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Best Dispersed Camping near Shawnee National Forest

41 Reviews

Shawnee National Forest offers several dispersed camping options in southern Illinois, including Jackson Falls, Lake Glendale Recreation Area, and Dutchman Lake Camp. Jackson Falls provides free primitive camping with sites located near the trailhead and additional spots further down the trail. According to reviews, "the area can be tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area" and "can get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus." The sites are particularly popular with rock climbers, who utilize approximately 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs.

Access to Jackson Falls requires navigating unpaved roads with occasional water crossings. Vehicles with higher clearance perform best, though many standard cars can reach the main parking area in dry conditions. Several campers noted that "the road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy" and becomes more challenging after rainfall. Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides more developed camping options with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities for those seeking additional amenities.

All dispersed sites in the forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Most Jackson Falls sites contain fire rings, but no picnic tables or campfire grills. No potable water is available at primitive sites; campers must bring all drinking water. A single vault toilet is maintained at the Jackson Falls trailhead. Cell service is limited or nonexistent throughout much of the forest. Visitors must pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Ticks and poison ivy are common in warmer months. For those seeking more solitude, hiking further from the parking areas typically yields more secluded camping opportunities.

Map showing campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shawnee National Forest (6)

    1. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    5 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. 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."

    3. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    11 miles

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

    4. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest

    1 Review
    Grantsburg, IL
    12 miles

    "It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."

    5. Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Goreville, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 699-6637

    6. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Jonesboro, IL
    34 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shawnee National Forest

10 Photos of 6 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shawnee National Forest

41 Reviews of 6 Shawnee National Forest 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.

  • J K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Our IL #1

    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 that back right up to Lake Glendale. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Saw it in a movie once

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area, _Shawnee National Forest, I_l is not to far from Harrisburg, Il if you need to stock up on supplies enroute to your camping excursion.

     If you enjoy sampling at local wineries while you visit different areas there is a short tour in this area, one of the wineries is Hogg Hollow. We stopped in while we were in the area. You will see the signs on your route between Harrisburg and Lake Glendale. Nice little winery with a tick covered Lab to greet you in the parking area. 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. It’s across the lake from the beach and has its own parking area. There were people fishing near the launch and you can access the lake trail from this area. Electric motors only on the lake.

    The picnic area is a large area with a nice size pavilion and single tables sitting in several different locations near the lake and trail. The walk from the picnic area to the beach is not far either by road or lake trail.

    You have the option of two different camping areas in Oak Point Campground, with several double sites that are ideal for family and group camping. There are electric and non electric sites with plenty of room for the bigger rigs. If you pick a water side site it is a short walk to the lake trail and I saw several personal watercraft sitting on the shore for use. 

    There is a group camping area , Duck Campground that is at the very end of the road, so it’s nice and secluded. It has its own pavilion and facilities . I’m not sure if it’s open or closed. The CCC pavilions fire place was closed up but a grill at the pavilion had been used recently. The road in had a gate closed across it but a sign that said you could walk in.

    While we were at the lake it was very quiet and peaceful even with the expected noise from the beach. Dark nights with star gazing and even a little bit of that eerie scary movie vibe at the far end of the lake where it’s a little too quiet......just sayin ;) We thoroughly enjoyed floating and hiking.

  • 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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2018

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Ranger Review of Rom Outdoors Vertical Limits Ski Pants at Lake Glendale

    Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this sweet little campground has it all. Wooded, semi private sites (at least for tents), full hook ups for RV’s, great campground hosts, CCC buildings, new shower house, amazing trails at Lake Glendale and other nearby areas. Even on a rainy afternoon, there were plenty of campers at Lake Glendale, which resulted in us not getting a preferred site (46) but a perfectly good site instead (49). The sites were spotless and well maintained, with some having space under the trees for tents and some having just gravel pads. Our site was close to, but not on, the lake with easy access via trails. There were a few sites with good lake views, with the majority of those in the RV loop. The trail around the lake is about 3 miles; a nice hike that really gives you a good look at the park. On the hike you pass two large shelters built by the CCC as well as the boat ramp, damn, and swimming beach. For more wild hiking, go down the road 15 minutes to Bell Smith Recreation area (which has its own campground) and hike to the natural rock bridge (and climb the steel ladder), springs, or Devils Backbone.

