The Shawnee National Forest surrounding Herod, Illinois sits between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at elevations ranging from 350 to 1,064 feet. Tent camping near Herod offers access to extensive limestone formations with seasonal waterfalls following spring rains. Summer temperatures average 78-90°F while overnight lows drop to 45-65°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Boat access fishing: At Tower Rock Campground, campers have direct access to the Ohio River. "There is a vault toilet and a simple loop setup to the campground. The road continues past camp to a marina where you can launch your boat into the river," notes one visitor to Tower Rock Campground.
Hiking to limestone formations: Turkey Ridge at Ferne Clyffe State Park connects to numerous trails featuring unique geological features. A camper reports, "There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!" according to a review of Turkey Ridge Campground.
Wildlife photography: The diverse ecosystem supports numerous bird species and animals active at dawn and dusk. "Dark and quiet at night unless you have loud fellow campers. No camp host to speak of, just you and the woods and river (and bugs and snakes)," shares a Tower Rock visitor about the natural surroundings.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Camp Cadiz offers privacy despite its small size. "Motorcycle camping across America and I wanted to see grades of the gods. What I didn't want was to camp on top of someone else... Garden of the Gods camp was, in a word, awful. Cadiz was spacious, quiet, and the other campers wanted to camp not party," writes a visitor to Camp Cadiz Campground.
Waterfront views: Lake views enhance the camping experience at several locations. At Lake Mauzy East, "The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay," according to a camper at Lake Mauzy East.
Dark night skies: The remote location offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "Dark and quiet at night... just you and the woods and river," notes a Tower Rock camper, while another Dutchman Lake visitor described it as a "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Flooding affects campground availability, particularly near rivers. "We drove down to camp here and found this campground closed. We walked in past the locked gate to scout it out and there was a line of debris left behind from when the river was higher," reports a Tower Rock reviewer.
Variable cell service: Coverage depends on elevation and location. At Saline County State Conservation Area, "We were able to get cell signal on the campsites up the hill but not in any down by the water, which is why we stayed up the hill," according to a visitor to Saline County State Conservation Area.
Limited facilities: Many sites offer basic amenities only. "Bathrooms were not super clean but they were fine. There was potable water from a spigot and lots of kindling around to get fires going. No showers," notes a Camp Cadiz camper.
Tips for camping with families
Seek beginner-friendly trails: Some areas offer short hikes suitable for young children. "Rebman trail is good for anyone including little kids," reports a camper at Turkey Ridge, while another noted, "There are several hiking trails that looked pretty, but we didn't get a chance to walk them."
Choose sites away from the river: During certain seasons, riverside sites may present safety concerns. A visitor to Backpack Campground notes, "The walk up primitive sites are secluded, wooded, and within a pit toilet and water source. Make sure you take time to explore the waterfall and other short trails nearby," according to a camper at Backpack Campground.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: The region hosts diverse wildlife that interests children but requires caution. "Had my pups with, and no problems at all. Nice trails for different hiking skill sets," reports a Backpack Campground visitor about the pet-friendly environment.
Tips from RVers
Limited access for larger vehicles: Most forest roads restrict larger RVs. "Motorcycle camping across America... Cadiz was spacious, quiet, and the other campers wanted to camp not party," notes a Camp Cadiz visitor who appreciated the accessibility.
Water fill stations: Plan water usage carefully as hookups are limited. "There is a dump station and potable water at the entrance to the campground. There are also some water spigots sprinkled throughout the campground," shares a Saline County visitor.
Dust concerns: Campsites near gravel roads experience dust issues. "Every vehicle that went by generated dust which then coated everything in our camp. If you come here, we suggest taking the site that is furthest from the road," advises a Dutchman Lake Camp visitor who found the remote location worth the extra effort.
