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Camping near Shawnee National Forest, IL

3 campgrounds with availability this weekend

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    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.

    Best Campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest (131)

      1. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

      4.6(32)6mi from Shawnee National ForestRVs, Tents

      "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. "

      from $15 / night

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      2. Shawnee Forest Campground

      4.5(37)13mi from Shawnee National ForestRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $40 / night

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      3. Jackson Falls

      4.1(24)5mi from Shawnee National Forest

      "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

      4.6(59)20mi from Shawnee National ForestRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $10 / night

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      5. Oak Point - Lake Glendale

      4.8(16)12mi from Shawnee National ForestRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $10 - $20 / night

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      6. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

      4.6(14)11mi from Shawnee National Forest

      "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."

      from $12 - $44 / night

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      7. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      4.3(16)13mi from Shawnee National ForestRVs, Tents

      "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."

      8. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      4.3(16)14mi from Shawnee National ForestTents

      "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."

      from $18 / night

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      9. Oak Point Campground

      4.4(9)11mi from Shawnee National ForestRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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. Dutchman Lake Camp

      4.7(7)11mi from Shawnee National ForestTents

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

      "It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW!"

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    Recent Reviews near Shawnee National Forest

    799 Reviews of 131 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 30, 2026

      Whittington Woods Campground

      Decent Campground

      We had never stayed at Whittington Woods, but several of our camping friends have stayed here over the years while traveling through the area. At a recent RV open house, we talked with the campground (CG) owners and decided to switch our reservation from another private CG to Whittington Woods to check it out. The owners suggested sites 92 or 97, and we were able to reserve back-in site 92 with FHUs for our two-night stay. Site 92 is one of the better sites, with a large yard and good separation from neighboring sites. The CG was easy to find off I-57—follow your GPS or the signs. Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to our site. Unfortunately, one of the CG’s regular guests had set up in our reserved site 92 instead of site 93. After a brief discussion between our owner/escort and the guest, moving him was clearly not going to be a quick process. We were offered a couple of other available sites and decided to take site 93. Site 93 was a significant downgrade, with only a sliver of yard and very little separation from site 94. The sewer and electrical connections are near the center of the gravel pad, while the electrical breaker is on the opposite side of site 94. The water connection is at the very back, requiring more than 30 feet of hose for our rig. The owners were very nice, probably too nice when dealing with their“regulars,” and made the situation more tolerable by giving us a good discount for site 93. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. We normally get good performance from our T-Mobile internet with two bars, but download speed was only 41.2 Mbps. The CG Wi-Fi was better at 69.3 Mbps download. There are a lot of mature trees, so satellite/Starlink reception could be iffy depending on the site. The CG is conveniently located near I-57 and right off IL-37, although there was quite a bit of highway noise that was manageable for us. The property provides plenty of room for walking, especially with a dog, and has a decent-sized dog park. There are quite a few full-timers and regulars, with some keeping their sites well maintained and others not so much. We also saw some of the same latitude given to“regulars” when it came to keeping dogs on a leash and picking up after them. They have 5 pull throughs that are mainly used for overnighters that are handy but close together. We understand why several of our friends regularly stay here for a night or two while traveling to and from Florida. Whittington Woods is conveniently located off I-57 and offers FHUs, making the CG a practical overnight stop. Our home base is only about an hour and a half away, however, and we have better options in the area when we need a final stop to flush tanks before heading home.

