Camping options around Junction, Illinois range from basic tent sites to premium cabins, with most concentrated near the Shawnee National Forest and Ohio River. The rural, hilly terrain averages 400-600 feet in elevation with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F. Pine Ridge campground at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area offers multiple camping loops with both powered and non-powered sites situated around a scenic lake.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Pine Ridge campground area provides "decent fishing and beach for swimming" according to Matt H. The recreation area includes a swimming beach with designated areas for both activities.
River exploration: The Ohio River creates a natural boundary at Cave-in-Rock State Park, where visitors can explore historic pirate hideouts. One visitor noted, "If you're coming from the Kentucky side first there is Amish country to visit. Check in Marion for what's available and where."
Hiking trails: Several interconnected trail systems link camping areas throughout the region. A visitor at Pine Ridge mentioned, "There is a 2 mile loop road that goes around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake. That was a perfect little walk with the dog. Spectacular."
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Oak Point Campground offers affordable camping with good amenities. A camper shared, "They have electric sites for $22 and primitive for $12. Very difficult to get an electric site in the summer, especially on weekends."
Spacious sites: Campsites at Shawnee Forest Campground provide ample room between neighbors. As one camper noted, "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus." Another mentioned that "sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook."
Lake views: Many campsites offer direct water access. At Gun Creek, a camper observed, "Gun Creek is a great campground with many waterfront sites! It is nicely wooded, with a great boat ramp and boat parking area and close to a nice bike trail!"
What you should know
Ferry crossing: Accessing some campgrounds requires a ferry ride. At Cave-in-Rock State Park, a camper explained: "If you are coming from the south you will have to take the ferry across the river. Sometimes there is a pretty good wait."
Wildlife presence: Local wildlife regularly visits campsites. At South Sandusky Campground, visitors frequently spot deer and other animals. One camper at South Marcum noted, "Lots of deer and turkey!" while another at Oak Point warned about "SO MUCH poison ivy that we couldn't play in the woods."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have restricted amenities. At Cave-in-Rock, a visitor advised, "Note that there is no place to buy ice or firewood nearby. We crossed the ferry and went to Marion Kentucky and found some there."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. At Pine Ridge, one camper observed, "The lake area is beautiful with a swimming area, fishing pier, and pavilion to eat or sit under for shade."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas. At Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground, facilities extend beyond standard camping with "an arena and huge event barn on site" that creates additional entertainment options.
Seasonal activities: Halloween camping is particularly popular in the area. At Harmonie State Park, a visitor shared, "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making s'mores at the bonfire."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a visitor reported, "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps."
Electric options: Power connections vary across campgrounds. At South Marcum Campground, an RVer noted, "50 amp service, some with water and some with full hookup... Dump stations are EZ access on the way out."
Hookup locations: Utility placements can present challenges. One camper at Shawnee Forest Campground advised, "The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice."
