Shawnee National Forest guide
While I love a good national park, national forests can often offer the same amount of beauty and awe you’re in search for in the parks. Shawnee National Forests in Illinois was one of those places that had me thinking “I did not know this state looked like this”. Enjoy my free guide of some of my favorite hikes, campground recommendations, and tips specifically for Shawnee!
Where to stay
Pine Ridge Campground:
This camp ground is first come first serve, $10 fee per night. While there are a ton of tent sites, only 13 electric sites are available. So if you’re planning to have power, get there early in the morning or mid week. We stayed at one of their electric sites here and it was great besides some noisey neighbors. Try to find the trail to the laken at the end of the first cul de sac! We also heard there is a bunker and cave you can explore in close proximity to these sites!
Buck Ridge Campground:
Sites in Buck Ridge, like many others in the campground, seem to be forgotten and overgrown until one day randomly they are like new again. These are 100% free established spots if you’re up for an adventure, just keep an eye out for low hanging branches if you’re worried about your vehicle or camper.
Shawnee Forest Campground:
For $40 a night for RV sites and $15 per night for tent sites, I would recommend this to families and people who can’t go without the amenities, considering Pine Ridge’s bathroom toilet is a hole.
Where to hike
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail:
A simple stone .5 loop can make this hike crowded since it is family and pet friendly. The crowds are there for a reason considerin how beautiful the view and formations are.
Rim Rock Recreation Trail:
If you like a loop trail, this is the one for you! You have multiple trails to choose from like the Upper Rim trail or continuing the Lower Loop to Pounds Hollow. Unfortunately we were only able to complete half this hike due to trail closures, but the .5 we were able to walk held so much. Walking along 100-200 foot cliffs, exploring Ox-Lot cave, and discovering hidden slot canyons made this hike eventful.
Bell Smith Springs:
This are has various trails and other sites to see like the natural bridge, so be sure to knock out multiple sites in one hike! Follow the white trail to find the stunning turquoise swimming hole on warmer days. It is a 1.2 mile in and out hike.
Jackson Falls:
This is a place we did not originally plan to stop at, but after a conversation with some local horseback riders who enthusiastically suggested it, we had to go. We made the long drive down a gravel road with potholes the size of bowling balls, just to pull into the trailhead parking lot and find a few people had made their bad parking everyone elses problem. With tucked tails, we made the drive back down the war road. From what I understand, this hike offers various scenery including one compared to Jurassic Park.
Other activities
Climb Trigg Observation Tower:
This 40 foot wooden fire tower that was built in the 1930’s is the only of 16 remaining. While it is mostly steel now, I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone scared of heights. If you’re willing to climb up, you’ll be greeted with amazing views of Illinois!
Swim or fish at Pounds Lake
There are plenty of trails and docks here you can fish off of! There is a designated swimming area, but if you’re feeling risky you can swim across to have a few tries at the rope swing!
Rock climb at Jackson Falls:
Climbing is not my cup of tea, but Jackson Falls offers incredible 60 feet of sandstone cliffs and boulders that include multiple freestanding towers.
Necessities
Groceries:
We made our way to a Dollar General Market in Eldorado and made use of it our whole trip. It had everything you could need.
Water:
Potable water can be found throughout the campgrounds, like across from the fee box at Pine Ridge Campground.
Tips!
Be prepared for unmaintained gravel roads to most trailheads and throughout the national forest.
We did not have service majority of the time in this forest. (Verizon and AT&T). Be sure to download maps or have a really good memory.
Most campsites are first come, first serve. Grab a site, then go back to the fee box and pay. Make sure to hang up your stub on the wooden post for your campsite to show others you’re staying there while you’re exploring the park!
Stop by Garden of the Gods Outpost for a post-hike ice cream! Or pick up a Big Foot souvenir!
Whether you’re staying for 2 nights or leaving the same day you arrived, Shawnee National Forests is an Illinois gem that will have the whole family wanting to return