Forest Information
The Shawnee National Forest is located in the Ozark and Shawnee
hills of southern Illinois. It is comprised of 270,000 acres.
There are 11 developed campgrounds, 7 of which meet the
selection criteria.
Unlike the land to the north, glaciers had little influence in shaping the Shawnee National
Forest's topography. Wind and water were the forces forming this diverse forest awaiting
exploration and enjoyment. Bound by the Mississippi River on the west, the Ohio River
on the south and east, and the sculptured land of northern Illinois, the natural forces
continue to shape the land. In this landscape the Forest Service works to create, manage
and maintain the many recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing,
the woodland offers.
Located on the eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest is Garden of the Gods
Wilderness and Pharaoh campground.
This camping location is well-suited to car and tent camping enthusiasts along with folks
in small recreational vehicles (RV) and motorhomes. From this campground one can see
in the adjacent Wilderness how wind and rain worked together in sculpting southern
Illinois' sandstone. It is something of Bryce Canyon in Utah or Garden of the Gods
in Colorado, but on a smaller scale. A comfortable walkway leads through the various
fanciful forms, the formations of which have such names as Camel, the Devil's
Smokestack, and Table. Nearby, in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area (a more RV
and motorhome friendly camping location), a short hike is offered which leads to
a prehistoric Native American site at the Rim Rock. This site provided ancient people
a natural fortress.
For serious hikers there is the River-to-River Trail. This trail, which when completed,
links the Mississippi River in the west with the Ohio River in the east. Winding
through Shawnee National Forest, the hiker observes the variety and diversity
of the Forest's geology, wildlife, and culture. However, this trail is not the only
way to experience or enjoy the beauty, tranquility, and diversity of Shawnee
National Forest. Camping along the River-to-River Trail is classified as dispersed
or undeveloped and included in this review of campgrounds. Contact the Shawnee
National Forest directly for rules and regulation. For the less ambitious looking for
shorter, more liesurely hikes there is White Pine Trail at Pine Hills campground
and many more trails of various lengths and levels crisscrossing the Forest to aid visitors' exploration.
A delightful mixture of trees, such as maple, gum, dogwood, beech, and oak
are found within the boundaries of the Shawnee National Forest and provide an
eye-pleasing array of fall foliage. Perhaps the best place to find the autumn palette
is in one of the Forest's seven Wilderness designated areas or along the Shawnee
Hills on the Ohio Scenic Byway (contact Forest Supervisor's Office in Harrisburg
for directions and more information).
Hunting is an important component to the health and well-being of any National
Forest. But for many visitors to the Shawnee National Forest, the robust
populations of whitetail deer, Canadian geese, wild turkey and other wildlife
species, the "hunt" is with a camera loaded with several rolls of film. An
alternative to this form of "shooting" wildlife is landscape photography. Few
places in Illinois offer the variety and diversity of images one will find in the
Shawnee National Forest. From the vivid display of fall colors to the sobering
effects of Mississippi's springtime floods, the Forest has many sights worth
recording.
In contrast to the gently rolling farm lands to the north, the Shawnee National
Forest is rough and rugged. The very texture of the landscape provides a wide
assortment of recreational opportunities. From camping to mushroom hunting,
birding to berry picking, fishing to cross-country hiking, and more, the diverse
Shawnee National Forest awaits.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
50 Hwy. 145 South
Harrisburg, Illinois 62946
800-699-6637
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Mississippi Bluffs
521 N. Main
Jonesboro, Illinois 62952
618-833-8576
Hidden Springs
602 N. First Street
Route 45 North
Vienna, Illinois 62995
618-658-2111 |
