13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest provides several free options near Metropolis, Illinois. Jackson Falls offers primitive sites for tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest provides free camping accessible to various vehicle types. Other nearby options include Dutchman Lake Camp and areas within Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky, where forest roads like FS-326 and FS-343 provide multiple primitive camping locations.
Access to many dispersed sites requires navigation of unpaved roads that can become challenging after rainfall. Jackson Falls access road features ruts and occasional water crossings that may require high-clearance vehicles. One 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." Most sites have no amenities beyond basic fire rings, with no drinking water, electric hookups, or sanitary facilities. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water and waste disposal bags.
These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking solitude and natural surroundings, though popularity varies seasonally. Jackson Falls draws rock climbers with approximately 60 climbing areas along sandstone bluffs. During peak times, particularly holidays, some areas become crowded. "It's an interesting thing to hear what nature does when people aren't around. The sounds in the night, the random howls in the distance," shared one camper about the Jackson Falls experience. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas. Campers report abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic hiking trails, particularly around Jackson Falls where water levels vary seasonally. Ticks and poison ivy are common in warmer months, and visitors should practice standard backcountry precautions.
"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."
from $12 - $44 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
"This hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs."
"Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"
"There are lots of ticks and mosquitoes so make sure your furry friends are protected. You can park on the few paved spots on the top of the hill or the huge grassy area by the lake."
"Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel."
"A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well. The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted."
"TL;DR: Great large backwoods site at LBL with lake access, north-facing shoreline for Starlink, and workable cell service."
"Duncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake."
"You’re tucked away by this pond connected to the lake system."
"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."
"This site is quite remote feeling, but for a dispersed site, it is absolutely the BEST, which is why it is sometimes difficult to secure it, being it is first come first served."
"You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away."
GuideThis hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW! On the trail there is a sign to set up for selfies. With a dog it wasn’t as easy as I’d hope to capture the moment. Ha
GuideI started coming to this campground once a year as a child with my family 50 years ago. This place will always have a special place in my heart. Lots of memories and lots left to be made. I am thankful that the hosts have done their best with the up keep. The last visit we rented the Goose Bay Picnic area for a group of 8 of us. Beautiful place. Typically quiet during the week. Best sites IMO are 51, 52, 54, 13
LegendPicked a spot that unknowingly left me a sitting duck for tornadoes later that evening. Great view, though. And never saw a single person. Moved to the spillway the second night... little less vulnerable.
GuideReally great spot! Big rig friendly and pet friendly. There are lots of ticks and mosquitoes so make sure your furry friends are protected. You can park on the few paved spots on the top of the hill or the huge grassy area by the lake. Easy kayak launch for a day on the water! You do need a permit for parking and the ranger does stop by on weekends to check so just get one. It’s super cheap for what you get. Bathroom and dumpster on site too. There’s a bunch of attractions in Land Between the Lakes within a 10-20 minute drive. It’s a really cool place. Totally worth it to stay a few days.
LegendNothing here but an open field and an old barn like structure. Just isolated.
TravelerOur family had a great time camping here! The road leading into the campsite is mostly gravel with a few rough patches. There are a few shallow creek crossings to reach the more remote spots (water levels may vary depending on rainfall).
4x4 isn’t necessarily required, but I’d highly recommend it—along with a high-clearance vehicle. We brought our Jeep Wrangler, and it handled everything like a champ. We didn’t even need to engage 4x4 the entire way in.
There are a few campsites you can access without crossing the creeks, but the dispersed site we stayed at was surprisingly clean. We only found a couple small pieces of trash—otherwise, it was spotless. Previous campers left some firewood and kindling near the rock fire ring, and we made sure to do the same for the next group.
We camped during the weekdays, and it was nice and quiet. As we were leaving on Friday, more people were starting to show up, so I’d assume weekends get pretty busy. That said, most campers didn’t go past the first creek, so the farther back you go, the fewer people you’ll run into.
One thing to note: I have Verizon, and I was on SOS the entire time—so don’t expect reliable service out there if you have Verizon.
