Tent camping near Pomona, Illinois offers access to the limestone formations and hardwood forests of Shawnee National Forest. The region receives around 50 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal waterfalls and lush undergrowth throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for tent campers seeking more comfortable hiking weather.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Girardeau: Located about 60 miles from Pomona, this small lake provides peaceful paddling opportunities. "It is a good area for fishing, kayaking or canoeing. It is a no-wake lake," notes a camper at Lake Girardeau Conservation Area.
Cave exploration: Many campsites provide access to unique cave systems within walking distance. "Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours," shares a camper from Turkey Ridge Campground.
Fishing at multiple locations: Several lakes in the area offer good fishing, particularly during early morning hours. "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," reports a camper at Dutchman Lake Camp.
Rock climbing: The limestone bluffs throughout the region provide natural climbing opportunities of varying difficulty. Most climbing areas require a short hike from established campgrounds, with routes suitable for beginners through experienced climbers.
Swimming at Rend Lake: This large lake about 70 miles north of Pomona offers clean swimming areas. "The beach is also tidy and free of alot of trash, perfect for the youngsters to play in," according to a visitor at North Marcum Day Use Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers between tent areas. "The walk up primitive sites are secluded, wooded, and within a pit toilet and water source," explains a reviewer at Backpack Campground.
Trail access: The direct connections between camping areas and hiking networks rank highly with visitors. "There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc," shares a Turkey Ridge Campground camper.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats support abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. Very peaceful!" reports a visitor to Dutchman Lake Camp.
Ease of access: Some primitive sites offer surprisingly convenient entry points. "We chose a grassy space next to the curve in the road. Very peaceful! No bugs," notes another Dutchman Lake Camp visitor.
Fall colors: Many campers specifically mention September and October as ideal months for viewing foliage. The higher elevation ridges throughout Shawnee National Forest provide panoramic views of the changing colors.
What you should know
Outhouses vary in quality: The vault toilet facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds. "There are 'out houses' close by. Although they were pretty bad my buddy said 'storm of flies came shooting out the hole like a tornado,'" warns a Turkey Ridge Campground visitor.
Firewood availability: Several campers mention challenges finding adequate firewood. "Only issue I found at all was firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by," notes a Backpack Campground visitor.
Road conditions to remote sites: Some access roads require careful navigation, especially after rain. "The road is deceptively smooth. Ruts and water crossings appear suddenly," cautions a camper attempting to visit Buck Ridge Campground.
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules, typically March through December. Always verify current operating status before planning remote camping trips.
Cell service: Coverage varies widely throughout the region, with higher ridges typically offering better connectivity. "Beautiful Verizon works well," notes a Dutchman Lake visitor regarding signal strength.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For camping with children, prioritize campgrounds with reliable facilities. "The campground is wonderful! There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc," recommends a Willow Springs Campground visitor.
Plan for insects: The humid environment supports active insect populations, particularly after rainfall. Pack appropriate repellents and consider tent sites away from standing water sources.
Check trail difficulty ratings: Many trails feature rough terrain or significant elevation changes. "Rebman trail is good for anyone including little kids," advises a Turkey Ridge Campground camper regarding family-friendly hiking options.
Visit waterfalls after rain: Seasonal waterfalls throughout the area flow most impressively following rainfall. Plan visits accordingly, but be aware of potentially slippery conditions on trails leading to falls.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Pomona offer primarily tent camping with minimal RV amenities. "We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other," notes a Turkey Ridge camper about the limited space.
Site selection matters: When RV camping is available, careful site selection improves the experience. "Stayed here 3 nights in travel trailer. Water available to fill your holding tank and in couple of locations in campground. #35 is a nice location. Large yard and not super close to other campers," advises a Turkey Ridge Campground visitor.
Bring leveling equipment: Many sites throughout the region feature uneven terrain. "It's a level spot with gravel, so it's a 'clean' place in damp weather," notes a visitor to Apple Creek Conservation Area about one of the better-maintained sites.
