The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Shawnee National Forest

736 Reviews

Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois features both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas across varied terrain. Jackson Falls offers free primitive camping with multiple sites situated along trails and near sandstone bluffs popular with rock climbers. Lake Glendale Recreation Area, Bell Smith Springs, and Garden of the Gods provide established campgrounds with more amenities for tent and RV campers. Several locations offer year-round access, though specific facilities like Redbud Campground operate seasonally from March through December.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some sites requiring navigation of rough gravel roads or water crossings. "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," noted one Jackson Falls visitor. Sites like Dixon Springs State Park and Deer Ridge Campground offer more accessible options with gravel pads and electrical hookups for RVs. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas, particularly at Jackson Falls and other remote locations. Weather considerations include potential for heavy rain that can make dirt roads impassable and increase water levels at creek crossings.

The campground experience varies widely across the forest. Tent campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Jackson Falls but should be prepared for minimal amenities - only vault toilets are available, with no drinking water or garbage service. Mixed-use campgrounds like Shawnee Forest Campground and Oak Point offer more comfortable stays with showers, drinking water, and electric hookups. According to one camper, "If you enjoy untouched nature, this is definitely a place to visit," though they also warned about ticks being prevalent during certain seasons. Hikers and climbers benefit from direct trail access at several campgrounds, with Bell Smith Springs offering hiking paths leading directly to scenic springs and rock formations. Wildlife sightings including coyotes and raccoons are common at campgrounds throughout the forest.

Map showing campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Shawnee National Forest (123)

    1. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $15 / night

    "Red Bud Campground Shawnee National Forest Bell Smith Springs Recreational Area Harrisburg, IL Red Bud Campground is a secluded heavily tree covered campground perfect for tent and RV Camping."

    "However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "

    2. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "A nice stop to visit the Shawnee National Forest."

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    3. Jackson Falls

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

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    54 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    "Great trails within walking distance. One of the most clear and closest to the sky areas in the midwest for sky gazing. The camp sites are nicely sized."

    "Pharaoh's was super close to everything we wanted to see and made a great home base. It's very minimal with fire pits and pit bathrooms being the only amenities but we didn't mind at all."

    5. Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    15 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 638-3246

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Our favorite in all of Illinois!!"

    "Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."

    6. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest. When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

    7. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    $18 / night

    "Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."

    "Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."

    8. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Located near Shawnee National Forest. Beautiful area. Facilities nice. Hiking. Birding. Nature!!"

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    9. Oak Point Campground

    9 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    "Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."

    "Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on."

    10. Dixon Springs State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3394

    "We were a bit nervous about this campground when reading reviews and seeing the location (there is an Impact Incarceration Program that shares the border), but I'm glad we found it."

    "There was a couple nice playgrounds for the kids to play on and plenty to walk around and see."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 123 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Shawnee National Forest Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Shawnee National Forest

130 Photos of 123 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shawnee National Forest

736 Reviews of 123 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds

  • H
    Oct. 11, 2025

    South Marcum Campground

    Quiet and peaceful

    The view in the tent area of covey point is breathtaking. The campground is clean, quiet, and peaceful

  • Mandi G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    North Sandusky Campground

    Gorgeous views

    Very well maintained campgrounds. Most sites are pretty sloped but there are some level sites. Flush toilets. Bring binoculars for egrets and herons on the lake.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Great stop for the night

    We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    Cleanest Bathrooms

    There is nothing special about the location. There is a boat ramp nearby. There were only people set up in the park today. They do have a playground.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    A good spot to have a work week

    Functional clean porta potties. Fire pits, tables and water( not at the campsite but available at the entrance). Not a ton of privacy but very friendly people. Not great for starlink but very moderate t mobile a slightly better Verizon. Lots of tents and vans. Not many spots. Beautiful.