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday

      Different than Most KOA Holidays

      We were heading back to our home base and decided to check out this new KOA Holiday and dump our tanks before heading home. The campground (CG) was approximately 10 miles and 20 minutes off I-57 on southern Illinois backcountry roads. Along the way, we encountered a suspiciously low power line that our 13.5'-high rig cleared. Small KOA signs guided us all the way in. We've stayed at many KOAs and particularly enjoyed KOA Holidays for their service and amenities, but this CG was not what we expected. We arrived at a large gravel parking area and found a check-in room at the end of a warehouse, with envelopes on a bulletin board and a phone number to request an escort. Since the RV sites were down a steep hill, we checked our assigned Creek Side site 26 before moving our rig. Sites 23–26 sat in a bowl at the bottom of the CG, with little room to maneuver our 41' fifth wheel and F450. The escort number went to voicemail, but we reached the manager using the CG brochure number. He agreed our rig wouldn't fit and moved us to back-in site 18 on the hill. All RV sites were back-ins. Creek Side sites appeared better suited for smaller RVs, although larger rigs might fit sites 23 and 24. We later discovered the main KOA office near the marina, which handled cabin check-ins, food, and boat rentals. Sites 1–19 were former pull-through motorcoach sites converted to back-ins, with utilities on the opposite side to accommodate other RVs. Our site 18 was exceptionally wide but close to neighboring sites. We positioned our rig toward the right side of the gravel pad (facing the site) to maintain reasonable access to hookups. The electrical pedestal was at the far back, requiring approximately 35' of power cord to accommodate our toy hauler's rear deck. The wide pad provided plenty of parking for a tow vehicle or boat. However, the CG brochure listed a $75 fee for parking boats or trailers at sites, and a marina sign listed a $50 launch fee. We couldn't determine how these fees applied. Water pressure was excellent, so use a regulator. CG Wi-Fi delivered 20.9 Mbps, Verizon had two bars, and T-Mobile had three. Our T-Mobile Home Internet delivered 358 Mbps, allowing us to stream golf and football. With no trees around the RV sites, satellite reception shouldn't be a problem. Some sites had limited lake views, but don't expect panoramic views or direct lake access. The CG had undergone considerable improvements, including attractive cabins, several right on the lake. KOA cabins were mixed with privately owned cabins, while lake access was concentrated near the small marina and swimming area. We expected more direct lake access and walking trails, but neither was available from the RV sites. A standard fenced KOA dog park was available, but longer walks with our pup were limited to a short path around the fishing pond, gravel areas, and CG roads. Considerable work and investment had gone into this CG, but our experience didn't entice us to return.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Camp Cadiz Campground

      Quiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.

    • M
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Fern Lake Campground

      I’m not sure where the good reviews come from. Ive tried to find another Fern Lake to make sure I was at the correct one. Bath facilities have half doors so you are shitting in public. Your kids get the nice look over by any of the weird full timers living junk squaller. The power poles are only standing by the shear strength of all the cobbled together wires and electric tape. It’s not safe. It’s fucking dangerous. Most the fire “pits” are shitty rings from 60 years ago at least. There is zero maintenance here. It’s very loud next to the freeway. Sites are small and on top of each other. Lots are small. Not level. And little gravel. The cinder blocks keep you from backing in too far. Most of the water posts are “shared” because others don’t work. Picnic tables are a fucking joke. Rotten. Lead paint and worthless. The water retaining POND has a grass path around it so you can admire what recycled concrete can create where there was once no POND. One star is extremely generous. Just like the generous $10 a bundle for wood. Keep on trucking. It’s not far to go to find something worthwhile. This is a 100% pass. Before you think I’m some kind of pre Madonna, I will say we are a minimalist family that camps in unimproved spots and boondocks all the time. This place is gross. And disturbing that anyone reviews it for more than a 1 star. Most of the reviews are flat out lies. One talks about the clean bathrooms, hot showers, and one mentions a fucking pool! Wtf? Shitting in your own fire ring is more private. Pictures sooooo under tell the story of what a shot hole this place is. It’s off the freeway very close. And there is a Mexican restaurant across the street and a Casey’s essentially attached. If that’s what you like. Have fun. But any great reviews are from either someone who came and went in the dark. Or are from the owners.

    • Ronald C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      South Marcum Campground

      Large site

      Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer

    • Scott M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2026

      COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

      Excellent campground

      What started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!

    • Randy H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Gun Creek

      Great Digs

      Rend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

      Nice & quiet primitive site. Great views.

