Camp Ondessonk: Adventure in the Shawnee National Forest

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Discover outdoor adventure and spiritual growth at Camp Ondessonk, nestled in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest since 1959.

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Camp Ondessonk

Camp Ondessonk, nestled in the Shawnee National Forest near Ozark, Illinois, is a Catholic residential youth camp offering summer programs and year-round outdoor experiences. Since 1959, it has provided a rustic setting for activities like horseback riding, archery, and waterfront fun, fostering personal growth and appreciation for nature.

A brief summary to Camp Ondessonk

3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, Illinois, 62972, US
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Monday 8 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-5:30 pm
Friday 8 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Check the camp's calendar for special events or holidays that may affect day hiking and biking availability.
Day hiking and biking are permitted from mid-August through mid-May, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Backpackers can call ahead to ask permission to leave their vehicle on-site while exploring the Shawnee National Forest.

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Getting There

Driving

Camp Ondessonk is located at 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL 62972. From major nearby towns, use a GPS or mapping app for the most direct route. Note that the final approach involves driving on narrow, winding roads. Parking is available in the main parking lot. Contact Camp Ondessonk if arriving after hours. There is no fee to park.

Discover more about Camp Ondessonk

Camp Ondessonk, a Diocese of Belleville-run Catholic youth camp, has been a fixture in the Shawnee National Forest since 1959. The camp's mission is to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures, empowering kids of all ages. The name 'Ondessonk' itself is a Huron word meaning 'Bird of Prey,' a name given to St. Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit priest martyred while serving the Huron people.Set on 983 acres, Camp Ondessonk offers a traditional summer camp experience for children ages 8-16. Campers participate in activities such as canoeing, archery, riflery, and horseback riding. Evenings bring campfires, skits, and games. The camp's facilities include rustic units like treehouses and cabins, designed to immerse campers in nature. Many trails also lead off-property into the Shawnee National Forest.Ondessonk also offers off-season programming, including group rentals and retreats. The camp's unique environment features diverse ecosystems, with both northern and southern tree species thriving in the Ondessonk Valley. The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha is a service society comprised of campers, staff and volunteers who have shown their loyalty and dedication to Camp.