The Shawnee National Forest region surrounds Norris City, Illinois, creating a diverse landscape with elevations ranging from 320 to 1,064 feet. The area experiences hot, humid summers with average temperatures above 85°F and mild winters, making camping possible year-round but most popular from March through November. Spring brings heavy rainfall, creating muddy conditions at some campgrounds without paved sites.
What to do
Explore Pounds Hollow Recreation Area: At Pine Ridge in Junction, visitors find numerous activities beyond standard camping. "A couple of the sites Overlook the river. The facilities are very nice. If you are looking for a hike it is a great place," notes Kim R. The area includes a lake with swimming beach and fishing opportunities.
Visit Cave-in-Rock State Park: The historic cave at Cave-in-Rock State Park offers a unique geological attraction. According to one camper, "We took a 2 mile loop hike across to the lodge, along the cliff face and down to the cave. A lot of history here and some nice views." The cave itself provides natural air conditioning during hot days, as another visitor mentions: "The cavern was a great respite on a really hot day!"
Fish at Rend Lake: Multiple campgrounds around Rend Lake offer fishing access. "Most people seemed to be fishing" at Gun Creek Campground according to a visitor. South Marcum Campground provides lake access with "swimming, fishing and boating" options available, while some sites have direct water views where visitors can enjoy "amazing sunsets over beautiful Rend lake!"
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Many campgrounds in the area feature well-spaced sites. At South Sandusky Campground, "Most of the sites are wooded with space between them, and many have lake views," according to Joel R. Another camper mentions that "The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Norris City typically maintain clean restrooms and shower facilities. At Gun Creek, visitors appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses. "The sites are well maintained and the area is BEAUTIFUL," says a camper about Pine Ridge, while another notes the "Very clean" facilities at Harmonie State Park, which features "5 bath houses and 2 pit toilets."
Year-round camping options: While some seasonal campgrounds close in winter, others remain open throughout the year. "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," notes a Harmonie State Park visitor, highlighting seasonal amenities. Meanwhile, campgrounds like Archway RV Park operate year-round, providing camping options regardless of season.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain that can affect camping comfort. "The sites are not very level so some adjustments were needed," warns one camper about South Sandusky Campground. At Gun Creek, "Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," while another camper notes about Pine Ridge: "Really liked the place. The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private. The hookup sites were closer together and did not look as well spaced."
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife frequently visits campgrounds. "There was also a little skunk walking around this morning," reports a Gun Creek camper. At Harmonie State Park, "Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back," while multiple Pine Ridge visitors mention that "there seems to be poison ivy just about everywhere."
Weather considerations: The region experiences severe weather patterns that campers should prepare for. Heavy spring rains can create muddy conditions, while summer thunderstorms develop quickly. Winter camping is available but temperatures can drop below freezing. At South Marcum Campground, campers appreciate that "Most sites are level," providing stability during wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "They have a playground near the showerhouse and a pond back in behind the playground," notes a Cave-in-Rock visitor. At South Sandusky, families appreciate that the campground includes "playgrounds, picnic tables, fire pits."
Halloween events: Fall camping brings special Halloween activities at several campgrounds. At Harmonie State Park, "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," shares Nichole M. Another visitor adds: "They have various events through the summer season with a big Halloween event in the fall."
Swimming options: Lake beaches and pools provide swimming opportunities during warm months. "The left loop has power 50/30/20 amp hook ups but no water or sewer on the campsite. Great location for hiking trails," notes a Pine Ridge camper, while another mentions the "beautiful trees" and "a 2 mile loop road that goers around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds with different amp options. At Shawnee Forest Campground, "The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," reports a camper. South Marcum offers "50 amp service, some with water and some with Full hookup... Dump stations are EZ access on the way out."
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend researching specific site characteristics before booking. "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for Smaller rigs," advises a Gun Creek visitor. At Shawnee Forest Campground, "There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones even though there were plenty of sites open in the upper 26-50 site area."
Interstate noise levels: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. At Benton KOA, a camper notes: "1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport." For quieter options, South Marcum provides sites that are "nicely spaced out" and farther from major highways.
