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Shawnee/Oak Point Campground-Lake Glendale Rec Area
Overview
Located within the lush expanses of the Shawnee National Forest, Oak Point Campground at Lake Glendale Recreation Area serves as a serene retreat for nature lovers. This U.S. Forest Service facility offers a classic outdoor experience centered around the tranquil waters of an 82-acre lake. Unlike modern luxury resorts, this park emphasizes the quiet beauty of the Southern Illinois landscape, providing a peaceful environment where the sounds of the forest take precedence over highway noise and city lights.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Vienna, Illinois, the campground is nestled in a heavily wooded area characterized by rolling hills and diverse hardwood forests. The Shawnee National Forest backdrop creates a secluded atmosphere that feels miles away from civilization, yet remains accessible for those traveling through the region. The centerpiece of the area is Lake Glendale, which provides a picturesque focal point for the campground and offers several scenic overlooks for those exploring the winding forest roads nearby.
Amenities & Park Features
The Oak Point loop is the primary area for RVers, featuring electric hookups at many sites to accommodate modern campers. Visitors have access to essential facilities including a central bathhouse with flush toilets and warm showers, ensuring comfort in a rustic setting. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. A dedicated dump station is available on-site, along with a seasonal swimming beach and a boat launch for those looking to enjoy the water with electric motors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for this area, with the Lake Glendale Trail offering a pleasant hike around the water's edge. Fishing is a popular pastime here, as the lake is well-stocked with bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the unique rock formations of Dixon Springs State Park or venture further into the forest to discover hidden sandstone bluffs. The nearby town of Vienna provides convenient access to local supplies and the famous Tunnel Hill State Trail for cycling.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is an ideal match for nature enthusiasts and families who prefer a quiet, traditional camping experience over a high-traffic commercial park. It is perfectly suited for those seeking a basecamp for hiking and birdwatching within the national forest. RVers with smaller to mid-sized rigs will find the wooded sites particularly charming, making it a top choice for travelers looking to disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Southern Illinois.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
James Kellow
Very nice campground with top notch hosts! Thanks Marvin and Connie!
Katie Rylko
Can not rave any more about how nice this place is. The hosts are also very nice and do a great job keeping this place nice. They have working and hot showers and flushable toilets. There is more than 1 restroom location with flushing toilets and showers. Very dog friendly. For hikers or those not staying here they offer showers for $5 for non campers. The hosts are super nice. Be sure to not be rude and arrive before 930pm. The views and camp sites were all great and very wooded ( not the open in a field type). Good space and double lots are available. There are electric and non electric sites. Some also offer water hook up for rv's etc, dump station available as well. This was very pleasant. We could fish a few steps from out site. We could easily hike from our site. Great rates too! The swim area was great, edited to add it is weekends only in August. Lots of mushroom hunting on trails too!
Ginny
Had an amazing stay here! The camp hosts are the nicest, friendliest and most gracious people! Put me in a great spot where it was peaceful and quiet, exactly what i needed! The facilities were very clean!! The hosts checked on everyone just enough and were quick to assist! Thank you for a much needed respite! My pooch and I WILL be back❤️
Gina C
Just stayed here for the first week in May. We got a double lot which was awesome! It has two separate electric plug ins and what made this campground real unique to any other one I have ever stayed at, was that each site had its own water spicket. (or at least I saw for the electric sites around us. We stayed at site 2 it was very nice) The hosts were so friendly and just did a few drive rounds during the day, so it never felt invasive. The man even graciously helped up with getting our camper on hitch when we had trouble. His wife (I'm assuming) gave us color packets for fires for the kiddos. Clean bathrooms and overall, just beautiful grounds with plenty of space and trees between sites. Couple tips.... Lock up your cooler at night, the racoons will pay you a visit at night. Had no service with T-Mobile. Friend with Verizon had great service. Bring cash to pay for site, firewood, and ice and be sure to bring small bills as there is no way to get smaller change
Katie Rylko
Can not rave any more about how nice this place is. The hosts are also very nice and do a great job keeping this place nice. They have working and hot showers and flushable toilets. There is more than 1 restroom location with flushing toilets and showers. Very dog friendly. For hikers or those not staying here they offer showers for $5 for non campers. The hosts are super nice. Be sure to not be rude and arrive before 930pm. The views and camp sites were all great. Good space and double lots are available. There are electric and non electric sites. Some also offer water hook up for rv's etc. This was very pleasant. We could fish a few steps from out site. We could easily hike from our site. Great rates too!