Shawnee National Forest covers 289,000 acres of southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. It is the state’s only national forest and its largest tract of public land. The landscape here is nothing like the flat farmland people associate with Illinois — instead, you get sandstone bluffs, slot-canyon-style rock corridors, hardwood forests, cypress swamps, and more than 200 lakes and ponds. The 160-mile River to River Trail crosses the entire forest from one river to the other, and seven congressionally designated wilderness areas protect over 27,000 acres.
Whether you are here for a day hike to one of the most photographed spots in the state or a week of backcountry camping, the Shawnee has more variety than most people expect. Here are the 19 best places to visit.
Where Is Shawnee National Forest?
The forest stretches across nine counties in the southernmost tip of Illinois. Carbondale and Harrisburg are both within 30 miles, making either a convenient base. Paducah, Kentucky, sits about 18 miles to the southeast across the Ohio River, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is roughly 12 miles to the west across the Mississippi. Interstate access is straightforward from I-57, I-24, and I-64, and there are lodging options ranging from cabins and campgrounds to motels in nearby towns.
When To Visit
The forest is open year-round, and southern Illinois has a temperate climate that makes most activities possible in any season. Fall is the most popular time — temperatures are comfortable, the hardwoods put on a strong color show, and the reduced leaf cover opens up better views of the rock formations and bluffs. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls fed by seasonal rain. Summer is warm and humid but ideal for swimming and kayaking. Winter is quiet and uncrowded, with occasional snow dusting the sandstone.
Top Attractions and Activities
1. Garden of the Gods
This is the forest’s signature destination and one of the most photographed locations in Illinois — the rock formations even appear on the back of the 2016 Illinois state quarter. The Observation Trail is a quarter-mile flagstone loop that winds past named formations like Camel Rock, Table Rock, and Devil’s Smokestack, with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. It is short and manageable for most visitors, though the cliff edges demand caution. For a longer outing, the 1.7-mile Indian Point Trail loops through the adjacent wilderness area with fewer crowds and access to remote overlooks and caves. The Pharaoh Campground at Garden of the Gods has 12 year-round campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water. No reservation is needed — sites are first come, first served.
2. Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
This trail takes you through narrow sandstone corridors reminiscent of the slot canyons of the American Southwest, but surrounded by thick Midwestern forest and wildflowers. The upper trail follows the rim with views across the canopy, while the lower trail descends through tighter passages with steeper grades. It is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the forest.
3. Illinois Iron Furnace
Built around 1837, this 32-foot-tall limestone structure is the only remaining charcoal-fired iron furnace in Illinois. It was constructed using locally quarried limestone blocks, dry-laid to allow for expansion when the furnace reached temperatures near 3,000°F. The furnace produced iron that was shipped along the Ohio River, and local legend connects it to Union ironclad boats during the Civil War — though the furnace actually ceased operations from 1861 to 1868 due to wartime labor shortages. It closed permanently in 1883. The structure you see today is a 1967 reconstruction by the U.S. Forest Service. A picnic pavilion and a popular swimming hole on Big Creek sit just across the road.
4. Cave-In-Rock State Park
A massive natural cavern carved into a limestone bluff on the Ohio River’s banks, Cave-In-Rock has served as a rest stop for early pioneers and, infamously, as a hideout for river pirates in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The 200-acre state park surrounding it offers cliff-top views, riverside trails, a lodge and restaurant, and 34 electric campsites. You can walk directly into the cave — no gear or guide required.
5. Cave-In-Rock Ferry
From Cave-In-Rock, you can ride a free car ferry across the Ohio River to Kentucky and back. The ferry operates seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (weather and river conditions permitting) and makes continuous crossings — the round trip takes roughly 15 minutes. It is one of only a handful of remaining Ohio River ferries, jointly funded by the Kentucky and Illinois departments of transportation. The ride gives you a different vantage point on the bluffs and the cave, and on the Kentucky side you can explore nearby Amish communities in Crittenden County.
6. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
Pounds Hollow Lake is a 25-acre lake surrounded by forested hills where you can swim, kayak, canoe, or fish for bass, catfish, and bream. The Pine Ridge Campground here has 13 electric and 41 non-electric sites, open from mid-March through mid-December on a first-come, first-served basis. A fishing pier and several bathing areas are open to the public during the same season. If you are looking for a place that combines swimming access in Shawnee National Forest with solid camping, this is one of the best options.
7. Jackson Falls and Burden Falls
These two waterfall areas are among the most popular in the forest. Jackson Falls, near Ozark, is a well-known rock climbing and bouldering destination as well as a scenic waterfall hike. Burden Falls, closer to Eddyville, is a designated wilderness area with a moderate trail leading to a wide, photogenic cascade. Both hikes are relatively short, making them easy to combine in a single day. The falls run strongest in spring and after heavy rains.
