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Shawnee/Pine Hills Campground
Overview
Shawnee/Pine Hills Campground offers a serene escape nestled in the heart of Southern Illinois. This family-owned destination serves as a primary base for travelers looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Unlike high-traffic commercial resorts, this park provides a relaxed, rural atmosphere where the sounds of nature replace highway noise. It is a place where visitors can truly disconnect while maintaining the comfort of modern RV accommodations.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated in Wolf Lake, an area defined by the towering limestone bluffs and the fertile floodplains of the Mississippi River. The surrounding landscape is dramatic, featuring the iconic Pine Hills rising sharply from the valley floor. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by dense hardwoods and unique geological formations. The campground is strategically positioned near the Larue-Pine Hills Research Natural Area, making it a prime location for witnessing the region's diverse flora and fauna.
Amenities & Park Features
While the vibe is rustic, the amenities ensure a comfortable stay for modern rigs. The park features full hookup sites equipped with 30 and 50-amp electrical service, accommodating both small campers and large motorhomes. Guests have access to essential facilities including a clean bathhouse, laundry services, and a dump station. For recreation within the grounds, the park offers a fishing pond and open green spaces, providing a peaceful environment for evening strolls or morning coffee by the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is just minutes away, with the famous Snake Road nearby, known globally for its seasonal amphibian and reptile migrations. Hikers and photographers frequently visit the Pine Hills Lookout for panoramic views of the river valley. The Trail of Tears State Forest is also within easy driving distance, offering miles of challenging trails. Whether you are interested in bird watching, hunting, or simply exploring the unique limestone glades, the surrounding area provides endless outdoor activities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers who prioritize proximity to nature over luxury resort activities. It is a perfect fit for birdwatchers and photographers who want to be first on the trails in the morning. Because of its quiet nature and spacious layout, it also suits long-term travelers and retirees looking for a peaceful seasonal home. If your travel style favors starlit nights and forest hikes, this park will feel like a hidden gem.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Charlie Phelps
No cell service, no electricity, everything you need in a good camping trip. Walk to the main road after dark for a great view of the stars. Dry season creek bed was a great walk.
Mike Frailey
It is very easy to access. Site 3 was spacious and level. Typical clean-up of sticks, pine cones, etc. Site 1 I noticed, gets blasted with headlights when people arrive after dark and sign in. The pit toilet was very clean, and there was plenty of TP. I loved having the metal tube hook for hanging a lantern. We'll probably be back in the fall!
CS Graham
I've camped at Pine Hills twice, both times in April 2024, and I enjoyed each time. It's in some nice woods in a gorgeous part of Illinois. The campsites are roomy and the layout is flat. During my visits the forest had many flowers and butterflies, and at night there were lightning bugs that seemed to stay high in the canopy, but it gave the campsite a twinkling quality. I want to go back.
Darin Richardson
I've been going to Pine Hills at least once a year since 2003 for our annual squirrel hunt. The campground is and has always been very clean and cared for and the rangers and workers that stop by are always friendly and accommodating. The pavilion works well for our Saturday night potluck and the "anyone welcome" soiree complete with live music. Thanks to all the folks for the upkeep of the campground and for making us feel welcome for more than 2 decades. UPDATE: This is an absolutely wonderful place to spend time to get away from all the hustle and bustle and relax. I read and have read several reviews about cell phones not working, Starlink not working, towns being too far away etc. Please help me understand why all the people that leave these reviews based on these factors are camping. If you plan on sitting, playing on your cell phone, watching television or running around town... stay home and save your money. If you want to camp and get back to nature and away from all the technology, you're not going to find a better place to do it.
Margeau Faticone
Wow. This campground was everything I dream of. I am an avid car camper and let me tell you this place was perfection. Clean sites tucked into the wilderness off the beaten path and away from all crowds. Beautiful groves of trees great for hammocks. Each fire ring was litter free and had grates for cooking over the fire. Animal proof trash cans available if you need them. Pit toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen for a state campground. Suffice to say I was impressed. If you are in a small camper or tent and enjoy the peace and quiet you will love it here.