Primitive and established camping options near Goreville, Illinois provide varied experiences within Shawnee National Forest's diverse terrain. The region sits on unglaciated land featuring sandstone bluffs, distinctive rock formations, and mixed hardwood forests. Temperatures range from mid-80s in summer to below freezing in winter, with spring and fall offering moderate conditions and less crowded campsites.
What to do
Hike to seasonal waterfalls: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area features multiple natural pools perfect for summer swimming. "Just around the corner (or down the trail at the start of camp) is a network of hiking trails. They scurry around cliffs, falls and ravines. We found small pools perfect for a summer dip," notes one Redbud Campground visitor.
Practice rock climbing: Jackson Falls offers opportunities for climbers of all skill levels. "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 one camper at Jackson Falls.
Fish in local lakes: Multiple fishing spots exist throughout the area, including at Dutchman Lake. A camper mentions, "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing" at Dutchman Lake Camp.
What campers like
Trail access directly from campsites: Many campgrounds connect to hiking networks. At Deer Ridge Campground, campers appreciate that "there are hiking trails right from the campground. Sites have electric."
Springtime wildlife viewing: The area comes alive with unique natural displays in spring. One Deer Ridge visitor notes, "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" while another mentions "lots of flowers and trees in full bloom where you can leave the doors open and enjoy the scenery."
Proximity to multiple attractions: The central location makes day trips easy. A reviewer at Turkey Ridge Campground explains, "There were several hiking trails that looked pretty, but we didn't get a chance to walk them. Overall, this is a nice and quiet campground. We would definitely stay again."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Jackson Falls, one camper reports they "lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve," while another states they "didn't have T-Mobile cellphone reception."
Campground differences: Not all sites offer the same experience. A Turkey Ridge camper notes, "Sites are pretty damn close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to," while a Giant City visitor explains it has "both electric sites for campers and primitive sites for tents. All are shaded and quiet."
Water access limitations: Water availability varies seasonally. A Jackson Falls visitor mentions, "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!" At Deer Ridge, a camper points out "water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available."
Tips for camping with families
Choose waterfall proximity: Multiple campsites offer quick access to kid-friendly water features. At Turkey Ridge Campground, a visitor shares, "Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!"
Consider bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. One Redbud Campground visitor states, "Pit toilets were dirty even for pit toilets," while a Giant City camper notes, "Showers/bathrooms are really nice and clean."
Be aware of natural hazards: The region has typical woodland concerns. At Crab Orchard, a camper mentions, "We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads."
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: Not all campsites accommodate larger RVs. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a visitor noted, "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps. There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones."
Hookup locations matter: Check power pedestal positions when setting up. One Shawnee Forest Campground reviewer explained, "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."
Seasonal flooding awareness: Weather conditions can affect campsite conditions. A Hilltop Campground visitor mentioned, "I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it's been," while another noted, "Gravel lots were level and plenty big for our 38' Class A motorhome + Jeep."
