Shawnee National Forest, located between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in southern Illinois, covers approximately 289,000 acres of stunning landscapes. This diverse area features rolling hills, rugged bluffs, and unique geological formations, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Throughout the forest, you can also enjoy hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and horseback riding.
The best times to visit are spring and fall when mild temperatures and vibrant scenery are available. Nearby towns, like Marion, Harrisburg, and Carbondale, offer RV rentals and accommodations for a seamless camping experience.
For Shawnee National Forest RV camping, Garden of Gods Campground provides stunning views and modern amenities. Oak Point Campground is ideal for fishing and hiking. Free camping options are also available at dispersed sites like Jackson Falls. Campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest, such as Dixon Springs State Park, provide full hookups and family-friendly amenities.
Camping in Shawnee National Forest
For RV camping in Shawnee National Forest, explore various camping options, from developed campgrounds to primitive sites. Also, check out the top campgrounds in Illinois and the best RV dump stations nearby for a smooth experience with RVshare.
Budget-Friendly Campgrounds
$10 per night
$10 per night
$10 per night
Campgrounds Near Lakes, Waterfalls, and Rivers
$10-$15 per night
$10 per night
$15-$48 per night
$15 per night
Free Dispersed Camping
Private Campgrounds Nearby
$45 per night
$45-$75 per night
$24-$40 per night
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Oak Point Campground
If you're traveling in the summer months, book a site at the Oak Point Campground. It's located on the banks of a small lake in the Lake Glendale Recreation Area, so you can spend your time swimming, fishing, and boating. Arrive early to get one of the 34 sites with electric and water hookups; there are also 25 rustic sites available. Inside the campground, you'll find a dump station, bathrooms, a shower house, and playgrounds. Rates start at $22 per night for partial hookups and $12 a night for basic sites.
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Pharaoh Campground
Stay close to the Garden of the Gods at the Pharaoh Campground. This area is open all year on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are basic, and you'll find vault toilets and drinking water close by. Every campsite offers a table and a grill. Rates are just $10 per night, and each spot accommodates up to eight people.
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Marion Campground & RV Park
You'll find full hookups and an array of amenities at the Marion Campground & RV Park. Every site offers a Wi-Fi connection and cable TV, and showers sit a short walk away. Choose from pull-through and back-in sites to accommodate your RV. If you're bringing kids or pets, check out the playground and walking area. Within the campground, you can use the laundromat and meet other campers in the lounge. Rates start at $39.95 per night.
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Shawnee Forest Campground
Located a few minutes off I-24, the Shawnee Forest Campground makes it easy to get off the road and into camp quickly. Every site offers full hookups, and many spots are pull-through to accommodate your big rig. After you set up camp, head out to the catch-and-release fishing ponds or stroll the 2-mile trail network. The clean bathhouses offer hot showers, and you can take advantage of the laundry facilities during your stay. With its rolling landscape and wealth of trees, this campground makes a beautiful home base. Rates vary; call for details.
Shawnee National Forest Hiking Trails
The forest features diverse hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
Easy Trails
Length: 1.0 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails
Length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Lake Trails
Length: 2.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
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Rim Rock Trail
The Rim Rock Trail is short, but it packs in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Shawnee National Forest. The route runs along a rocky bluff, offering views of the forest. It's particularly beautiful in the spring, when wildflowers create fields of riotous color. If you want a longer hike, take the stairs down to the bottom and walk through the bizarre rock formations and the enormous Ox-lot Cave.
Length: .8 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
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Garden of the Gods Trail System
The Garden of the Gods is the most popular site in the Shawnee National Forest; explore it on the wilderness trails that wind through the massive rock towers. For a quick stroll, take the 0.25-mile Observation Trail. For a more exciting hike, create your own route with the unnamed wilderness routes that take you around the pinnacles, through the forest, and to the edge of high, rocky cliffs.
