Campground List
CAMPGROUND NAME: Johnson Creek
VISIT DATE: 09/16/1996
UPDATE DATE: 11/25/2023
STATE: Illinois
REGION: Eastern
RANGER DISTRICT: Mississippi Bluffs
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Ava
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Ava, IL, take State Rt. 151 south 3.6 miles to forest sign
(Johnson Creek Recreation Area) - Johnson Creek Rd. Turn left
onto Johnson Creek Rd. and go 1.5 miles to campground.
NOTE: Johnson Creek Rd. can be rough with low branches.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 600 ft.
The campground's campsites are located in a series of overlapping loops
meandering through a forest of oak, popular, and other hardwoods. These
campsites offer hitching rails and picket lines for equestrian campers.
The tent sites are all walk-ins located on the banks of Kincaid Lake
between the boat ramp entrance and other campsites. This is a good
campground for anglers, hikers, and equestrian from single campers through
large families. Lantern poles have been installed.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No
Comments:
Open March 15 through December 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day - single
$12 per day - double
$18 per day - triple
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 20
Total Sites: 20
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 20
No. Grilles on Sites: 20
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No*
Potable Water at Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 25' X 60'
Comments:
Parking aprons are gravel and grass. The interior road is rough and
there are low overhanging branches.
Note: *Problems with water system has temporiarly closed the Waste
Station; contact ranger district office for status.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
NOTE:6/29/2023 - Water for entire Johnson Creek Recreation Area
is temporarily unavailable. Forest Service recommends that visitors
bring thier own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Contact ranger
district office for status.
WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): No
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No
Comments:
Kincaid Lake is 1 mile from campground and is 2,750 acres.
HIKING
Many hiking trails accessible from campground, but
unidentifiable.
FISHING
Largemouth bass, sunfish, Bullhead trout, Bluegill, Carp,
catfish, Walleye, crappie and muskie
CAMPGROUND NAME: Oak Point
VISIT DATE: 09/19/1996
UPDATE DATE: 3/29/2024
STATE: Illinois
REGION: Eastern
RANGER DISTRICT: Hidden Springs
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Vienna
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Vienna, IL, at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 24 and State Rt. 146,
take State Rt. 146 east 11.4 miles to an exit ramp on the right. At
the end of the ramp, turn right onto State Rt. 145 and go north 2.5
miles to Lake Glendale Recreation Area sign. Turn right at sign onto
Lake Rd. and proceed to campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 420 ft.
The campground is a series of unnamed overlapping loops near Lake
Glendale in the Lake Glendale Recreation Area. Campsites in the
loops with electric and water hook-ups tend to be larger than those
with no hook-ups. Although views of the lake are limited by heavy
vegetation, there are connector trails from some campsites to the
Lake trail. Campsites are tucked into a mature mixed forest with
oak and beech trees providing shade and fair to good privacy between
campsites. Firewood, ice and boat rentals (paddle, canoe and fishing
boats) are available for a fee from a concessionaire.
Possible day trip is to Millstone Bluff Trail which is a 0.6 mile to
an archaeological site.
NOTE: The use of generators is not permitted in the campground.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
None
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
$15 per day - single, no electric and water hookups
$25 per day - single, electric and water hookups
$28 per day - double, no electric and water hookups
$48 per day - double, electric and water hookups
NOTE: No discount on surcharge.
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 60
Total Sites: 60
Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 60
No. Grilles on Sites: 60
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 35
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 1
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 50'
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel. Beware of low-growing branches
across some parking aprons.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: Yes
Playground: Yes
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 3
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
Shower is wheelchair-friendly.
WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: Yes
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No
Comments:
Power boats are limited to electric motors. The beach is large and
sandy with change rooms. Lake Glendale is 79 acres.
HIKING
Lake trail (foot and mountain bike) - 1 mile
FISHING
Bluegill, catfish and bass
CAMPGROUND NAME: Pharaoh
VISIT DATE: 09/18/1996
UPDATE DATE: 11/25/2023
STATE: Illinois
REGION: Eastern
RANGER DISTRICT: Hidden Springs
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Elizabethtown
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Miltchellsville, IL at the intersection of State Routes 45 and
34, take 34 south 9.5 miles to Garden of the Gods sign. Turn left,
onto Karbers Ridge Rd/County Route 4 and go 2.8 miles to another
Garden of the Gods sign. Turn left at sign onto County Route
10/Good Hope Hill Rd. and go 1.4 miles miles into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 900 ft.
This single loop "rustic" campground is located in the Garden of
the Gods Recreation Area, that is adjacent to the Garden of the
Gods Wilderness. Some steep cliffs give a few campsites a
panoramic view of the valley and Shawnee Hills as well as the
Garden of the Gods Wilderness through the thick vegetation. No
motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment are permitted in the
Wilderness, making the hiking outstanding for exploring the
Wilderness on foot. No horse facilities are available. A pleasant
mix of Red pine and various deciduous trees provides ample shade
and good privacy between campsites.
