Join the fun near Shawnee National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Shawnee National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Shawnee National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
$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. "
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"
LegendOur 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. 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
GuideLocated near Shawnee National Forest. Beautiful area. Facilities nice. Hiking. Birding. Nature!!
TravelerGreat 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. Placed in the middle of Shawnee National Forest with plenty of trails, horseback riding, and swimming in a quick drive. Well worth the trip.
GuideMy wife, 2 grandkids and our dogs and were at site 22 from 10/10/21- 10/1\/21 camping in a Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108 TB. This was a great campground with fantastic views of the lake.
We also hiked Garden of the Gods and Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest. The hikes were great. I am pretty sure we will be back. The only drawback is that we had no cell service, although a quick trip to the ridge behind the campsite (1-2 minute drive)
RangerOverall great place! Would recommend. Beautiful scenery in the Shawnee National Forest. Quiet and comfortable.
GuideFerne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois. It is not among the best known parks, and its distance from bigger cities makes it more obscure and less frequented than other places I have visited. The campground is small, situated on a limestone bluff which is cut by a small rivulet and some seasonal small waterfalls. The area is really a hidden gem - one has to hike down to discover the natural canyon with the awesome sites. The campground is clean and well maintained. A site of interest nearby is the Garden of the Gods wilderness, which 300 million years ago was the bottom of a sea. The whole area was spared by the glacier activity, yet the weathering of the rocks has given us a sandstone plateau with numerous hoodoos. Close nearby are also Cave in Rock and Land Between the Lakes, both worth seeing.
Travelersingle, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared. drinking water available right outside the camp and most sites have a non-potable water spigot, horse hitch, and fire ring. close to lake kinkaid and johnson creek. there are a few trails that connect to this spot.
if you have a golden pass then you can receive a discounted stay.
LegendYesssss! 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
LegendThis campground is an absolute gem. 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
Explore the beauty of Shawnee National Forest while enjoying the company of your furry friends at various pet-friendly campgrounds. These spots offer a mix of amenities and activities that cater to both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Shawnee National Forest is Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 104 dog-friendly camping locations near Shawnee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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