8. Ox-Lot Cave
Located near Karbers Ridge, Ox-Lot Cave is a large rock shelter reached by climbing stone stairs. The approach includes a narrow passage known locally as Fat Man’s Misery — a tight squeeze that adds some adventure to the visit. The cave and surrounding bluffs are worth the effort for anyone who enjoys exploring off the beaten path.
9. American Fluorite Museum
Fluorite is the official state mineral of Illinois, and the Rosiclare area in Hardin County was once the largest fluorspar-producing district in the United States. The American Fluorite Museum, located on Main Street in Rosiclare atop a former mine shaft, preserves that history with specimens, photographs, and exhibits on mining and processing. It is a one-of-a-kind attraction. The museum operates seasonally (typically May through October) with limited hours — check ahead before visiting.
10. Scenic Drives
Two scenic byways cross through the forest. The Ohio River National Scenic Byway runs along the eastern edge with views of river bluffs and limestone cliffs, while the route through the Mississippi Bluffs District on the western side passes cypress swamps and rich farmland. Both drives give a sense of the landscape’s diversity without requiring a single step on a trail.
11. Sassy the Sasquatch
A wooden Bigfoot statue stands along the road near the Garden of the Gods Outpost, and stopping for a photo has become a local tradition. The Outpost itself sells snacks, ice cream, and Shawnee Forest souvenirs. It is a lighthearted stop on the way to or from the trails.
Best Campgrounds in Shawnee National Forest
The forest has a range of camping options, from developed sites with electric hookups to free dispersed camping. Here are eight of the best.
12. Lake Glendale
One of the largest and most popular campgrounds in the forest, Lake Glendale sits in a central location with easy access to surrounding trails. The campground has both electric and non-electric sites — large enough to accommodate families and groups. Amenities include a boat ramp, a swimming beach, and several hiking trails that loop around the lake. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. If you enjoy camping near water in Illinois, Lake Glendale is a strong choice.
13. Cadiz Camp
Built on the former site of a Civilian Conservation Corps labor camp, Cadiz is a small, eight-site campground that stays quiet even when the rest of the forest is busy. It is open year-round, has water and vault toilets, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. A good option for anyone looking to avoid summer crowds.
14. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area (Pharaoh Campground)
Camp steps from the forest’s most iconic attraction. The Pharaoh Campground has 12 first-come, first-served sites with fire pits, picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water. The campground is open every day of the year. Overnight parking for backpackers is available at the Indian Point Trailhead. A camping fee of around $10 per night applies — verify current rates with the Forest Service.
15. Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
A favorite among hikers, Bell Smith Springs has 21 rustic campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The real draw is the trail network, which passes through sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. In summer, wildflower blooms add color to the already dramatic rock scenery. It feels genuinely remote despite being accessible by road.
16. Pounds Hollow (Pine Ridge Campground)
Adjacent to Pounds Hollow Lake, this campground has 13 electric sites and 41 non-electric sites, open mid-March through mid-December. Some original sandstone foundations from the Civilian Conservation Corps era are still visible along the water’s edge. The lake has bathing areas and a fishing pier, but no public boat ramps — bring a canoe or kayak if you want to get on the water.
17. Tower Rock Campground
For those who want solitude, Tower Rock offers free dispersed camping on the banks of the Ohio River. There is no reservation system — camp where you like within the campground boundary. A short quarter-mile trail leads from camp to a boat launch, making it convenient for kayak fishing and paddling. Vault toilets are on-site, but bring your own food and water.
18. Johnson Creek Recreation Area
Situated on the banks of Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek is a well-rounded campground with 20 first-come, first-served sites open mid-March through mid-December. Facilities include a boat ramp, picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water. The lake supports fishing, kayaking, and cycling on nearby trails. A kid’s fishing derby is held each May — a nice touch for families. For broader trip planning, you may also want to explore hiking at Starved Rock if you are touring Illinois.
19. Pine Hills Campground
With 13 campsites and a location adjacent to the LaRue Swamp and the Mississippi River floodplain, Pine Hills delivers on both solitude and scenery. The LaRue-Pine Hills area is known for its ecological diversity — it sits where the Mississippi bottomlands meet the Shawnee bluffs, creating a unique mix of habitats. This is one of the best spots in the forest for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Cell phone coverage is limited or nonexistent across much of the forest. Download maps and trail guides before you go — the Forest Service headquarters in Harrisburg sells detailed trail maps, and digital versions are available online. Venomous snakes (copperheads and timber rattlesnakes) are present, so watch your step on rocky trails. Poison ivy is widespread. Campgrounds that operate on a first-come, first-served basis can fill on fall weekends, so arriving early on Fridays gives you the best shot at a good site.
Shawnee National Forest manages to pack an unusual amount of geological and ecological variety into one stretch of southern Illinois. From the sandstone towers of Garden of the Gods to the free ferry crossing at Cave-In-Rock, and from developed lakeside campgrounds to backcountry dispersed camping on the Ohio River, there is enough here to fill a full road trip or a long weekend.
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