Primitive camping options surround Herod, Illinois within the Shawnee National Forest, with elevations ranging from 320 to 1,064 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and winters typically seeing lows in the 20s. Many campsites remain unoccupied on weekdays even during peak season, offering solitude for visitors who can plan mid-week trips.
What to do
Hiking at Garden of the Gods: Located near Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, this iconic formation offers 5.5 miles of interconnected trails. "This is a very peaceful Campground. A couple of the sites Overlook the river. The facilities are very nice. If you are looking for a hike it is a great place," notes Kim R. about the nearby camping options.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Glendale provides accessible fishing near many campsites. "We could easily walk to the trails and we went fishing in the lake. It was mild and quiet the days we went in Mid-May 2020," shares Madison K., highlighting the easy lake access from Oak Point Campground.
Explore historic caves: The unique geological formations at Cave-in-Rock State Park include a 55-foot wide riverside cave once used by river pirates. "The cave has some pretty interesting history it was once a hideout for river pirates," explains Ashley Y., adding that "The campground is located on a bluff overlooking the Ohio river."
Local town exploration: The small communities surrounding Herod contain unexpected discoveries. "We drove up through the Amish Country. Saw a lady mowing her lawn barefoot with a horse," describes Brittany B. after visiting Cave-in-Rock, noting they found "hearty comfort food and a beer served in an ice cold mug" at the park diner.
What campers like
Affordability of sites: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable fees throughout the area. "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... Great places around to hike," mentions Brennan M. about Pounds Hollow, adding it was just "$10 a night."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good hygiene standards. "The bathrooms were clean. Most of this campsite is for RVs but tent campsite was still nice," notes Taylor W. about Canal Campground, while Brian E. remarks that at Pounds Hollow, "Vault style restrooms are very clean and regularly maintained."
Spacious sites: Unlike more crowded destinations, many campgrounds offer comfortable distance between neighbors. "The sites are pretty close together, but the trees still helped provide a sense of privacy," comments Madison K. about Oak Point Campground. At Harmonie State Park, "campsites are spacious," according to Dave C., who appreciated the paved roads for kids to bike on.
Wildlife viewing: The forested environment supports diverse wildlife sightings. "Lots of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you," mentions Jessica F. about camping in the region, while others note bird watching opportunities throughout the seasons.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campground availability varies significantly with the seasons. "We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time... Even in the winter the sites were quite clear and clean," reports Shana D. about Giant City State Park, though some trails may not be maintained year-round.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is spotty throughout the area. "Write your directions down for this whole area, the cell phone coverage is spotty and it will keep frustration down," advises Shelly S., who camped at Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer convenient water access. "Electric sites for $22 and primitive for $12... No water hook up at each site, only electricity," shares Dave N. about Oak Point Campground, recommending campers fill containers before setting up.
Plant hazards: Several campers mention encountering poison ivy. "The only negative thing I might be able to point out is that there seems to be poison ivy just about everywhere," warns Moe H. about Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, suggesting long pants for hiking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with young children, several campgrounds offer play structures. "There are 3 playgrounds throughout the campground," notes Olivia S. about Harmonie State Park, while Oak Point has "a playground located in the electric area for the kiddos to play in and around," according to Claudia L.
Swimming options: Canal Campground features water access that's popular with families. "They have a small playground, beach, several bath houses, a group camping 'pad', boat ramp, boat dock and easy roads for cycling," shares Rachel T., who calls it her favorite campground.
Halloween events: Several campgrounds host fall festivities. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween... They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire," describes Nichole M. about her family's experience at Harmonie State Park.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences for children. "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer," mentions Olivia S., noting the organized events throughout summer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require additional work to level. "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, suggesting requesting sites in the upper 26-50 area for better conditions.
Hook-up variations: Electric amperage differs between campgrounds. "Loved the area and the campsites are very roomy, especially for a small camper," notes Rick C. about Pounds Hollow, adding "The left loop has power 50/30/20 amp hook ups but no water or sewer on the campsite."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully. "No full hookups but there is a dump station," mentions Dave C. about Harmonie State Park, while other reviewers note some campgrounds lack this amenity entirely.
Navigation considerations: Some campgrounds have layout issues. "Had a problem finding our site number in the dark, as they are facing the wrong way from driving direction," warns Linette G., suggesting arriving during daylight when possible.
