Dispersed camping areas near McClure, Illinois provide access to the Shawnee National Forest's unique landscape where the Ozark and Shawnee Hills converge. The region sits at elevations between 320-1,064 feet with a humid subtropical climate that creates distinct camping seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer humidity often exceeds 80% during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Oak Point Campground connects directly to multiple lakeside trails. Visitors report the experience is worth the modest fees: "We could easily walk to the trails and we went fishing in the lake. It was mild and quiet the days we went in Mid-May 2020... Beautiful scenery."
Fishing opportunities: Shawnee Forest Campground offers several stocked fishing ponds on its converted golf course property. According to visitors: "They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing. There's no formal dog area, but there are paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs."
Watercraft activities: Electric motors are permitted at Oak Point's lake, creating peaceful conditions. A camper explains: "There is a boat ramp area with parking, electric motors only. Makes for a quiet lake experience... The lake is large enough though you really don't notice them when you head to the far end."
Equestrian trails: Giant City State Park Campground maintains dedicated horseback riding areas. A reviewer notes: "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground... I have tent camped here and camped in a pop-up camper in the fall both times."
What campers like
Lakeside site selection: At Oak Point Campground, waterfront camping is available without reservations. As one camper shares: "Next depending on which site you pick it can be a short walk to the lake and direct put in of your water craft. A very cool feature is that several of the sites are double."
Privacy options: Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR offers spacious sites with natural screening. Reviewers appreciate that "Most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."
Varied terrain: The region's distinct topography provides different camping experiences across short distances. At Giant City State Park, a camper observed: "The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river. I have tent camped here and camped in a pop-up camper in the fall both times."
Off-grid peacefulness: Primitive camping areas provide seclusion. One visitor to Giant City reports: "We stayed in the primitive camp site, while there were others there, everyone was dispersed far enough that it felt private. Camp grounds were clean, quiet, and the camp host and park ranger were very kind."
What you should know
First-come availability: Many campgrounds don't accept reservations. Oak Point Campground operates this way: "No reservations though so you'll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot. If you enjoy a very [quiet experience]."
Wildlife encounters: While raccoons are common throughout the region, other wildlife requires consideration. At Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney, a guest mentioned: "Someone was playing loud music till at least 1130pm when we went to bed. We also witnessed dogs being left outside unattended and barking for 20 minutes straight starting at 735am."
Seasonal maintenance: Facilities condition varies by season and recent upgrades. At Oak Point: "Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work... The shower never did get hot, only luke warm."
Connectivity limitations: Most campgrounds have limited service. While Shawnee Forest Campground reports "Their WiFi was very good. We got two bars on Verizon," many other sites have minimal cellular coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's areas. At Oak Point, "A playground located in the electric area for the kiddos to play in and around."
Beach considerations: Lake access often comes with additional fees. A family noted about Oak Point: "There is also a beach, but you have to pay $5/person which felt excessive for what it was. The fees were at the high end of what you find around here."
Poison ivy awareness: Plant hazards can limit exploration. One family observed: "Unfortunately, there was SO MUCH poison ivy that we couldn't play in the woods. But we enjoyed our stay on the beautiful lake! Decent bathrooms and playground but not great."
Yurt camping options: The Art Farm Women's Retreat offers yurt camping near McClure, Illinois with family-friendly facilities. A visitor explains they offer "tiny home rentals, yurt-style glamping tents, RV spots with 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 outlets, and The Art Barn for larger groups, retreats or family reunions."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric options differ significantly between campgrounds. Giant City State Park is currently improving infrastructure: "The campground is being upgraded this year in which I believe they are adding 50 amp full service to many of the electric only sites."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain creates uneven pads at some campgrounds. At Shawnee Forest Campground, "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps."
Water access planning: Oak Point requires strategic water management: "There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance."
Size restrictions: Large rigs face limitations in the region. An RVer notes about Oak Point: "Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front."
