Camping sites near Ozark, Illinois sit within the Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 340-600 feet above sea level. This region receives approximately 43 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forests with diverse oak, hickory, and pine tree stands. Sites feature uneven terrain with rocky outcroppings and limestone formations common throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Explore rock formations: Garden of the Gods Recreation Area offers a network of hiking trails around dramatic cliff formations. "Spectacular, outstanding views, ancient cliff formations I love this place," notes one visitor to Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. The observation trail extends about 1/4-mile with multiple lookout points.
Water activities: During summer months, Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides swimming and boating options. A visitor to Oak Point - Lake Glendale explains, "The concessionaire stocks ice and wood, folks drive nice and slow for the kids, and there is a little playground for the kids to play on as well." The beach charges a small entrance fee and offers paddle boat rentals.
Wilderness hiking: Jackson Falls features primitive trail systems with climbs over various rock formations. "The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders. It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids," reports a camper who visited during Labor Day weekend.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Despite proximity to other sites, many campgrounds provide adequate tree coverage for privacy. A camper at Oak Point Campground shares, "The sites were sort of close together but the trees still helped provide a sense of privacy. There were clean bathrooms with running water a short walk away."
Natural swimming holes: Bell Smith Springs offers natural water features for cooling off. "This is one of my favorite spots... 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive to the river where you can hike, swim or wade. Even if it seems crowded, just walk down the river a ways for some privacy," mentions a visitor to Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds report significant wildlife sightings including deer, foxes, and various bird species. At Dixon Springs State Park, a camper notes, "We saw a baby fox, and enjoyed the chocolate factory right across the street." The area also hosts significant firefly populations during summer months.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Cell connectivity varies dramatically across the region. At Jackson Falls, a camper warns, "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI." Service tends to improve near higher elevations or developed campgrounds.
Seasonal water levels: Many natural water features experience significant fluctuation. "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!" reports a visitor to Jackson Falls. Spring visits typically offer the most reliable water flow.
Ticks and poison ivy: These are consistent concerns throughout the area. A visitor to Ferne Clyffe State Park warns, "Lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere," while a Lake Glendale camper mentions, "Very clean, well maintained... Unfortunately, there was SO MUCH poison ivy that we couldn't play in the woods." Preparation with proper repellent and identification skills proves essential.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play structures. A visitor to Deer Ridge Campground - Ferne Clyffe State Park shares, "This is a great spot for families. The sites are pretty close together, but still offer some privacy. They have electric sites for $22 and primitive for $12."
Kid-friendly hiking: Bell Smith Springs offers accessible trails with interesting features. "Nothing fancy, but the pit toilet and water supply worked just fine for us and our kids. We found some beautiful hiking and water holes," explains a camper with children at Redbud Campground.
Swimming options: Both developed and natural swimming areas exist. At Dixon Springs State Park, "a swimming pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6" provides a controlled environment, while Lake Glendale features "a nearby beach available to enjoy during the summer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer limited spaces suitable for larger RVs. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one RVer reports, "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice."
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many sites. "We had Spot 20 & it was very private and cozy," notes an RV camper at Oak Point, while another camper at Dixon Springs warns, "Our reserved site #6 was so sloped for our 24' C class that we had to give up on it and move to a vacant more level spot."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary across campgrounds. A visitor to Lake Glendale notes, "CG offers sites with electric and water and then sites with no hook-ups. The electric/water sites were much better than the 'tent' sites." Many campgrounds provide dump stations at entrances rather than individual site connections.
