Pounds Hollow Recreation Area located in Shawnee National Forest, Il is easier to find then some of the other areas in Shawnee. 

You have the Pounds Hollow Lake, there is the Rim Rock Trail and picnic area and there is Pine Ridge Campground. 

First there is no boat ramp at the lake and it is an electric motors only area. So it’s excellent for kayak, SUP and canoe excursions. There is a swimming area and picnic shelter circa CCC era construction.

Next Rim Rock trail is for hikers only, there are horse trails on the far side of the lake. 

And then the Pine Ridge Campground which sits, you guessed it, on a ridge above the lake. There are access trails through the woods to the lake. There are nice size sites spread throughout the campground area. Tons of privacy. Electric sites as well as your basic sites with picnic tables, fire rings and those poles with hooks( I’ve seen them used for many things in addition to lanterns ) and of course pit toilets. But newer, cleaner pit toilets. 

The lake was quiet and relaxing. Even though there was a large group present at the pavilion the area of the lake makes it easy to find a quiet space to just float or fish. 

Only thing that would have made it better for me would have been if there was direct put in to lake. I like to park the vehicle and then leave it for the whole visit. Having to move the water craft back and forth takes away some of the enjoyment. (Very, very minuscule take away)