7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Shawnee National Forest near Goreville, Illinois, ranging from free primitive dispersed campsites to more developed options with electric hookups and shower facilities. Jackson Falls offers free primitive camping with established sites near the trailhead and additional sites further down the road. Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides more developed camping with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Dutchman Lake Camp and Panther Den Wilderness offer more remote options for those seeking solitude. Trail of Tears State Forest rounds out the area's camping inventory with both primitive and developed sites.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout these areas. Jackson Falls access roads can be challenging after rain, with several water crossings that may require high-clearance vehicles. According to reviews, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long and a little bumpy," though many standard vehicles manage during dry conditions. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, particularly at Jackson Falls where reception drops immediately upon entering the reserve.
Most dispersed sites lack amenities. Campers must pack in all water and pack out all trash. Jackson Falls has a single vault toilet at the trailhead that is generally well-maintained. Fire rings are present at most established sites, but firewood must be sourced locally within Illinois to prevent the spread of invasive species. Several campers noted that Jackson Falls "can get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus" and is "popular with rock climbers and people on horseback." For those seeking more privacy, hiking further from parking areas typically yields more secluded sites.
Weather conditions affect accessibility and comfort significantly. Spring brings flowing waterfalls but muddy conditions. Summer crowds can be substantial, especially on weekends. Fall offers colorful foliage but often dry creek beds. Winter provides solitude but requires proper cold-weather gear. Ticks and poison ivy are common throughout the warm seasons, requiring appropriate precautions.
"We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."
"Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."
"This hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs."
"Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"
"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"
"There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest. When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."
from $12 - $44 / night
Check Availability"A few miles down a dirt road this is a beautiful campsite with great volunteer hosts."
"Though no trash or showers--only porta-potty."
"Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."
"Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others."
"It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
GuideThis hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW! On the trail there is a sign to set up for selfies. With a dog it wasn’t as easy as I’d hope to capture the moment. Ha
GuideI started coming to this campground once a year as a child with my family 50 years ago. This place will always have a special place in my heart. Lots of memories and lots left to be made. I am thankful that the hosts have done their best with the up keep. The last visit we rented the Goose Bay Picnic area for a group of 8 of us. Beautiful place. Typically quiet during the week. Best sites IMO are 51, 52, 54, 13
LegendPicked a spot that unknowingly left me a sitting duck for tornadoes later that evening. Great view, though. And never saw a single person. Moved to the spillway the second night... little less vulnerable.
LegendNothing here but an open field and an old barn like structure. Just isolated.
TravelerOur family had a great time camping here! The road leading into the campsite is mostly gravel with a few rough patches. There are a few shallow creek crossings to reach the more remote spots (water levels may vary depending on rainfall).
4x4 isn’t necessarily required, but I’d highly recommend it—along with a high-clearance vehicle. We brought our Jeep Wrangler, and it handled everything like a champ. We didn’t even need to engage 4x4 the entire way in.
There are a few campsites you can access without crossing the creeks, but the dispersed site we stayed at was surprisingly clean. We only found a couple small pieces of trash—otherwise, it was spotless. Previous campers left some firewood and kindling near the rock fire ring, and we made sure to do the same for the next group.
We camped during the weekdays, and it was nice and quiet. As we were leaving on Friday, more people were starting to show up, so I’d assume weekends get pretty busy. That said, most campers didn’t go past the first creek, so the farther back you go, the fewer people you’ll run into.
One thing to note: I have Verizon, and I was on SOS the entire time—so don’t expect reliable service out there if you have Verizon.
TravelerThere is tent camping in the area of the bath house that doesn’t require any creek crossing. Now, getting to the more remote spots can be sketchy if you have a small or very loaded vehicle. There are two small creeks to cross and are somewhat rough to get through. I made it through in my minivan, but dragged through the second creek.
There are hiking trails that run through, but that’s about all I can say about that.
I had no Verizon cell service unless I walked about 2/10 of a mile up a hill to an opening and only then I could make a phone call, but I couldn’t access the Internet.
GuidePlenty of dispersed camping on a well maintained dirt road. There’s fire pits all over and no shortage of spots.
GuideWe pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.
GuideCampground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass.
There are several historical sites to visit. Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on
ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower. An easy 3 mile hike around the lake
There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods , and segments of the Trail of Tears
Dispersed camping options spread throughout the Shawnee National Forest provide several free camping locations near Goreville, Illinois. Most sites sit at elevations between 400-600 feet, creating varied terrain with rocky outcroppings and seasonal water features. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer humidity levels frequently exceed 80%.
Rock climbing access: At Jackson Falls Dispersed, climbers find numerous routes on sandstone bluffs. "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, and the trailheads are confusing as well," notes Shelby B.
Paddling on calm waters: Lake Glendale Recreation Area permits only electric motors, creating a peaceful paddling environment. "Electric motors only on the lake," confirms Shelly S., who adds that some campers keep "personal watercraft sitting on the shore for use" at waterside sites.
Local winery visits: Several wineries operate within 30 minutes of the camping areas. "If you enjoy sampling at local wineries while you visit different areas there is a short tour in this area, one of the wineries is Hogg Hollow. We stopped in while we were in the area," shares Shelly S.
Secluded camping spots: Despite weekend crowds, solitude is possible at Dutchman Lake Camp, especially midweek. "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too," reports J A.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the cost structure at Trail of Tears State Forest. "Not free but worth the $8/night," reports Bill C., who found "nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others."
Accessibility from highways: Some spots allow convenient overnight stops without extensive off-road driving. The dispersed sites at Shawnee National Forest near Herod are "easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway," according to Rodarius S.
Local rules for firewood: Many campgrounds restrict outside firewood to prevent invasive species. At Jackson Falls, one camper advises to "bring your own firewood. From inside the state of IL of course."
Water source concerns: Even campgrounds with water access may have temporary issues. Bill C. noted at Trail of Tears State Forest there was "potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal)."
GPS reliability issues: Several campers report navigation challenges. "Be sure to make sure you set the correct location into GPS. We ended up at the wrong location at first try," warns Daniel S. about Jackson Falls.
Choose developed campgrounds for amenities: Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers family-friendly facilities. "The kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade! The campsites are pretty private and some of them are nice and large," recommends Chelsea D.
Consider holiday timing: Holiday weekends dramatically change the camping experience. Lake Glendale remains "not crowded during the weekdays" even in summer, according to Donald S.
Pack extra recreation gear: Panther Den Wilderness has extensive hiking opportunities but no facilities, requiring families to bring entertainment. Nearby, Lake Glendale offers "an easy 3 mile hike around the lake" that passes "two large shelters built by the CCC as well as the boat ramp, damn, and swimming beach."
Water crossing assessment: Water features can challenge larger vehicles. At Jackson Falls, Tom L. shares: "We run a 28ft RV and we're able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading."
Alternative parking options: When uncertain about road conditions, look for established parking areas. "We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs," advises Tom L.
Surface considerations: Dirt roads may become impassable after precipitation. Jeremy R. notes about Jackson Falls: "Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was alittle nervous getting out after it had rained."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Goreville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Goreville, IL is Jackson Falls with a 4.1-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Goreville, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Goreville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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