Within the Shawnee National Forest, Oak Point - Lake Glendale operates as a US Forest Service campground that provides both electric and water hookups alongside primitive sites. The facility sits approximately 30 minutes from Marion via paved and gravel roads that remain accessible to most vehicles, though some sections need repair according to recent visitors.
Michael B. notes the campground "offers sites with electric and water and then sites with no hook-ups," with the hookup sites proving more level and better spaced than the primitive options. Sites 20-24 draw particular interest for their lake views, while several sites provide direct trail access to the 3-mile loop around Lake Glendale. The campground maintains two bathroom buildings with flush toilets and hot showers, though some reviewers mention occasional mold issues on wooden ceilings.
Campers can launch kayaks directly from certain waterfront sites, navigating around water lilies that bloom seasonally. The lake trail accommodates both hiking and mountain biking, connecting to broader Shawnee National Forest recreation opportunities. Fire rings include cooking grates, and the camp host sells firewood bundles for $4 each or three for $10. Ice costs $5 per 22-pound bag.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system, which can create challenges during peak periods. Matt T. found it "very quiet" during winter visits, noting that "spots in the woods and by the Lake can't hear traffic." Cell service remains limited throughout the area, with Verizon providing one bar at most sites. Rates range from $10-20 per night depending on hookups.
For campers seeking primitive dispersed options, Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest sits just half a mile southwest.
Description
If you are looking for a place in the center of the Shawnee National Forest, then Lake Glendale Recreation Area is for you. Its central location makes it easy to visit main attractions on either side of the forest or any place in-between. Surrounded by tall pine trees and mixed hardwood forests, Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing and bicycling. The accessible picnic area has a large picnic shelter near the lake with party grills for group gatherings.
Reservation Info
Open Memorial day weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundOak Point - Lake Glendale is located in Illinois
Coordinates
37.40820148 N
88.66303836 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/15/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/15/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 25 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 12 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 39 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 58 min from Owensboro, KY

































