Dispersed camping near Karnak, Illinois offers access to the rugged southern terrain of Shawnee National Forest with elevations ranging from 375 to 1,064 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where occasional ice storms can affect forest road conditions. Most primitive sites require visitors to pack out all waste as trash services are extremely limited throughout the forest.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Jackson Falls provides popular climbing routes with natural rock formations. "The hiking is incredible," notes a camper, while another mentions "great big, moss covered boulders" make this area appealing even when water levels are low.
Fishing opportunities: Dutchman Lake Camp offers shore fishing access along several small waterfront camping areas. A visitor reports "decent fishing" at this location, which serves as a convenient stopover for travelers.
Trail exploration: Hiking the 3-mile loop around Lake Glendale gives comprehensive views of the recreation area. One visitor describes encountering "two large shelters built by the CCC as well as the boat ramp, dam, and swimming beach" along this trail.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Forest wetlands support diverse amphibian populations, particularly during spring breeding seasons.
What campers like
Water proximity: Sites along Dutchman Lake provide direct lakefront access. A visitor notes these are "beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get to."
Solitude options: Trail of Tears State Forest offers more secluded camping experiences. A camper describes it as "excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."
Variety of terrain: The diverse landscapes within short distances allow campers to experience different ecosystems. Forest camping areas transition from hardwood ridges to cypress swamps within relatively small geographic areas.
Cell connectivity: For those needing to stay connected, Dutchman Lake provides reliable service for some carriers. A camper specifically mentions "Verizon works well" at this location, which can be crucial for emergency communications.
What you should know
Road conditions: Jackson Falls Dispersed access requires navigating unpaved roads that can be challenging after rainfall. "Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was a little nervous getting out after it had rained," reports one visitor.
Seasonal water availability: Many streams and falls in the area dry up during late summer and early fall. A camper noted "no running water at the falls" during their visit, adding "bring everything you need, there is no water source."
Location verification: Double-check coordinates when navigating to specific sites. One visitor cautions, "Be sure to make sure you set the correct location into GPS. We ended up at the wrong location at first try."
Tick prevention: The region has significant tick populations, particularly in warmer months. Long pants, closed shoes, and regular tick checks are essential as visitors report ticks are widespread throughout the camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides a designated swimming beach that's popular with families. "The beach and swimming area was so nice for us to enjoy," mentions a visitor.
Kid-friendly hiking: Look for shorter, more accessible trails for younger children. A visitor reports "The kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade" at Lake Glendale, making it comfortable even during summer heat.
Educational opportunities: Visit historical CCC structures throughout the forest. "There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods, and segments of the Trail of Tears," notes one camper.
Safety precautions: Cell service varies significantly throughout the forest. As one camper reports, "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI," so plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency supplies.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest near Herod offers accessible options for various vehicle types. A visitor notes it's "easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
Water crossing assessment: Several campgrounds require navigating shallow water crossings. A Jackson Falls visitor mentions, "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."
Parking considerations: Arrive early at popular dispersed sites, especially during peak seasons. The limited turnaround areas at some locations can become crowded, as one camper describes at Dutchman Lake: "There's a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there."
Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. Advance preparation with leveling equipment is recommended as natural surfaces can vary significantly after rain events.
