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Shawnee/Redbud Campground-Bell Smith Rec Area
Overview
The Redbud Campground, nestled within the Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, offers a serene escape into the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. This site serves as a rustic sanctuary for those looking to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in Southern Illinois’ unique landscape. Unlike many commercial parks, this area focuses on preserving the integrity of the environment, providing a quiet basecamp for outdoor exploration and primitive living.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside of Eddyville, Illinois, the campground is surrounded by some of the most dramatic geology in the Midwest. The terrain is defined by deep rock canyons, turquoise-tinted water, and high sandstone bluffs that rise above the forest floor. The Bell Smith Springs area is legendary for its lush greenery and dramatic rock formations, making the surroundings feel like a hidden wilderness far removed from the surrounding prairie landscapes.
Amenities & Park Features
As a National Forest site, Redbud Campground provides a primitive camping experience. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at the individual sites, so travelers should arrive prepared. Visitors have access to vault toilets and drinking water during the peak season. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table, encouraging a traditional camping atmosphere under a dense canopy of mature hardwood trees that provide ample shade.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the extensive eight-mile trail system that connects various natural wonders. Hikers can explore the massive Natural Bridge, the bubbling waters of Bay Creek, and the iconic Devil's Backbone rock formation. Nearby, the Burden Falls Wilderness and the famous Garden of the Gods are a short drive away, offering even more opportunities for landscape photography and scenic overlooks that define the region.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for adventurous RVers who prefer boondocking or have smaller rigs capable of navigating winding forest roads. It is best for travelers who prioritize hiking and solitude over luxury amenities. If you are a nature photographer or hiker seeking an authentic, off-the-grid experience in a rugged landscape, Redbud Campground is an excellent choice for your next Illinois adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Blue Gorilla
Lovely place to pitch a tent. Nice short hike to the spring
Kriz Rbsn
Somehow I missed "Redbud Campground is open 3/15 - 12/15." I came on 3/13! Seems like a nice and isolated, quiet campground. Hope to stay sometime in the open season.
Kenny Kuykendall
Great location for dry camping. It got really busy for hunting season and the roads in were pretty deep with mud and potholes so be careful!
Ashley Holder
We absolutely loved staying at Redbud Campground for the night and hiking the nearby Bell Smith Springs Trails. The sites are only $10 a night and are very primitive, there is a waterless toilet. Bring water, toilet paper, and bug spray. We stayed at site #2 and had a nice picnic table, fire ring, level gravel area for our tent and a post to hang our lantern from. Keep your food packed up we heard critters at night searching for food. The walking trails have beautiful land formations, breath-taking views and cool, clear streams to explore.
Amy Hunt
Beautiful place to get away and immerse yourself in natural wonder! However, please put out your campfires! Rangers drive by every now and then and will check your registration. Water well pump on site (shared; hard to pump; unreliable water source) and restrooms are what they are for being vault. You might get just as much privacy and more fresh air going behind a tree - your choice! Anyways, we enjoyed a great campsite with a campfire ring in great condition. Some sites don’t have the best places to pitch a tent, but there are plenty of choices if you want to have a siesta in your hammock. Definitely do your shopping from home because even the nearest gas station is miles away, and it is small. You either plan ahead uber-sufficiently or you rough it out here.