Best Dispersed Camping near Junction, IL
Jackson Falls offers free dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest near Junction, Illinois. This primitive camping area features several sites accessible via a gravel road that becomes challenging after rain. The main sites are located near the trailhead parking lot with a vault toilet, while additional spots can be found farther down the road requiring navigation across shallow water crossings.
The area attracts rock climbers and hikers exploring the sandstone bluffs and trails. Road conditions present challenges for standard vehicles, with multiple campers reporting difficulty in sedans and recommending higher clearance or 4x4 vehicles. According to one visitor, "The east side of the road is where the camping sites would be but the road was completely washed out. It would be challenging for a jeep to make it back to some of those sites." Sites typically include fire rings but no other amenities. Campers must pack in all supplies including drinking water and pack out all trash. Cell service is unavailable in most areas, and sites can become crowded during weekends and peak seasons.
