There is no fee for primitive camping and it’s allowed any time of year. We will be back. Campsite Fees at Shawme Crowell State Forest $17 for MA resident / $54 for non-resident. General Information Directions: From intersection of Ilinois State Highway 34 and Illinois State Highway 146, go east on Illinois State Highway 146 approximately 8 miles, turn right onto Tower Rocak Road and head east for 3 miles to the Forest Rd. The Shawnee Forest Campground in southern Illinois is built for family fun and is perfect for nature lovers. Discounts are given for campers who plan to stay for a week or more. We Offer Contact-free Customer Services. A vaulted public bathroom (aka drop pot!) The campground is 19 miles from Garden of the Gods, and shopping is available in town for last minute food and supplies. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE. Tent camping, RV camping, horse camping, and backpack camping … If you want to keep up with everything the Shawnee National Forest has to offer, subscribe to our newsletter today! Shawnee National Forest Camping: Campendium has 28 reviews of 14 Campgrounds in Shawnee National Forest. We are Open! However, summer weekends can fill up fast. All of the campsites are level and feature a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. Turn west and travel 9 miles to FR236 or Pine Hills Road. Turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road and go 9 miles to the recreation area entrance. Firewood is available at the campground, and there is a convenient dump station. Turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road and travel 2.5 miles, then turn north on Forest Road. To get to the campground: From Harrisburg take Highway 145 south 26.5 miles and turn left into the recreation area off of Hwy 145. Once you have hiked beyond the recreation area boundary, you are free to set up camp and enjoy this beautiful wilderness. The Shawnee Forest surrounds three sides of the campground and has seven separate trails leading into the forest. This campground features accessible sites, toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. Double and triple sites are available for larger groups. Whether you’re looking to camp under the stars, with your equine family, or in the comfort of your RV, the Shawnee National Forest has a place for you. Cincinnati, Ohio 2,241 contributions 560 ... We stay at the Shawnee State Park campground and it was amazing! Equestrian trails lead from the campground to Kinkaid Lake trail system but do note that horseback riding is not allowed in the day-use areas. Pine Ridge offers 13 electric sites and 22 non-electric sites on a first come- first served basis at a cost of $10 per night. The campground also has 2 miles of walking paths, laundry facilities, and a catch-and-release pond. Or, from Vienna, take Highway 45 north for 12 miles to Ozark Road. Go south on Highway 1 for about 24 miles to Karbers Ridge Road, and then head west for two miles to the recreation area entrance. This family owned and operated facility is a fully equipped gateway to both the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee Wine Trail. If you’re traveling with your equine family, the Shawnee Forest has plenty to offer with 100s of miles of trails and wilderness recreation areas to ride. To access the campground: From Harrisburg, take Highway 145 south for 11 miles to Burden Falls Road. is available, but if you are not a fan of these types of restrooms you may want to take care of your business before arriving. Located in the Appalachian foothills near the banks of the Ohio River, 1,095-acre Shawnee State Park is nestled in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest. At each office there are outside information kiosks with free recreation and tourism information. It is the Gateway to the Shawnee.. Shawnee Wine Trai l and The Shawnee National Forest. Shawnee Forest Campground in Vienna is rated 7.8 of 10 at Campground Reviews. Or, from Evansville, Indiana, take Highway 62 west and continue on Illinois State Route 141 to Highway 1. Oak Point Campground in Shawnee National Forest, Golconda Illinois. Turn right and travel 2 miles to Bell Smith Springs. Visit our offices on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 8 a.m.— 4:30 p.m. for contact-free customer service. Lovingly nicknamed "The Little Smokies of Ohio," Shawnee State Forest boasts 60,000 acres of beautiful land where you can live out all your outdoors-y fantasies in the flesh. Garden of the Gods Camping . Trails End Restaurant is on site and open weekends & holidays first full weekend in March through November.Closed Monday thru Thursday except holiday weekends.With a full menu of fish, fresh cut charbroiled Ribeye,smoked chops, burgers,breakfast specials, homemade pies, & many other mouthwatering downhome dishes. Shawnee Forest Campground is located on the out skirts of Vienna in Southern IL. Great campground! OPEN Year Round this campground is located next to Interstate 24 EXIT 16. This is the perfect area for hiking lovers with direct access to eight miles of trails leading to Devil’s Backbone, Boulder Falls, as well as many scenic overlooks and hidden springs. The Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of the Western Shawnee National Forest campgrounds boasts the Little Grand Canyon, Pomona Natural Bridge, Larue-Pine Hills, and other breath-taking areas. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds. Social distancing of 6ft or more is required for all campers who are not camping together. The Oak Point Campground at Lake Glendale is located near the center of Shawnee National Forest, making it a great basecamp to explore both sides of the forest. Safe travels, and happy camping. Equestrian users are prohibited from camping in designated wilderness areas. Rates vary by site type and season from $8 – $25. This is a wonderful location to many wonders of nature. The Shawnee National Forest offers visitors over 280,000 acres of prairies, rivers, meadows, lakes, ponds, and waterfalls, perfect for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and more. Full hook-ups run at $30 per night for 30 Amp electric and $35 for 50 Amp. We have sites for the largest motor home to the smallest camper. The Forest Service is taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and is following USDA and CDC public health guidance as we continue to offer services to the public. The 8 campsites at Camp Cadiz Campground are first come- first served and cost $10 per night. Incredible views can be witnessed from any corner of the park. Primitive camping is allowed ¼ mile outside developed areas within Shawnee National Forest. Bear Branch Horse Camp is centrally located in the beautiful 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest just above Lusk Creek Canyon. There are no pavilions or shelters located at this Shawnee National Forest hike. From Vienna, take Hwy 146 east 11 miles to Hwy 145. It offers bathrooms with showers along with a camp store. With no electrical hookups, it is best suited for tents and small trailers. It is important to note when planning your trip to the Shawnee National Forest that the forest is divided into two sides along I-24. Observation Trail is the obvious high point here (get it?) Situated in the Village of Karnak, the Main Brothers Campground offers primitive camping for $10, tent and RV sites with water and electric for $15 to $21, and also has available full hook-up sites with sewage at $24 a night. See 6 traveler reviews, 10 photos and blog posts Book Shawnee Forest Cabins, Illinois on Tripadvisor: See 42 traveler reviews, 29 candid photos, and great deals for Shawnee Forest Cabins, ranked #1 of 2 specialty lodging in Illinois and rated 5 … Campground at Johnson Creek Recreation Area, Mom’s Guide to the Shawnee National Forest. Shawnee Forest Campground, Vienna Illinois. We planned an activity each day in the surrounding Shawnee Forest and State parks. New Campground in the Shawnee National Forest Area Southern Illinois. Reservations can be made online. This is a more remote site with no water or electric hook-ups. Pharaoh’s Campground is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy Garden of the Gods camping because it’s located in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. This campground has a dump station along with power and water hook-ups. Another camping option near Garden of the Gods is Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow. This camp is perfect for those hoping to explore the 160-mile River-to-River Trail, which can be accessed from the trailhead just north of the campground. Our Family has built this campground from the ground up in Vienna, IL. Then turn right, go 5 miles to Ozark Rd, turn left, and go to Bell Smith Springs Road. On the East side of the Shawnee National Forest, the Hidden Springs Ranger District hoasts Garden of the Gods, Indian Kitchen, Millstone Bluff, Pounds Hollow, Rim Rock, Burden Falls, Jackson Falls, and more. The campground in Dixon Springs State Park in the Illinois Shawnee Hills is a perfect location just south of the Shawnee Forest. Located on the northwest finger of Kinkaid Lake, camping in the Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers riders access to one of the few Forest Service campground equipped with hitching posts and Highline poles. Many visitors find the maps and the nearby attractions listed for each lodging option very helpful when planning a vacation or even a simple weekend getaway. RV Campgrounds near many of Southern IL activities, Garden of the Gods, Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, Shawnee National Forest, Camping In the heart of the Shawnee National Forest lies the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail , Illinois` first and most award-winning trail. The nearest town is Herod, Illinois, 5 miles away. Don’t trespass on private land, and do not cut down live trees, shrubs or other vegetation. Camping in the park is the perfect way to ensure that you will have enough time to experience all that this beautiful wilderness has to offer. This luxury camp features indoor restrooms with showers, on-site boat rentals, a general store, ice and firewood sales, and 24/7 security. Although primarily for tent camping, Pharaoh’s Campground can also accommodate small camping trailers, but there are no RV services, and the spaces are small. There is a backpacker’s lot located within the recreation area that allows access to both the Indian Point Trail and the River-to-River Trail. The campground is located 7 miles south of Carbondale. From the center of camp you are a 3 minute ride to 100ft tall rock bluffs. We offer several beautiful lakes for fishing in our Campground & we are pet friendly. 