TravelerThere is tent camping in the area of the bath house that doesn’t require any creek crossing. Now, getting to the more remote spots can be sketchy if you have a small or very loaded vehicle. There are two small creeks to cross and are somewhat rough to get through. I made it through in my minivan, but dragged through the second creek.
There are hiking trails that run through, but that’s about all I can say about that.
I had no Verizon cell service unless I walked about 2/10 of a mile up a hill to an opening and only then I could make a phone call, but I couldn’t access the Internet.
GuidePlenty of dispersed camping on a well maintained dirt road. There’s fire pits all over and no shortage of spots.
GuideWe pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.
Dispersed camping areas around Metropolis, Illinois include multiple national forest locations in both Illinois and Kentucky. Located within the Ohio River Valley at an elevation of approximately 340 feet, the region features both deciduous forest terrain and lake access points. Most dispersed sites lack facilities, with campers reporting moderate to challenging access roads that can become problematic during wet weather conditions.
Rock climbing at Jackson Falls: This area offers numerous climbing opportunities beyond the main waterfall area. "Beautiful location. Definitely off the beaten path. There was another group of campers but they camped on the trail," notes Jeremy R. about Jackson Falls.
Water activities at Dutchman Lake: The accessible lake offers fishing and shoreline water access. As Matthew Z. mentions about Dutchman Lake Camp, it's a "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway." Jonathan H. adds that it has "lots of nice scenery and decent fishing."
Lake trails at Lake Glendale: A 3-mile trail encircles the lake, offering access to historic sites. Donald S. reports about Lake Glendale Recreation Area: "An easy 3 mile hike around the lake. There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods, and segments of the Trail of Tears."
Secluded camping on Forest Service roads: Several forest roads in Land Between the Lakes provide lakeside dispersed sites. Tobias R. recommends Forest Service Rd 343 as "A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well."
Water access sites: Many free camping sites near Metropolis feature water access points. Andrew C. shares about Forest Service Rd 343: "This is one of the best spots I've found on this app. Beautiful view with a nice fire pit, I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!"
Wildlife observation opportunities: The national forest areas provide habitat for diverse wildlife. At Demumber's Bay, campers report peaceful settings with wildlife viewing. "Wonderful locations all as you head to this particular spot," mentions J A. about Demumber's Bay.
Road conditions vary widely: Many dispersed sites require navigating unpaved roads. Regarding Forest Service Rd 343, Ralph S. notes: "The road in is rough, but a 2wd truck could make it in dry weather."
Permits required in some areas: Land Between the Lakes dispersed camping requires permits. Staci R. explains about LBL FS154 - Dispersed: "Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers."
Limited amenities at most sites: Bring all necessary supplies. As Staci R. further explains about LBL FS154: "There are ZERO AMENITIES, which means you need to know and understand sanitation ('cat holes') as there are no port-a-johns or vault toilets, there is also NO POTABLE water, so you either pack it in or bring your filter and drink lake water."
Seasonal considerations: Water levels at creek crossings and falls vary significantly. Mark F. from Jackson Falls notes: "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."
Choose sites with basic facilities: For camping with children, consider Lake Glendale. Chelsea D. shares: "Lake Glendale is a true southern Illinois gem. They have recently improved the shower houses, the kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade!"
Explore educational opportunities: Several historic sites provide learning experiences near camping areas. Maggie P. notes about Lake Glendale: "We love going to Lake Glendale and go several times per year. It is quiet, the campsites are pretty (especially group), there are great hikes nearby, and a beach to swim on."
Be prepared for insects: Ticks and other insects are common in warmer months. Ai-Ai T. warns about Demumber's Bay: "Pulled in around dusk and there was a deserted camper there, about 4 pull in sites for rooftop campers. The bugs were insane and 40 must've flown into my car when i opened the door for a split second."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some dispersed areas can accommodate RVs despite unpaved access. Tom L. shares about Jackson Falls: "We run a 28ft RV and were 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."
Accessible options near highways: For easier RV access, consider Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest. Rodarius S. describes it as "easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."
Cell service considerations: Cell reception varies across the region. J A. notes about Dutchman Lake Camp: "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too. Verizon works well."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Metropolis, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Metropolis, IL is Lake Glendale Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Metropolis, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Metropolis, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
