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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Jackson Falls

19 Reviews

About

National Forest

Shawnee National Forest

Jackson Falls offers many opportunities for technical climbing and is a beautiful scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest.  It is in the general forest area located east of the small town of Ozark, IL. This non-developed area has a small trailhead with a vault toilet. A short trail leads from the trailhead to the top of Jackson Falls.  There are high dangerous bluffs in the area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Camping is allowed here at no cost, since this is part of the general forest area and not a developed campground. Access: A narrow gravel road leads to the Jackson Falls Trailhead, but then the road becomes dirt and deadends past the trailhead.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

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  • WiFi
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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • WiFi
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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27%
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11%
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4.0

out of 5

19 Reviews

Kayaun P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2023

No Signal, No Problem

Went here in early May of 2022 with two friends. This area is massive; there are a handful of hammock friendly tent sites near the Vault toilet and parking lot, and there are plenty of sites available further up the road. When we went, it was rainy and fairly cool, so there were few bugs. My only complaint was that I had no cell service. I was too busy enjoying being there.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Kayaun P., January 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Kayaun P., January 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Kayaun P., January 15, 2023
  • (9) View All
R
Reviewed Sep. 4, 2022

Great campground

Off the beaten path and wasn’t sure what to expect but once there it was nice…just a parking lot with a vault lock toilet and a few campsites you see right away… also a few down the path if you want a little remote. The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanatizer or water. None available there. Cool views of the Bluffs 1/4 mile down the path and a bridge that would go over a waterfall if it wasn’t so dried up…would probably real pretty to see in the spring. Drove my Hyundai Elantra thru just fine, but it is a rough road and your car will get dirty.

Siteto the right off the path to the right.
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Rebekah , September 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Rebekah , September 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Rebekah , September 4, 2022
  • (5) View All
Kandice W.
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2022

Too Cool!

This was our first trust disperse camping and I adored it. FREE is just that FREE. It’s a first come first served basis. Be prepared for random bugs dropping onto you as you’re doing things. If you’re terrified of wildlife this is not the place for you. It’s an interesting thing to hear what nature does when people aren’t around. The sounds in the night, the random howls in the distance …..

Try it out. You may just love it.

OH! By the way, the only negative things are the gravel road on the way down is pothole riddled and you have to hike to your spot. Don’t worry there are close spots .

Sitethe closest to the parking lot
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Kandice W., July 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Kandice W., July 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Jackson Falls by Kandice W., July 11, 2022

Location

Jackson Falls is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.50916743 N
88.6830504 W

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