Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Shawnee National Forest near Grantsburg, Illinois. Jackson Falls offers free primitive camping with approximately 60 climbing areas along sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders. Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides more developed options with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest and Dutchman Lake Camp offer additional primitive camping alternatives for those seeking solitude.
The access roads to Jackson Falls require careful navigation, particularly after rainfall. According to reviews, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy" with several water crossings that can become challenging during wet conditions. Most campsites have basic fire rings, but no picnic tables or campfire grills. Campers must pack out all garbage and bring their own drinking water as no potable water sources exist at primitive sites. Cell phone service is typically unavailable in these remote areas.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact the camping experience. The waterfall at Jackson Falls may be reduced to a trickle during dry periods, particularly in late summer and fall. Spring visits offer the best chance to see the falls at full flow. Several campers noted that Jackson Falls can become "very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus" and is "popular with rock climbers and people on horseback." For greater solitude, consider hiking further from the main parking areas or visiting during weekdays. Ticks and poison ivy are common throughout the area, so appropriate precautions are necessary. Trail markings can be minimal, requiring good navigation skills or detailed maps.
"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 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
"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"
"It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
"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."
"There are lots of ticks and mosquitoes so make sure your furry friends are protected. You can park on the few paved spots on the top of the hill or the huge grassy area by the lake."
"Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel."
"Duncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake."
"You’re tucked away by this pond connected to the lake system."
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.
GuideReally great spot! Big rig friendly and pet friendly. There are lots of ticks and mosquitoes so make sure your furry friends are protected. You can park on the few paved spots on the top of the hill or the huge grassy area by the lake. Easy kayak launch for a day on the water! You do need a permit for parking and the ranger does stop by on weekends to check so just get one. It’s super cheap for what you get. Bathroom and dumpster on site too. There’s a bunch of attractions in Land Between the Lakes within a 10-20 minute drive. It’s a really cool place. Totally worth it to stay a few days.
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.
Primitive camping near Grantsburg, Illinois takes place in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, an area characterized by sandstone formations, rolling hills, and diverse hardwood forests. The region sits at elevations ranging from 350 to 700 feet above sea level with an average annual rainfall of 45 inches. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while winter camping can experience temperatures dropping below freezing.
Climbing routes exploration: At Jackson Falls, climbers can access approximately 60 distinct climbing areas. "Beautiful location. Definitely off the beaten path. There was another group of campers but they camped on the trail," notes Jeremy R., highlighting the area's appeal to climbers seeking less crowded routes.
Fishing year-round: Several lakes in the area provide fishing opportunities throughout different seasons. "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," says Jonathan H. about his experience at Dutchman Lake Camp.
Kayaking access points: Launch from several unimproved access points along the lakes. At Demumber's Bay, "The views of the lake are amazing, and this is a quiet area that allows for easy kayaking or other small water craft. There is a boat ramp, and zero entry areas into the water for launching," according to Staci R.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the forest. "An easy 3 mile hike around the lake," reports Donald S. about his experience at Lake Glendale Recreation Area. The trail network connects to historic CCC structures and multiple natural features.
Seclusion options: Multiple campsites offer privacy from other campers. "Remote and rugged. Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude," says Bob P. about Trail of Tears State Forest, located approximately 55 miles west of Grantsburg.
Swimming areas: Lake Glendale Recreation Area includes a designated swimming beach open during summer months. A camper notes, "We love going to Lake Glendale and go several times per year. It is quiet, the campsites are pretty (especially group), there are great hikes nearby, and a beach to swim on."
CCC historical structures: Several Civilian Conservation Corps buildings remain throughout the forest. "On the hike you pass two large shelters built by the CCC as well as the boat ramp, damn, and swimming beach," reports a visitor to Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
Cell service pockets: While much of the forest lacks coverage, certain areas maintain connectivity. At Dutchman Lake Camp, one camper reports, "Beautiful Verizon works well. Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too."
Road conditions vary: Access roads to primitive sites can become challenging after rainfall. "Grave Road getting there was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was alittle nervous getting out after it had rained," reports Jeremy R. about Jackson Falls.
Water supply planning: No potable water exists at most primitive sites. "Bring everything you need, 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," advises a camper visiting Jackson Falls in October.
Seasonal water features: Waterfalls may diminish during dry periods. "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. We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls!" notes Casie A.
Navigation challenges: Trail markings can be inconsistent. "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," cautions Shelby B.
Camping with kids: Some areas offer child-friendly climbing opportunities despite rugged terrain. "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," shares Casie A. about Panther Den Wilderness.
Campsite selection: Choose sites further from trailheads when camping with children. "If you pick a water side site it is a short walk to the lake trail and I saw several personal watercraft sitting on the shore for use," notes a visitor describing the family-friendly options at Oak Point Campground.
Educational opportunities: Visit historical sites near camping areas. "There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods, and segments of the Trail of Tears," reports Donald S., highlighting educational opportunities within driving distance of Lake Glendale.
RV access considerations: Many primitive sites have limited RV access. "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. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible," advises Tom L. about Demumber's Bay.
Water crossings assessment: RVers should evaluate water crossings before attempting passage. "There was a shallow creek crossing right before the camping areas that I was worried about when I arrived at night, but I realized in the morning that it was not a big deal even for 2WD vehicles," shares Mark F. about his experience at Jackson Falls.
Hookup availability: Electric hookups exist at select campgrounds. "Campground 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," reports Donald S. about his stay at Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grantsburg, IL is Jackson Falls with a 4.1-star rating from 24 reviews.
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