    Rom Outdoors Vertical Limits Ski Pant

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, from time to time I get gear to test and review. On this trip I tested out Rom Outdoors Vertical Ski Pant. In the midwest we rarely get snow before Thanksgiving, and our little ski hill usually doesn’t open until close to Christmas (when they have been able to make enough snow for skiing), so I felt really challenged with this product. However, with a full day of cold rain and overnight temps in the low 30’s, I gave it a real go. A few weeks later we had a sizable snow (for early November and the St Louis area) and was able to further test these out. Here’s what I found: The pants are really waterproof! I didn’t get wet at all even after setting up and taking down a tent in the rain, hiking through tall grass in the rain, and later, hiking several miles in the snow. At first I thought the pants were a bit short and almost exchanged them for a larger size. But then I realized that they are designed with length in mind for wearing ski boots. And I could adjust them a bit by adjusting the suspenders. Overall I was very happy with the ski pants, if only we could have real snow and real ski hills.

    Pro’s:

    • Waterproofing is solid
    • Tons of storage pockets that have double closures (zippers and velcro) to protect your stuff; side pockets are deep and large
    • Cuff zippers to help with putting on/taking off ski boots and to vent
    • Zippered vents on insides of the thigh area
    • Adjustable, removable elastic suspenders
    • Fleece lining is super warm and removable if too warm
    • Adjustable waist with velcro as well as belt loops

    Cons:

    • Unisex sizing (women are shaped different from men!); no tall sizes for slim builds
    • Only comes in one color, black
    • No reflective areas
    • The adjustable waist is only adjustable by two inches overall
  • 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.

Guide to Shawnee National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Shawnee National Forest

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails to explore, especially around Jackson Falls, which offers great hiking opportunities amidst stunning scenery.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Dutchman Lake Camp provides a picturesque setting with decent fishing spots right off the interstate.
  • Rock climbing is a popular activity at Jackson Falls, where adventurers can tackle various routes while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lake Glendale Recreation Area

  • This area features well-maintained sites with access to drinking water and electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for those looking for a more comfortable experience while camping at Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
  • Visitors can enjoy a large, clean sand beach perfect for swimming and relaxing, along with paddle boat and kayak rentals available for a fun day on the water.
  • The campground is located near other attractions, such as the Ohio River and various parks, providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Shawnee National Forest in Illinois

  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at sites like Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest, where amenities such as toilets and drinking water are not available, so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife encounters are common, so if you're camping at places like Panther Den Wilderness, be mindful of your surroundings and store food securely to avoid attracting animals.
  • Many dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early can help secure a good spot, especially during weekends when places like Trail of Tears State Forest can get busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the designated dispersed camping areas in Shawnee National Forest?

Shawnee National Forest offers several designated dispersed camping areas. Jackson Falls is a popular option with primitive campsites located both near the parking area and further down the trail. The sites are situated along the water and particularly favored by rock climbers. Another option is Dutchman Lake Camp, which provides beautiful dispersed camping with easy highway access. These areas offer varying levels of privacy and accessibility, with Jackson Falls featuring both drive-up sites near the parking lot and more remote options that require crossing water washes to access.

Is there free dispersed camping available in Shawnee National Forest?

Yes, Shawnee National Forest offers free dispersed camping throughout much of its 280,000 acres. Trail of Tears State Forest provides free primitive camping options within the greater Shawnee area. Many locations allow camping for up to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period without fees. These free sites typically lack amenities like running water, electricity, or trash service, so come prepared for self-sufficient camping. Areas popular for free camping include wilderness zones and designated dispersed areas away from developed recreation sites. Always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, properly store food, and minimize your impact on the natural environment.

Do I need a permit for primitive camping in Shawnee National Forest?

No permit is required for primitive camping in most areas of Shawnee National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest's general use areas without prior registration. At Lake Glendale Recreation Area, you'll find both developed sites with hookups and more primitive options, though this is a managed recreation area rather than true dispersed camping. Remember that standard forest regulations still apply: camp at least 150 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and follow any fire restrictions. While permits aren't needed, camping in wilderness areas like Panther Den Wilderness may have additional restrictions and guidelines.

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