Length: 16.9 miles
Intensity: Easy to Difficult
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Pomona Natural Bridge Trail
Check out a 90-foot rock bridge on the Pomona Natural Bridge Trail. This kid-friendly hike takes you past rock walls, down to a creek, and past a beautiful overlook point that shows off the natural bridge in all its glory. You can even hike right over the top of the bridge, which is tucked in the forest and covered in moss. Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks can be slippery when it's raining.
Length: .3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Little Grand Canyon Trail
Hike deep into a box canyon on the Little Grand Canyon Trail. The 3-mile loop travels past waterfalls and wild rock formations on its way to the canyon bottom. The canyon itself is remarkably green, with brilliant moss and the trees on the rim giving the light a glowing quality. You can do the entire hike in about three hours, but it's a good idea to leave extra time to explore the side trails and take in the beauty of the canyon.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate to Difficult
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Buttermilk Hill Trail
With its rolling terrain and pastoral views, the Buttermilk Hill Trail is a lovely hike any time of year. If possible, visit in the fall—when the leaves change, the trail is covered with a breathtaking array of colorful leaves. Most of the trail is moderate, but you'll encounter a few steep sections.
Length: 7.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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One Horse Gap Trail
As soon as you see the One Horse Gap Trail, you'll understand where the name comes from. As it traverses the space between two bluffs, the trail narrows dramatically, leaving room for just one horse. This multiuse route accommodates hikers and equestrians. Stick to One Horse Gap Trail for a short, easy hike, or hop on one of the other trails that branch off it to extend your adventure.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
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Godwin Trail
If you're up for a challenge, head straight for the popular Godwin Trail. Between the east and west trailhead, it passes through the Clear Springs Wilderness and the Bald Knob Wilderness. The first section is the most challenging, with intense climbs to stunning exposed ridgelines. To break up the hike, take time for a picnic near the lovely Hutchins Creek.
Length: 6.7 miles one-way
Intensity: Difficult
How to get to Shawnee National Forest
Address: 50 Hwy 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Carbondale, IL: Take U.S. Highway 51 south to Illinois Route 146. Follow Route 146 east to the forest entrance.
From Harrisburg, IL: Drive south on Highway 145 for 5 miles, then turn onto Highway 34 south for 10 miles. Turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road for approximately 2.5 miles to reach the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area entrance.
By Air
The nearest airports to Shawnee National Forest are:
Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA): Located 30 miles from Shawnee National Forest, this airport offers various regional flights.
Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI): Approximately 60 miles away, this airport provides access to larger airports.
Seasonal Restrictions
During peak season (particularly summer), expect increased traffic and potential temporary road closures due to maintenance or weather conditions. Before your visit, check the official website for alerts or road closures.
Fees
The forest provides numerous access points with free entry, making it an accessible destination for outdoor activities. Check road conditions and arrive early during busy seasons to fully enjoy your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shawnee National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Shawnee National Forest?
No, there is not a fee to get into Shawnee National Forest. However, there may be fees required to visit some of the forest's most popular day-use sites including Garden of the Gods. There may also be additional fees to camp in developed campgrounds.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Shawnee National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp at Shawnee National Forest. Dispersed campers can stay a maximum of 14 days in one spot before they need to move on. Developed campgrounds usually have the same maximum stay requirement, but it's best to check with the campground to be sure.
Is Shawnee National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Shawnee National Forest is open year-round. Thanks to the pleasant climate, you can explore the forest all year long and will likely have great weather for doing so.
What type of wildlife lives in Shawnee National Forest?
Wildlife including bears, mountain lions, skunks, chipmunks, groundhogs, beavers, and armadillos all live in the Shawnee National Forest. You'll also find a variety of birds, reptiles, and fish in various forest environments.
What is the closest town to Shawnee National Forest?
Bloomfield is one of the closest towns to Shawnee National Forest. There are restaurants, lodgings, campgrounds, and shops where campers can restock or pick up a memento of their trip.