1/2 way between Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA, 1/2 way between St.Louis, MO and Nashville, TN. Non-electric group sites are $50 per night. Located near Little Grand Canyon, Pomona Natural Bridge, and Larue-Pine, the campground at Trail of Tears State Forest is a secluded option for those looking for car camping and backpacking options. A $10 fee is required for camping. You enjoy an embarrassment of riches when it comes to camping choices at Shawnee. camping in illinois shawnee national forest. There are no reservations at Redbud and sites are $10 a night. There are a few areas surrounding the parking lot that have several picnic tables. Shawnee's heavily wooded campground offers electric sites which are suitable for tents or trailers. When it’s time to rest, there are two main horse camping options in the forest. Shawnee National Forest Camping in Illinois Camping in the Shawnee National Forest The Shawnee National Forest offers visitors over 280,000 acres of prairies, rivers, meadows, lakes, ponds, and waterfalls, perfect for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and more. Below is a list of a few of the camping options for your next stay at the Shawnee National Forest. We hope you enjoy the progress of our campground. This is a wonderful location to many wonders of nature. This campsite has 34 electric and 59 non-electric spots. One of the most popular sites in the Shawnee National Forest, the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is also great for backpackers. Turn right and go 10 miles to Bell Smith Springs Rd. The campground is open March 15th to December 15th, while the beach can be accessed May to September. This primitive camp is located on the east side of Shawnee National Forest. LiketoeatCincinnati wrote a review Oct 2020. Although not in the Shawnee National Forest, the Rosiclare Campground, settled on the banks of the Ohio River, has 12 riverside sites perfect for campers, RVs, or tents. Year round campground with 30amp and 50amp, Water and Sewer at every site. Shawnee Forest Campground: Open year-round, this campground features 60 large RV sites with water, sewer and electricity at each site, which also have fire rings and picnic tables. Water and electric sites are available for $25 per night, and non-electric sites are $15. Pets are permitted on all sites. Thank you for your cooperation in these difficult times. The site also has a boat ramp and lighted children’s playground. Copyright. Anglers might want to try their luck catching the bass, catfish or panfish that populate the lake. Those looking for a bit more privacy can enjoy dispersed camping in many areas of the park. A standard site is $8 per night with shelters available for $25. Just make sure to bring all the necessary roughing-it items. Cabins Camping & Hotels Near the Shawnee Forest So many great choices for lodging in the Shawnee National Forest and the Southern Illinois area can be found here on ShawneeForest.com. The campground is .07 miles north on Pine Hills road. Even went to Paducah for sight seeing and museums. Turn right and proceed 2 miles to Bell Smith Springs. Climbers might prefer the bluffs and rock faces offered at Jackson Falls. Centrally located between the east and west sides of the forest, Little Grassy Lake Campground has sites for tents, trailers, RVs, and groups. 62 Large RV Campground Sites where you can enjoy ​nice walking paths, fire Rings & Picnic Tables, new Restrooms and … Campers here can enjoy access to the 25-acre Pounds Hollow Lake located just down the ridge from the campground. From Metropolis, take Highway 145 north 18 miles and turn right into the recreation area. Shawnee Forest Campground. Being a new campground there will be many aspects of the campground that will need to grown in and fill in as time goes by. This is a wonderful location to many wonders of nature. Amenities include Full hook up, water, sewer, electricity, 30 and 50 amp. Primitive camping is allowed Shawnee National Forest except in recreation areas, natural areas, along lake shores, near streams, or on trails. Please use the map or drop-down lists to view the schedule for a particular National Forest, Grassland, Scenic Area, Recreation Area, or Tall Grass Prairie. Visitors to our National Forests and Grasslands are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Single Electric sites are $22, and double electric sites are $44. So our campground will get better year after year. Camping in the area is free, and there is a vault toilet. All rights reserved. The Redbud Campground is located in the Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, one of the most unique and picturesque in the forest. This 21-site campground is tucked away amidst the rocky streams and cliffs lined with Illinois flora. Needless to say, High Knob is in a great location for hiking and trail riding as you’re nearby giant rock bluffs and the Garden of the Gods. Shawnee Forest Campground. Some of the notable dispersed camping areas include: Campers here can enjoy the tranquility of this 118-acre lake. Named after a creek that runs through the property, Bear Branch offers multiple access to the most scenic riding and hiking trails in the Forest. A beautiful wonderful new campground located in the middle of Shawnee Forest Country. Nestled beneath the pines, Pine Hills Campground has 13 campsites well suited for tents and small camping trailers. Shawnee Forest Campground is located on the out skirts of Vienna in Southern IL. by Shawnee-Blogger | May 15, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments. It is the Gateway to the Shawnee.. Shawnee Wine Trail and The Shawnee National Forest. We are located inside the Shawnee National Forest with forest property on 3 sides of the entire campground and are the only campground that has 7 separate trails leading into the forest. While the campground is 35 miles to the Garden of the Gods, the drive there will take you by other area attractions including Millstone Bluffs, Burden Falls, Bell Smith Springs, Jackson Falls, and Indian Kitchen. Vehicles should be left at overnight parking areas. To get to the campground from Jonesboro, take Illinois 146 west to Route 127 North, then go north three miles to the State Forest blacktop road. You can also ride to the Garden Of The Gods wilderness area and back in a half day. 6.4K likes. Wherever and however you camp, you’re sure to enjoy all that the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. Some campground sites include log shelters with adjacent privies. We found there is a need for more full hook up camping in Southern Illinois and Shawnee forest area. WELCOME to the Shawnee National Forest . Tent campers have the option of utilizing the many established campgrounds throughout the forest or the available dispersed camping areas. Thank you for your support and for all the happy campers to come. To access the campground: From Harrisburg take Highway 34/145 south for 6 miles, and then continue on Highway 34 south for 9 miles. From December 24th to the end of the spring wild turkey hunting season, the road into the campground is closed, but campers are still welcome to walk into available sites. Pharaoh Campground has 12 campsites all outfitted with fire pits, picnic tables, toilets and drinking water. However, with a pleasant swimming beach, boating on the lake, good fishing, several hiking trails and interesting geology to explore, the campground is well suited for a family get-away. To get to the site, Take Highway 145 south for 5 miles to Highway 34, then take 34 south for 10 miles. Tucked beneath soaring elms, oaks and birch trees, is a large, modern swimming pool with a bathhouse and water slide, ideal for cooling down after a day exploring the Shawnee Forest. Group camping is also available. >/p> Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood into or out of any DCR campground. Dump stations, heated shower houses, flush … 94 electric sites; check site details carefully when you make your reservation as dimensions and site conditions vary. After 1.5 miles, you will reach the recreation area entrance road. Because it is a city park, reservations are unavailable, but if you call the number listed on their site within 8 hours of your arrival, they are happy to tell you if spots are open. Sites are available for $40 a night or $15 per night for tent camping. Full Hook Up 60 sites, Pull through and back in Visitors to the park will enjoy the variety of camping and lodging options available including primitive camping, RV camping, and horse camping, with many locations near the famed Garden of the Gods, the second most photographed spot in all of Illinois. At the site, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking through the towering pines and hardwood forests. Each site has water and electric hook-ups at both 50 and 30 amps. Shawnee National Forest, Illinois: Hours, Address, Shawnee National Forest Reviews: 4.5/5 Primitive camping outside of recreation areas is free and is allowed any time of year. Shawnee Forest Campground is located on the out skirts of Vienna in Southern IL. Arrive in fall time for a paintbrush smattering of leaf colors throughout the park, or bring your best buds in summer for a shady getaway. With more than 500 wildlife species found within the forest, keep your camera within quick reach. For those looking for hunting and trapping options, the Pennant Bar Ranch is over 100 acres of grasses, shrubs, and lowlands, offering opportunities for both fishing and hunting. Wonders of shawnee forest campground to September 146 east 11 miles to Ozark Rd, turn left, and drinking,. 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