Safety and Outdoor Ethics
The Shawnee National Forest provides a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. To help you get the most of your experience, you need to be prepared for just about anything mother nature can throw at you.
Know Before You Go
Call 911 if You Have an Emergency
For non-emergency issues or to report suspicious or illegal activity call or text the information to our LEO tip line at 618-201-3364. You may remain anonymous when calling the tip line.
Plan ahead and Prepare
Let someone know your travel plans. Carry plenty of water or boil/treat water before drinking. Cell phone reception may be weak or non-existent in many parts of the Shawnee National Forest. Use a map and compass or GPS device. Venomous snakes occur in southern Illinois. Be cautious, watch where you step or place your hands. It is your responsibility as a visitor to follow our rules and regulations.
Use extra caution in designated wildernesses (backcountry areas)
In wilder, more remote areas of the forest, search and rescue efforts often are slower than in urban places. Stay safe and use extra caution in our seven designated wildernesses.
Rivers, Streams and Roads
Large rains may cause rivers and streams to rise quickly and stay elevated for days after a rainstorm. Some roads and trails become flooded quickly. To stay safe, be aware of weather conditions.
Smoke on the forest?
We use prescribed fire as a tool to restore Southern Illinois forests. Prescribed fire is a planned fire that is overseen by professionals. To learn more about places where we are using or plan to use fire, check out our prescribed fire page. To report a fire, dial 911 or 866-684-2051. No recreation, camping, permits, or other information is available on this line.
Resources for Visiting National Forests
Remember: You are responsible for your safety and for the safety of those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I get maps of the Shawnee National Forest?
View or download a free Shawnee National Forest Guide Map to get to know your way around the forest. Many of our maps are available as geo-referenced digital maps, find them on our Visitor Maps & Guides webpage.
The Friends of the Shawnee National Forest sell Forest Trail Maps for $12 each- Choose Eastside or Westside of the Forest. These color maps are printed on water resistant paper and include, Trailhead locations, trail numbers, wilderness boundaries, designated natural areas, points of interest, safety and regulation information. The Friends also sells a bundle of six-maps of multi-day hikes for $12. The bundle includes One Horse Gap, High Knob, Trigg Tower, Garden of the Gods, Lusk Creek and Clear Springs Wilderness. Order online from the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest or purchase them at any Shawnee National Forest office. 25% of proceeds that the Friends generates return to the Forest to be used for trail improvements or visitor enhancement projects. Remember to order your maps well in advance so you receive them before your visit.
Do you charge a fee at the Shawnee National Forest?
No, there is no entrance fee. However there is a fee to stay in our campgrounds and to enter the beach and swim at Lake Glendale. Refer to the Developed Recreation Site Information pamphlet for a schedule of camp fees and dates of operation.
Can I reserve a campsite or picnic shelter on the Shawnee National Forest?
No. The Shawnee does not take reservations – All campsites and picnic shelters are first-come, first-serve. There are self-pay stations at each campground entrance, please follow the instructions. Only cash and checks accepted. Refer to the Developed Recreation Site Information pamphlet for a schedule of camp fees and dates of operation.
Does the Shawnee National Forest have cabins?
No, however there are cabin rentals available at Giant City State Park and Cave-in-Rock State Park, as well as numerous private businesses offering rentals. Here are some local tourism websites to help in your search: Southernmost Illinois Tourism, Illinois Ozarks Tourism, Visit SI and Southern Illinois Tourism.
Do you have America the Beautiful - Federal Recreational Passes available at your offices?
Yes, you can obtain the America the Beautiful Recreational Passes at our offices, during regular office hours. Please bring proper ID and other documentation if necessary. We accept, cash, credit card or check. For details about America the Beautiful Federal Recreation Pass Program or to order online visit the USGS Store.
Can I bring my dog on my visit to the Shawnee?
Yes. Dogs are welcome in the Shawnee National Forest; however, they must be leashed or restrained in developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas and on developed trails. Be aware, unleashed dogs have been seriously injured by falling down bluffs that are commonly found in this region.
Can I collect wild plants or rocks on national forest lands?
Yes, but there are regulations with this activity. Collecting flowers or plants for personal use is allowed on National Forest lands except for designated Wilderness and Natural Areas. Commercial plant collecting is restricted and requires a permit from the Shawnee National Forest. Supervisors Office. Collection of endangered, threatened, or rare species is prohibited.
Recreational Gold-Panning, along with Rockhounding, is permitted on the Shawnee National Forest with restrictions. Only hand-size rocks and minerals are allowed, but collecting is prohibited in natural areas, archeological areas and at developed recreation sites. No fee is required as long as the specimens are for personal, noncommercial use; no mechanical equipment is employed; no significant surface disturbance results; and collections do not conflict with existing mineral permits, leases or sales.
Gathering berries, nuts, mushrooms and other “wild foods” is allowed for personal use only. Gather only the amount of berries and fruits that will be used. Make sure you do not trespass on private land.
What is the difference between developed and dispersed camping?
Developed Camping is when you’re camping in one of our campgrounds. All campgrounds are first-come, first-serve; No reservations. In most of our campgrounds there is a fee to camp. Some campgrounds close seasonally, check the Developed Recreation Site Information pamphlet for more details.
Dispersed Camping is free on the Shawnee but offers no amenities. No permits are required to camp in the general forest area away from developed campgrounds or trails. Learn and follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
All Camping in the Shawnee National Forest is limited to 14 days in one location.
What about wildlife, snakes, etc.?
For information on wildlife and snakes you might encounter on the Shawnee or in southern Illinois, visit Illinois Department of Natural Resources. There are several species of snakes on the Shawnee, only three of which are venomous, Rattlesnakes, Copperheads and Water Moccasins. The Timber Rattlesnake is listed as a threatened species. For your safety and theirs, please do not bother or harass wildlife or snakes. Collection, handling or removal of any snake species is prohibited. This includes gathering, herding, harassing, or having in your possession.
I’m a schoolteacher. How do I request a ranger program in the classroom or a visit from Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl?
We offer free environmental education programs. Contact us by email or call (618) 253-7114. Please contact us three weeks in advance to allow time to check on the availability of resources, plan, coordinate, and schedule your program.