A "must" do while at this campground is the 1/4-mile Garden of the
Gods Observation Trail. The sandstone rock formations and cliffs
found along the trail took 320 million years to develop into their
fascinating and strange shapes. Some of these formations have been
given names such as Camel Rock, Devil's Smokestack, etc. Bring
your camera.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 12
Total Sites: 12
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 12
No. Grilles on Sites: 12
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Largest Parking Apron Size: 13.5' X 56'
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel and not level. Be aware of low
hanging branches
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a hand pump.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail (foot) - 0.25 miles
River to River Trail (foot & horse) - meanders through the Garden
of the Gods Wilderness and connects with various other trails
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Pine Hills
VISIT DATE: 09/16/1996
UPDATE DATE: 11/25/2023
STATE: Illinois
REGION: Eastern
RANGER DISTRICT: Mississippi Bluffs
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Wolf Lake
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Wolf Lake, IL, at campground sign (State Forest Rd), go east
0.6 miles to another campground sign (sign is on north side of
road). Turn left (no displayed road sign) and go 0.7 miles to
campground.
Note: When turning left at the campground sign onto Pine HIlls
Rd (Forest Route 236), there is a dip the could be flooded.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 600 ft.
The campground is in a stand of old pines and hardwoods adjacent
to a stream. Most sites are spacious, well cleared and could
accommodate multiple tents.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Comments:
Services provided March 15 through December 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 13
Total Sites: 13
Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 13
No. Grilles on Sites: 13
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Largest Parking Apron Size: 12' X 45'
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0
No. Threaded: 0
WATER SPORTS - None
Comments:
There is a 1/4 acre pond.
HIKING
White Pine Trail - 2 miles
FISHING
Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish and Largemouth bass
CAMPGROUND NAME: Pine Ridge
VISIT DATE: 09/18/1996
UPDATE DATE: 11/25/2023
STATE: Illinois
REGION: Eastern
RANGER DISTRICT: Hidden Springs
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Elizabethtown
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Mitchellsville, IL, at the intersection of State Routes 45 and
34, take Rt. 34 south 9.5 miles to Garden of the Gods sign. Turn
left onto Karbers Ridge Rd/Country Route 4 and go 9.5 miles,to a
Pounds Hollow sign. Turn let at sign onto Pounds Lake Rd/Forest
Route 134 and immediately turn left into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 700 ft.
The campground, in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, is "rustic" with
two loops in a stand of mature red, shortleaf and loblolly pines
and hardwoods that are near the Pounds Hollow Lake. The dense
overstory provides ample shade. Convenient to Shawnee Hills on the
Ohio Scenic Byway, this campground is good for an overnight stay.
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. It is the
dense vegetation, not separation between campsites, that provides
good privacy.
Pounds Hollow Lake, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC) in the 1930s, is the oldest recreation area in the forest and
continues to be a popular spot for families to cool off during the
summer heat. The Lake is one mile from the campsites.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No
Seasonal Comment:
Open March 15 through December 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 6
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 28
Total Sites: 34
Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 34
No. Grilles on Sites: 34
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 0
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 14
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Largest Parking Apron Size: 12' X 47'
Comments:
The parking aprons are grass and gravel and irregular ih shape.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
There are showers to rinse off at the beach.
The water spigot is a hand pump located at the campground entrance.
WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: No
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No
Comments:
Power boats are limited to electric motors.
Beach is grass and sand.
HIKING
Rim Rock Trail (Interpretive) - 0.8 miles
Beaver Trail
Pounds Hollow Trail
Note: Above trails are all within Pounds Hollow Recreation Area.
Go to ranger district office for information.
FISHING
Bass, Channel Catfish and Sunfish
CAMPGROUND NAME: Redbud
VISIT DATE: 09/19/1996
UPDATE DATE: 11/25/2023
STATE: Illinois
REGION: Eastern
RANGER DISTRICT: Hidden Springs
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Eddyville
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Eddyville, IL, at forest sign (Bell Smith Springs) - Main
Street, go north on Main Street for 5.5 miles to another forest
sign and Bellsmith Springs. Turn left onto Bellsmith and go
1.8 miles to campground.
NOTE: Main Street becomes Ozark Road. Bellsmith Rd. is gravel
and can be rough.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 420 ft.
This single loop campground is the only one in the Bell Smith
Springs Recreation Area. It is heavily wooded with Red pine and
hardwoods with secluded campsites and good privacy. The recreation
area contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons.
The abundance of vegetation unique to Illinois and provides ample
shade and good privacy between campsites.
The Bell Smith Springs Trail System is a great "must do" to enjooy
the area's rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs, and the
area's flora and fauna.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No
Seasonal Comment:
Open March 15 through December 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 2
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 19
Total Sites: 21
Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 21
No. Grilles on Sites: 21
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 14' X 48'
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel and grass. Erosion of the
campground's interior road and parking aprons will pose a
problem for recreational vehicles
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a hand pump.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKINGThe Bell Smith Springs Trail System (foot only)
is an eight-mile network of interconnected trails which
include:
Hill Branch Trail - 1.6 miles
Sentry Bluff Trail - 2.7 miles
Natural Bridge Trail - .9 miles
FISHING - No
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