Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest
Panther Den Wilderness in Shawnee National Forest features rocky terrain with dense forest cover. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Giant City State Park and the Garden of the Gods, offering hiking and scenic views.
Description
The United States Congress designated Panther Den as a wilderness area in 1990. It now has a total of 1195 acres, 1081 acres is National Forest System and other portion is the Crab Orchard Wilderness. The primary trail system is the River to River Trail. This trail is well marked and has several loops are in the system. Several other trails branch off the River to River Trail and support the main trail system.
Primitive camping is allowed within designated wilderness. There is no fee for primitive camping, however visitors are limited to camping a maximum of 14 continuous days. Camp and wash 150 feet away from lakes and streams. Primitive camping is NOT allowed within designated natural areas or research natural areas (boundaries are marked with yellow posts)
Location
Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest is located in Illinois
Directions
Directions: Driving Directions to Panther Den Trailhead: From Carbondale: From Hwy 13 and Giant City Road go south 7 miles to Grassy Road, turn left and go 2.5 miles to Rocky Comfort Road and turn right. Go south 4.5 miles to Panther Den Road, turn left go 1.5 miles to Panther Den Lane, turn left go north to trailhead. From Interstate-57: take exit 40 (Goreville exit) west take Goreville Road 1 mile to North Lick Creek Road. Turn right, go a quarter mile to Mt. Hebron Road, turn left. Go 2 miles to Robinson Hill Road, turn right on Panther Den Lane and go north to trailhead
Coordinates
37.592962833249665 N
89.0750902364915 W
Detours Nearby
Touch of Nature Education Center
14 min away
Dutchman Lake Camp
17 min away
Drive Time
- 45 min from Paducah
- 55 min from Cape Girardeau
- 1 hr 55 min from Evansville
- 2 hrs from St. Louis
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest needs a permit.
