Shawnee National Forest, Southern IL

Question

Has anyone camped in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois? We plan to spend most of this week there, but are struggling with whether to try and find a boondocking spot, camp in Pounds Hollow or Lake Glendale NFS campgrounds or Cave-In-Rock State Park.

We plan on hiking Bell Smith Springs, Garden of the Gods, Cave-In-Rock and maybe check out a winery or two on the return trip north.

Any input or suggestions of stuff not to miss? :) THANKS!

kknowlton · Answer

Haven't camped in any of those spots, but we did take a tour (via our truck) thru Cave-in-Rock's CG. Campsites way too short for our then-34' TT, and a lot of them seemed not very level. Otherwise, not bad; your TT is much shorter than ours was.

We camped north of there, in Ferne Clyffe SP. Very nice, shadier than Cave-in-Rock, and larger sites. (We did reserve a site ahead of time.). Some nice trails there too, BTW.

welove2drive · Answer

TrailerTraveler1, Where did you end up camping? We may head that way next summer. What did you think of Pounds Hollow? They have added electric to some sites. We spent one night at the Garden of the Gods campground a few years ago. Very nice but no electric. Did you hike at Rim Rock?

Marcia

stevepk · Answer

Cave in rock is on list for this summer

garmp · Answer

stevepk: cave in the rock - don't expect much and you won't be disappointed.

dewey02 · Answer

I suggest contacting the Shawnee National Forest Supervisor's Office.It is a toll-free number:  1-800-My-Woods.   They can give you any info that you need.

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Shawnee National Forest, Southern IL

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