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional preparation. "The sites and roads are snug for it. At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level. Water available at dump station but not consumable," advises Jessica R. about Dixon Springs State Park Campground.
Electric and water hookup locations: Hookup placement varies by site. "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," explains MickandKarla W. about Shawnee Forest Campground.
Campground access considerations: Some areas have challenging entry points. "Car camped without any issues but it's worth mentioning that I didn't have T-Mobile cellphone reception and the bathroom was a bit dirty. Also there was a shallow creek crossing right before the camping areas," notes Mark F. about Jackson Falls.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or dump stations. "Electric and primitive sites are spaced so you don't have to listen to a generator all night. Not super private but never that busy either. Bathrooms are clean and showers are free!" shares Kate B. about Cave-in-Rock State Park.
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