      Very small, maybe 10-12 sites that are first come first serve. $10 per night as of September 2026. Solid Verizon cell coverage. Very quiet.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 25, 2026

      Giant City State Park Campground

      Good staff & clean facility.

      I stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.

    Guide to Shawnee National Forest

    Shawnee National Forest spans 280,000 acres of southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The rugged terrain features sandstone formations with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,064 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically hover between 20-40°F, while summer months see averages of 70-90°F with high humidity making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.

    What to do

    Hiking natural bridges: At Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, trails lead to unique rock formations and natural bridges. "There's hiking trails, but they can potentially be confusing, so take a picture of the map and make a plan if you can. There's a natural rock bridge formation, and lots of dramatic cliffs," notes one camper who appreciated the diverse terrain.

    Swimming in natural pools: During warmer months, several campgrounds offer access to swimming areas. "Just around the corner (or down the trail at the start of camp) is a network of hiking trails. They scurry around cliffs, falls and ravines. We found small pools perfect for a summer dip. Half the hikers were carrying towels so it must be a common plan," explains a visitor at Bell Smith Springs.

    Fishing year-round: Shawnee Forest Campground provides easy access to fishing opportunities. "They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing," mentions a reviewer. Many campsites throughout the forest are situated near water access points, making fishing a convenient activity regardless of season.

    What campers like

    Natural water features: Turkey Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers access to memorable water features. "The hiking is incredible. We found some beautiful hiking and water holes," shares a camper. These natural formations provide cooling relief during hot Illinois summers.

    Night sky viewing: Many campsites benefit from minimal light pollution. "I had no service and it was pitch black at night," describes a Bell Smith Springs camper, highlighting the ideal conditions for stargazing. Several primitive campgrounds offer this advantage, particularly during clear nights in spring and fall.

    Geological exploration: Pharoah Campground at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area sits near dramatic rock formations. "The rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome," notes a visitor. These ancient sandstone structures date back 320 million years.

    What you should know

    Water conditions vary seasonally: Several water crossings can be challenging after rainfall. "Also important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere," warns a Jackson Falls visitor, highlighting how environmental conditions change throughout the year.

    Limited facilities at primitive sites: Jackson Falls offers minimal amenities. "Car camped without any issues but it's worth mentioning that I didn't have T-Mobile cellphone reception and the bathroom was a bit dirty," shares a camper. Most primitive sites feature vault toilets that receive varying maintenance.

    Reservations vary by campground: Many Shawnee National Forest campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis, particularly for primitive sites. "No reservations though so you'll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot," advises a Lake Glendale visitor about weekend camping. Arriving by early afternoon on weekdays typically ensures site availability.

    Tips for camping with families

    Pool access for kids: Dixon Springs State Park offers a swimming pool with additional features. "They offer free firewood for campers, which was such a treat! We also enjoyed the chocolate factory right across the street," notes a visitor. The pool typically charges a small entry fee of around $6 per person.

    Playgrounds available: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The concessionaire stocks ice and wood, folks drive nice and slow for the kids, and there is a little playground for the kids to play on as well," reports a camper at Lake Glendale Recreation Area. These spaces provide entertainment when families need a break from hiking.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Beautiful campground with plenty of room between sites. Great family friendly place. Trails and roads maintained well," shares a Dixon Springs visitor. Morning and evening hours provide the best chances for wildlife sightings.

    Tips from RVers

    Gravel pad availability: Deer Ridge Campground offers prepared sites for RVs. "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud," describes a visitor. Most gravel pads require leveling blocks as sites may not be perfectly flat.

    Size limitations: Many Shawnee Forest roads have restrictions for larger RVs. "Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front," advises a camper about Oak Point Campground. Calling ahead to confirm accessibility is recommended for RVs longer than 30 feet.

    Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary by campground. "We have a 29 foot camper: the sites and roads are snug for it. At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level. Water available at dump station but not consumable," notes a Dixon Springs visitor. Many campgrounds offer electrical connections while fewer provide water at individual sites.

    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.