Camping sites near Elizabethtown, Illinois provide access to the distinctive sandstone formations and hardwood forests of the eastern Shawnee National Forest region. Situated along the Ohio River at approximately 370 feet elevation, this area experiences temperature swings from below freezing in winter months to humid 90°F days in summer. Primitive camping options typically range from $0-20 per night, with most sites offering basic amenities and limited cell service.
What to do
Hiking geological features: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area offers several interconnecting trails through unique rock formations. "The hiking is incredible," notes one visitor, while another mentions "a natural rock bridge (and climb the steel ladder), springs, or Devils Backbone" as highlights within the trail system.
Swimming in natural pools: Pine Ridge provides access to swimming areas during warmer months. "A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders," reports one camper, while another specifically mentions "fun paddling on the lake" and "a 2 mile loop road that goes around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake."
Rock climbing: Jackson Falls attracts climbers to its sandstone formations. "This place is popular with climbers," notes one visitor. Another mentions "forests and great big, moss covered boulders. It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids."
Ferry crossing: Visit Kentucky via the Ohio River ferry near Cave-in-Rock State Park. "If you are coming from the south you will have to take the ferry across the river. Sometimes there is a pretty good wait," explains one camper. Another adds, "We took the ferry which is a quick fun ride."
What campers like
Historical features: Cave-in-Rock State Park showcases a unique cave with river pirate history. One camper explains, "Short walk down to the historical cave where river pirates and a few other notorious bad guys stayed. Definitely worth a look after taking the ferry across from Amish country."
Fishing access: Tower Rock Campground offers direct river access. A camper notes it's "ideal for fishermen" while another mentions it's "by the Ohio river and is very open... has a great view of the Ohio river and across you can see Kentucky."
Wildlife viewing: Pharoah Campground provides opportunities to see native wildlife. "The views are some of the best around," shares a visitor, while another warns about nature encounters: "There was poison ivy everywhere along the trail which made for a stressful hike, trying to keep ourselves on the trail without rubbing against the poison ivy."
Night sky viewing: Remote camping areas offer minimal light pollution. A Bell Smith Springs visitor commented it was "pitch black at night" while another at Camp Cadiz noted "Dark nights with star gazing and even a little bit of that eerie scary movie vibe at the far end of the lake where it's a little too quiet."
What you should know
Water availability: Many primitive sites have limited or no water sources. At Jackson Falls, one camper advises: "There is no water source and bring lots of wood. We scavenged wood from the hills around but ultimately had to leave and purchase wood."
Hunting seasons: Campgrounds get busier during hunting periods. A Camp Cadiz visitor reported: "Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey."
Road conditions: Many access roads are unpaved and potentially challenging. At Jackson Falls, a camper warns: "Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was a little nervous getting out after it had rained."
Site availability: First-come, first-served is standard at most locations. At Camp Cadiz Campground, a visitor noted: "I arrived at 7pm on Friday and snagged the last site." For Pine Ridge, another camper advised: "Try to come as early as possible to make sure you get a good spot."
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides developed facilities. "Lake Glendale is a true southern Illinois gem. They have recently improved the shower houses, the kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade!"
Water activities: Plan for swimming during hot months. At Bell Smith Springs, a visitor shares: "We found some beautiful hiking and water holes," while another mentions "a spring/large swimming hole, with a few places to jump off of."
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby historical sites. "We visited the Chocolate factory as well, which was a real treat," mentions one Lake Glendale camper. At Bell Smith Springs, another notes you can "hike to the natural rock bridge (and climb the steel ladder), springs, or Devils Backbone."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about identifying plants. "Tons of poison ivy but you're in nature so it's a given," notes one Bell Smith Springs visitor, while another at Jackson Falls warns: "There are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose larger campgrounds for bigger rigs. At Lake Glendale Recreation Area, a camper notes: "Wooded, semi private sites (at least for tents), full hook ups for RV's... There were a few sites with good lake views, with the majority of those in the RV loop."
Access considerations: Not all forest roads accommodate large vehicles. A Tower Rock visitor warned: "The actual campground is basically a mowed area in the woods close to the river" while a Jackson Falls camper specifically mentioned: "I run a 28ft RV and we're able to cross the first water wash without problem... The further sights will require crossing several wash outs."
Hookup availability: Only select campgrounds offer electrical service. At Pine Ridge, a visitor specified: "The left loop has power 50/30/20 amp hook ups but no water or sewer on the campsite" and another at Lake Glendale mentioned "Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups."
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