Pine Ridge Campground in Shawnee National Forest provides primitive and electric campsites along the shores of Lake Glendale. Sites are well-spaced within wooded areas and cost $10-$22 per night depending on hookups. The campground connects to several hiking paths and offers a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like Garden of the Gods. Cell service is limited, with Verizon typically showing about two bars in most areas.
What to do
Explore hiking networks: Pine Ridge Campground offers access to trails circling Lake Glendale. "There is a 2 mile loop road that goers around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake. That was a perfect little g walk with the dog. Spectacular," shares one Pine Ridge visitor. Trail connections link to several camping areas while providing lake views.
Visit water recreation areas: Oak Point Campground features both swimming and boating opportunities. "A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails," mentions a camper. The lake allows for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboat rentals, creating multiple water-based activity options within walking distance of campsites.
Tour historical caves: Drive 30 minutes to Cave-in-Rock State Park to explore the large riverside cavern. "We took a 2 mile loop hike across to the lodge, along the cliff face and down to the cave. A lot of history here and some nice views," reports one camper. The cave once served as a hideout for river pirates and features interpretive signs explaining its history.
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Prices for campgrounds in the Shawnee National Forest area remain relatively low compared to many other recreation areas. "It was only $10 a night!!! We will definitely stay here again," notes a Pine Ridge camper. Primitive sites typically cost $10-12 while electric sites range from $20-25 per night.
Waterfront sites: Gun Creek campground on Rend Lake offers numerous sites with direct water access. "I was in site 30, located directly on the water in the Nighthawk campground. The site is shaded and fairly level with a nice lake view and direct access," explains a visitor. These lakefront locations allow campers to easily launch small watercraft directly from their sites.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds throughout the region maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. "The bathrooms and showerhouses were clean. Our kids enjoyed the playground and walking down to the lake," reports a camper at Oak Point. Most established campgrounds feature regularly maintained facilities with running water during the main camping season.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the Shawnee National Forest region. "Write your directions down for this whole area, the cell phone coverage is spotty and it will keep frustration down," advises a camper at Cave-in-Rock State Park. Download offline maps before arrival as GPS service becomes unreliable in many camping areas.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate on a first-come basis. "Oak Point 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," explains a visitor. Check each campground's specific reservation policy before traveling.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds in the area operate with reduced services or close completely during winter months. "Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work," notes one camper at Oak Point. Services like water hookups and shower buildings may shut down between mid-November and March at many locations.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Crab Orchard Lake provides family-friendly swimming areas. "Cheap campground that is clean and quiet. The back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can't beat the view," shares a visitor. Some beaches charge small day-use fees ranging from $2-5 per person.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "South Sandusky is a very nice campground with lots of trees, concrete pad, fire pit, playground, and bathroom facilities. It is wheelchair accessible and walking distance from the lake where you can swim, fish, boat, go tubing or just walk the trails," reports a camper. Most playgrounds are centrally located near bathhouses.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encounters with local fauna. "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for Smaller rigs. Good wifi, phone and cable signals," advises a Gun Creek camper. Some campgrounds report occasional sightings of skunks, snakes, and various insects, so appropriate footwear and insect repellent are recommended.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Giant City State Park Campground requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time?? There are plenty of trees for shade. Some sites are close together and some have more room in between them," explains a visitor. Many sites throughout the region feature slopes requiring leveling blocks.
Hookup variations: Shawnee Forest Campground offers full hookup options for larger rigs. "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," reports a camper. Utility placement varies significantly between campgrounds, so extension cords and longer hoses are recommended.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as not all campgrounds offer on-site disposal. "There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance," notes a camper at Oak Point. Most larger campgrounds maintain dump stations at entrance areas, though some smaller facilities require using nearby campgrounds or service stations for waste disposal.
