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Best Dispersed Camping near Sesser, IL

28 Reviews

Jackson Falls offers free dispersed camping in the Shawnee National Forest near Sesser, Illinois. The area provides primitive sites where vehicles can park directly adjacent to camping spots near the trailhead, with additional sites available further along the trail. The gravel access road has multiple water crossings and becomes challenging after rain, with several reviews noting difficulties for sedans and low-clearance vehicles. A vault toilet is maintained at the trailhead, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash.

Dutchman Lake Camp provides another free dispersed camping option in the region with easy highway access. Trail of Tears State Forest allows dispersed camping with some amenities including electric hookups, picnic tables, and trash service. The Panther Den Wilderness area offers more remote hike-in camping opportunities. A review 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. Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sesser, Illinois (4)

    1. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "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."

    2. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    42 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

    3. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Jonesboro, IL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 833-4910

    "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."

    4. Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Goreville, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 699-6637
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sesser, IL

5 Photos of 4 Sesser Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sesser, IL

28 Reviews of 4 Sesser Campgrounds

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Jackson Falls

    Popular dispersed camping area

    This is dispersed camping within the Shawnee National Forest. The area can be tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. It can also get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus. It is also very popular with rock climbers and people on horseback. I found the trails to be somewhat confusing and not well marked. I was here Easter weekend and the weather was great, so there were a lot of tents set up right near the parking area. If you don’t mind hiking in a bit, peace and quiet can be found.

  • tom L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Jackson Falls

    Jackson Falls Dispersed

    We run a 28ft RV and we’re 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.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2020

    Jackson Falls

    Waterfalls, hiking, climbing, and FREE camping

    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. Most of the routes here are sport routes, though there are a number of trad routes.

    There are primative campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite. If those campsites are full, there are additional campsites further down the road.

    Most campsites have fire rings. There are no picnic tables or campfire grills there. There are also no garbage cans. You must pack out all of your garbage. You also need to bring your own drinking water as there is no fresh water there.

    There's a single outhouse at the trailhead that is well maintained and pretty clean.

  • Marta S.
    Jun. 13, 2021

    Jackson Falls

    Unimpressive and crowded

    The campsite is considered to be primitive, which is fine, but it is right along the trail without any cover. All the campsites are one on top of the other without any cover in between or from the trail. They were all taken and incredibly packed during the Memorial Day weekend and honestly seemed very messy and unpleasant. I would not feel comfortable leaving my equipment and gear here unattended at all. I'm not sure if it's any better the further along the trail you go, but the areas we hiked it didn't appear there were additional primitive/dispersed camping spots available other than the ones near the trail head. Also, important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere.

    I have camped in backcountry locations and have done dispersed/primitive camping and enjoy it quite a bit, but I would have been miserable at this location.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2024

    Jackson Falls

    Love this place!

    This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to. Great hiking around the area. 

    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.  Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain.  Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's. Tough turnarounds for large trailers or 5th wheels.

  • R
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Jackson Falls

    Great campground

    Off the beaten path and wasn’t sure what to expect but once there it was nice…just a parking lot with a vault lock toilet and a few campsites you see right away… also a few down the path if you want a little remote. The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanatizer or water. None available there. Cool views of the Bluffs 1/4 mile down the path and a bridge that would go over a waterfall if it wasn’t so dried up…would probably real pretty to see in the spring. Drove my Hyundai Elantra thru just fine, but it is a rough road and your car will get dirty.

  • Shawn M.
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Jackson Falls

    Gorgeous Winter hiking

    Jackson Falls is popular with climbers and has many marked routes. You are able to camp right along the water near the parking pull out and if you don't mind hikers passing by, it is a beautiful location. We were out in spring after a mid-march snow fall and melt which meant good water. I would love to come back in warmer weather to get wet. I would imagine warmer weather brings crowds.

  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Road trip break

    Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway

  • Jacob T.
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Jackson Falls

    4x4 and tents only

    We were hoping to stay there but upon arrival realized that was not to be. The east side of the road is where the camping sites would be but the road was completely washed out. It would be challenging for a jeep to make it back to some of those sites.

    On top of that the river feeding Jackson Falls was all but dried up this time of year. Nothing but a trickle going down the cliff.

    We headed to Glendale Lake nearby and had much better luck at Oak Point.

Guide to Sesser

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sesser, Illinois, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of wildlife, these spots offer a unique experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

Ideal Spots for Relaxation and Fishing

  • For a peaceful retreat, check out Dutchman Lake Camp, which is conveniently located near the interstate and offers beautiful scenery along with decent fishing opportunities.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Sesser, Illinois

  • When visiting Jackson Falls, be prepared for a bit of a bumpy road, but rest assured that the stunning views and hiking options make the journey worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sesser, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sesser, IL is Jackson Falls with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sesser, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Sesser, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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