  • j
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    Nice COE campground

    Grand Rivers KY Canal Campground at Barkley Lake COE Site 111 This is a great COE campground located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with views of the Barkley Dam. The canal connects them and you can see boats and occasionally barges passing through. There are over 100 campsites are available, many with water views. We had a spacious site with a river view. Other loops are closer together and no view. Sites offer electric and/or water hookups, tables and fire ring. Other amenities include clean old style bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, a playground, and picnic pavilions. We saw several deer roaming the grounds. There's a great pizza place in town Papa Z.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great spot for location

    Overall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gun Creek

    Nice!

    Nice, large, well thought out campground. Lots of trees, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, and well maintained. Offers full hookups, partial or none. Convenient to I64. Only stayed 1 nite, but would definitely come back.

  • L
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Beautiful, empty, cheap state park

    We are the only campers here in a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and the only sound is from the birds. $20 for a state park site with electricity is incredible. It is out of the way (we took the ferry from Kentucky).

Guide to Shawnee National Forest

Camping near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the area. Many campers rave about the trails at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground, with one visitor saying, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Gun Creek. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food," making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, Jackson Falls is known for its climbing spots. One camper noted, "Great place to backwoods camp. It can be busy on the weekends and can be difficult to find an open site at times."

What campers like:

  • Cleanliness: Campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one visitor said, "The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful."
  • Seclusion: Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. A reviewer at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "Very quiet and peaceful," highlighting the campground's charm.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. At Giant City State Park Campground, one guest shared, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. Shawnee Forest Campground has paved trails, making it easier for families to explore together. One reviewer said, "The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys. A family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed the playground, stating, "The playground was good."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled for adventures. A camper at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "Great hiking and scenery and it was very quiet at night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Not all sites are level or spacious. A reviewer at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are flat. Clean facilities."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities. A visitor at Pine Ridge said, "There is no sanitary dump station, and the water spigot does not have a way to hook up a hose to fill your tank."

Camping near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Shawnee National Forest camping sites?

Amenities vary widely across Shawnee National Forest campgrounds. Oak Point - Lake Glendale offers more developed facilities with water and electric hookups, private sites, and access to a beach area. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park provides gravel pads with electricity, picnic tables, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. More rustic options like Johnson Creek have centralized bathhouses, pit toilets, and drinking water stations. Dispersed camping areas such as Jackson Falls have minimal or no amenities. Come prepared with your own supplies, especially if staying at the more remote sites.

What recreational activities are available while camping in Shawnee National Forest?

Shawnee National Forest offers diverse recreational activities for all interests. Hiking is abundant, with Pine Ridge providing easy access to Garden of the Gods, one of the forest's most spectacular features. Jackson Falls is a premier rock climbing destination that's also popular with horseback riders. The forest excels in stargazing opportunities, particularly at Pharoah campground, noted for having some of the clearest skies in the Midwest. Water activities abound with swimming beaches at Lake Glendale and fishing at Kincaid Lake near Johnson Creek. Birdwatching and nature photography are excellent throughout the forest, with Ferne Clyffe State Park offering particularly good opportunities for spotting local wildlife.

Do I need reservations for camping at Shawnee National Forest?

Reservation policies vary throughout Shawnee National Forest. Hilltop Campground, a private option near the forest, is recommended for those wanting guaranteed availability with reservations. For public campgrounds, many developed sites like Lake Glendale Recreation Area accept reservations, which are strongly recommended during peak seasons (spring and fall) and weekends. Some smaller campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping areas like Jackson Falls don't require formal reservations but can become crowded, especially on weekends and near the college campus. For the best camping experience, especially during popular times, securing reservations where available is advisable.

Where are the designated campgrounds in Shawnee National Forest?

Shawnee National Forest offers several designated campgrounds across its vast landscape. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground is centrally located with trail access and excellent stargazing opportunities. Johnson Creek features three camping loops in the northwestern edge with single, double, and triple sites. Other notable campgrounds include Pine Ridge near Garden of the Gods, Oak Point at Lake Glendale with lakeside sites, and dispersed camping options at Jackson Falls. Ferne Clyffe State Park, located within the forest, offers both Deer Ridge and Turkey Ridge campgrounds. Most developed sites provide basic facilities while dispersed camping requires more self-sufficiency.

Keep Exploring