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Best Dispersed Camping near Karnak, IL

42 Reviews

Shawnee National Forest offers several dispersed camping areas near Karnak, Illinois. Jackson Falls provides free primitive camping with basic vault toilets but no water sources. The access road contains potholes and can become problematic after rain. A camper noted, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw Volvos and Subarus do just fine." Dutchman Lake Camp offers similar primitive conditions with several small camping spots near the water. Both locations allow fires and pets.

Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest near Herod provides completely undeveloped free camping accessible by drive-in routes suitable for tents and RVs. Panther Den Wilderness requires hiking to reach camping areas and prohibits pets. Most dispersed sites in this region follow standard Forest Service regulations with a 14-day camping limit. One visitor described Dutchman Lake as having "beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get to." Cell service varies throughout the region, with Verizon reported working well at Dutchman Lake.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Karnak, Illinois (6)

    1. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."

    "Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."

    2. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest. When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

    3. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    14 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

    4. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest

    1 Review
    Grantsburg, IL
    18 miles

    "It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."

    5. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Jonesboro, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 833-4910

    "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."

    "Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others."

    6. Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Goreville, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 699-6637
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Karnak, IL

10 Photos of 6 Karnak Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Karnak, IL

42 Reviews of 6 Karnak Campgrounds

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Jackson Falls

    Popular dispersed camping area

    This is dispersed camping within the Shawnee National Forest. The area can be tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. It can also get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus. It is also very popular with rock climbers and people on horseback. I found the trails to be somewhat confusing and not well marked. I was here Easter weekend and the weather was great, so there were a lot of tents set up right near the parking area. If you don’t mind hiking in a bit, peace and quiet can be found.

  • tom L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Jackson Falls

    Jackson Falls Dispersed

    We run a 28ft RV and we’re able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2020

    Jackson Falls

    Waterfalls, hiking, climbing, and FREE camping

    Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes. Most of the routes here are sport routes, though there are a number of trad routes.

    There are primative campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite. If those campsites are full, there are additional campsites further down the road.

    Most campsites have fire rings. There are no picnic tables or campfire grills there. There are also no garbage cans. You must pack out all of your garbage. You also need to bring your own drinking water as there is no fresh water there.

    There's a single outhouse at the trailhead that is well maintained and pretty clean.

  • J K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Our IL #1

    This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very

  • Marta S.
    Jun. 13, 2021

    Jackson Falls

    Unimpressive and crowded

    The campsite is considered to be primitive, which is fine, but it is right along the trail without any cover. All the campsites are one on top of the other without any cover in between or from the trail. They were all taken and incredibly packed during the Memorial Day weekend and honestly seemed very messy and unpleasant. I would not feel comfortable leaving my equipment and gear here unattended at all. I'm not sure if it's any better the further along the trail you go, but the areas we hiked it didn't appear there were additional primitive/dispersed camping spots available other than the ones near the trail head. Also, important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere.

    I have camped in backcountry locations and have done dispersed/primitive camping and enjoy it quite a bit, but I would have been miserable at this location.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2024

    Jackson Falls

    Love this place!

    This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to. Great hiking around the area. 

    The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw volvos and subarus do just fine.  Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain.  Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's. Tough turnarounds for large trailers or 5th wheels.

  • R
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Jackson Falls

    Great campground

    Off the beaten path and wasn’t sure what to expect but once there it was nice…just a parking lot with a vault lock toilet and a few campsites you see right away… also a few down the path if you want a little remote. The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanatizer or water. None available there. Cool views of the Bluffs 1/4 mile down the path and a bridge that would go over a waterfall if it wasn’t so dried up…would probably real pretty to see in the spring. Drove my Hyundai Elantra thru just fine, but it is a rough road and your car will get dirty.

  • Shawn M.
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Jackson Falls

    Gorgeous Winter hiking

    Jackson Falls is popular with climbers and has many marked routes. You are able to camp right along the water near the parking pull out and if you don't mind hikers passing by, it is a beautiful location. We were out in spring after a mid-march snow fall and melt which meant good water. I would love to come back in warmer weather to get wet. I would imagine warmer weather brings crowds.

  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Road trip break

    Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway

Guide to Karnak

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Karnak, Illinois, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With several well-reviewed spots in the Shawnee National Forest, campers can find the perfect escape into the wild.

Dispersed campers should check out Jackson Falls

  • Jackson Falls offers a spectacular experience for those seeking private and semi-private sites that are easily accessible by vehicle.
  • The area is known for its great hiking opportunities, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • While the road can be a bit bumpy, it’s manageable for most vehicles, including 4x4s and smaller cars, ensuring a smooth arrival to this scenic location.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Karnak, Illinois

  • Many sites, like those at Lake Glendale Recreation Area, are first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help secure a prime spot.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience; some areas, such as Dutchman Lake Camp, lack amenities like drinking water and toilets, so bringing your supplies is essential.
  • Wildlife is abundant in these regions, so campers should be ready for encounters with nature, especially in more remote spots like Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest.

Hiking and outdoor activities while free camping near Karnak

  • The trails around Trail of Tears State Forest provide excellent opportunities for hiking, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the area.
  • Rock climbing is a popular activity at Jackson Falls, attracting adventurers looking to challenge themselves on natural formations.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, spots like Dutchman Lake Camp offer decent fishing opportunities, making it a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Karnak, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Karnak, IL is Jackson Falls with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Karnak, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Karnak, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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