Stonefort, Illinois sits on the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National Forest at approximately 400 feet elevation. The region features limestone bluffs, sandstone formations, and seasonal waterfalls that create unique landscapes for camping. Southern Illinois experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Dutchman Lake Camp provides accessible fishing spots just off Interstate 24. "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," notes Jonathan H. The location combines convenience with natural settings.
Hiking trail exploration: Deer Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park connects directly to numerous trails. "Short trail leads from campground to the limestone cliffs. Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" shares Stephanie S. The park features multiple interconnected paths of varying difficulty.
Rock formations viewing: Giant City State Park Campground offers unique geological features within walking distance. "Lots of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders," explains Kyle K. The park contains sandstone formations created over 300 million years ago.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Shawnee Forest Campground receives positive feedback for its upkeep. "The bathrooms are very clean and well lite. The gentleman/host that greeted us at the office upon arrival was polite and helpful," mentions Tonya B. The campground was built on a former golf course, providing open spaces with strategic tree placement.
Trail access for riders: Equestrian camping near Stonefort, Illinois provides direct connections to forest paths. "Ride out of several trail heads" notes Dana W. about Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground. Horse enthusiasts appreciate the accessibility to varied terrain.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Crab Orchard Lake campground offers lakeside sites with abundant wildlife. "We spent 5 nights on Site A5 at Crab Orchard Campground. Someone in one of the sites by the lake said they saw snakes but we never saw any," reports Tracie E. The refuge hosts diverse animal populations throughout different seasons.
What you should know
Reservation policies vary: Most campgrounds near Stonefort operate on different reservation systems. "You take an open spot and pay the park ranger or host when they come around," explains Glenda about Deer Ridge Campground. Meanwhile, Crab Orchard Lake operates on "first come first serve..and one loop is closed for renovations. Most you can spend here is 14 days, which lots of locals do."
Site characteristics: Campground layouts and amenities differ significantly. "The sites are nice and level. Quiet in the area. Picnic table and fire ring at every site," reports Jessica R. about Shawnee Forest Campground. Others note that some sites may have terrain issues during wet weather.
