Shawnee National Forest, Illinois Ozarks Travel Guide

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Explore Illinois's Shawnee National Forest: hiking, camping, scenic beauty, and rich history in a diverse natural landscape.

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Shawnee National Forest

Nestled in Southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest offers a diverse landscape of oak-hickory forests, wetlands, open lands, and geological features. Established in 1939, it provides a range of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to scenic drives and exploring historical sites.

A brief summary to Shawnee National Forest

Herod, Illinois, 62946, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shawnee National Forest.

Check the Shawnee National Forest website for alerts, warnings, and current conditions before your visit.
Wear bright orange clothing during hunting seasons for safety.
Purchase a detailed map from the Forest Service or Friends of the Shawnee to navigate the area, as cell service can be unreliable.
Bring your own drinking water, as forest streams may not meet safety standards.
Buy firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Herod Cave Historic Site

Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Explore Shawnee National Forest on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Shawnee National Forest, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Shawnee National Forest is accessible via several highways, including I-24, I-57, and US 45. Depending on your destination within the forest, use these highways to reach nearby towns such as Harrisburg, Marion, or Carbondale. From these towns, follow state routes and forest roads to reach specific recreation areas or trailheads. Note that cell service can be spotty in remote areas, so it's best to download offline maps or carry a paper map. Parking is available at most trailheads and recreation areas, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. There are no fees to enter the Shawnee National Forest itself, but some recreation areas may have day-use fees.
Camping

To reach a specific campground within Shawnee National Forest, navigate to the nearest town, such as Marion or Harrisburg. From there, follow local roads and forest service roads to the campground. Popular campgrounds include Garden of the Gods, Lake Glendale, and Camp Cadiz. Camping fees vary depending on the campground and amenities offered, ranging from $10 to $40 per night. All campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not accepted. Prepare for limited facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas, and stock up on supplies in nearby towns before entering the forest.

Discover more about Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest, located in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, is a sprawling natural area encompassing approximately 289,000 acres. As the only national forest in Illinois, it stands as the largest publicly owned body of land in the state. The forest's diverse landscape includes oak-hickory forests, wetlands, open lands, lush canyons, and unique geological features, offering a variety of scenic views and recreational opportunities.The forest's history dates back to 1933 when the government began acquiring exhausted farmland for restoration. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in the 1930s and 1940s, planting pine trees to prevent erosion and rebuild the soil. Today, the forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, attracting nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, including the 160-mile River to River Trail. Popular spots like Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, and Little Grand Canyon offer stunning views and unique rock formations. Camping options range from primitive backpacking to developed campgrounds with amenities. The forest also provides opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, and scenic drives.Several historical and cultural sites are located within the forest, including heritage resource sites on the National Register of Historic Places. The forest's unique location at the convergence of several ecological regions contributes to its biological diversity.