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 our 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 the Forest

Select the link below that relates to your next activity to read helpful tips to help you prepare before hitting the forest.

 

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Remember: You are responsible for your safety and for the safety of those around you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How do I find my way around on the Shawnee?
View and download the Shawnee National Forest Guide Map to get to know your way around the forest. If you would like the Forest Guide Map sent to you please call or email the Forest Information Desk. This general forest map is available at all of the Shawnee National Forest offices. Remember to request information well in advance of your visit.

2. Do the recreation areas, picnic sites or campgrounds have addresses that I can plug into my phone's GPS?
No, there is no physical address for our recreation sites. Visitor information pamphlets for many forest sites contain a map and driving directions. You may also find the Recreation Site GPS Map that lists GPS coordinates of our recreation sites.

3. Where can I find a ranger station or forest office? 

The Headquarters Office is located at 50 Hwy 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946. This office is located on the eastern side of the Shawnee and is the first building on the right as you turn south onto Route 145/34 leaving Harrisburg. It is approximately 22 miles north of the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. You may contact this office by calling 618-253-7114 or 800-MY-WOODS. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 4:30pm.

The Hidden Springs Ranger District - Vienna Office is located at 602 North First Street, Vienna, IL 62995. This office is located just off I-24 on Route 45. It is approximately 15 miles west of the Lake Glendale Recreation Area. You may contact this office by calling 618-658-2111. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 4:30pm.

The Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District - Jonesboro Office is located at 521 North Main Street, Jonesboro, IL 62952. This office is located on the west side of the Shawnee, just off Route 146. It is approximately 8 miles east of the LaRue Pine Hills Research Natural Area. You may contact this office by calling 618-833- 8576. Office is open: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 11:30 am-12:30 pm.  Visitor services at this office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are by appointment Only. 

5. Are there entrance or day-use fees charged at the Shawnee recreation areas?
No we do not charge an entrance or day-use fees.  However there is a fee to stay at our developed campgrounds and our concessionaire charges a fee to swim at Lake Glendale. For more information refer to the Developed Recreation Site Information pamphlet. 

6. Can I reserve a picnic shelter or any other area on the Shawnee National Forest?
No. The Shawnee does not reserve – All picnic shelters and other recreation areas are first-come, first-serve.

7. How do I obtain a detailed map of the Shawnee?
Maps are available for purchase at all of our offices, located in Harrisburg, Vienna and Jonesboro. You may also visit our Map Order Form to print a copy of the Shawnee National Forest Map Order Form. Please order your maps well in advance so you receive them before your visit. If you need assistance, please contact us at 1-800-MY-WOODS.

8. How do I obtain a trail map of a specific area of the Forest?

Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG), are available for many recreation sites on the Shawnee such as the Little Grand Canyon, Garden of the God’s, and Kincade Lake. Several of these ROG’s include maps and are available at each of our offices, as well as the Recreation page on our website.

Additionally, there are a variety of maps available for purchase through the “Friends of the Shawnee National Forest” website or at any Shawnee National Forest office.

A six-map bundle for multi-day hiking trips around the Shawnee National Forest in loop trails is available for $12. Locations include One Horse Gap, High Knob, Trigg Tower, Garden of the Gods, Lusk Creek and Clear Springs Wilderness. There are six maps in one bundle - waterproof.  

There are also two larger maps that show all the trails on the forest available for $12 from the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest covering the entire forest east of I-57 and another for the area west of I-57. These are color, to scale, on quality water and tear resistant paper, the legend includes geographical markings for streams, natural areas, wilderness boundaries, trails, and more. These two maps also include detailed insets of locations such as Jackson Falls, Pounds Hollow, Garden of the Gods, and more. 25% of proceeds from the East and West side maps are set aside for trail improvements on the Shawnee National Forest.

9. What about emergencies?
In the event of an emergency, dial 911. 

10. Do I need to make reservations to camp on the Shawnee?
No. The Shawnee does not take reservations; all campgrounds are firstcome, first-serve. There are self-pay stations at each campground entrance, please follow the instructions on the campground bulletin board. Refer to the Developed Recreation Site Information pamphlet for a list of campgrounds, campsite fees and dates of operation

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. What is the difference between developed and dispersed camping on the Forest?
Developed campgrounds: All campgrounds are first-come, first serve, so no reserving of sites. There is a fee at these campgrounds which offers amenities such as a picnic table, lantern posts, grill, parking spot, potable drinking water and a toilet. There is also a dumpster nearby for your use. Camping is allowed at one campsite for a maximum of 14 nights. Some of these campgrounds are closed seasonally; please see our recreation site index for more details. For specific regulations, visit Developed Campground Regulations for details on developed campground camping. It is also a good idea to leave your location and expected date of return with someone at home.

Dispersed camping: Dispersed camping is free on the Shawnee and offers no amenities. For specific regulations, visit Dispersed Camping Regulations for dispersed camping regulations. No permits are required. It is also a good idea to leave your location and expected date of return with someone at home. Leave No Trace ethics apply to all visits to the Shawnee.

14. How do I obtain firewood for my campsite?
Firewood must be from obtained from local sources only. If you use wood near your campsite, you must only use dead and down wood. This will help reduce the spread of non-native insects, which can kill large numbers of trees.

15. I currently live in the area or plan to move to the area. How do I find general information about being a good neighbor to the Forest?
Visit our Living Next Door To The Shawnee Brochure to open the link to our brochure Living Next Door To the Shawnee National Forest.

16. How large is the Shawnee National Forest? Where is it located?
The Shawnee National Forest is comprised of approximately 290,000 acres. It is located in the southern tip of Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

Click here to open our Shawnee National Forest Guide, which includes a map of the Forest.

17. Do you have America the Beautiful or Federal Recreation Passes available at your offices?
Yes. We sell all the America the Beautiful Recreation Passes 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 program visit the USGS Store.

18. I want to hunt or fish on the Shawnee? What regulations apply?
Hunting: Illinois State regulations apply on the Shawnee as well as some additional regulations specific to the Forest. Visit Hunting on the Shawnee National Forest to access Forest related hunting information. Visit Illinois Department of Natural Resources to access the state regulations or to view their Hunting and Trapping Digest. Leave No Trace ethics apply to all visits to the Shawnee.

Fishing: Fishing is free on the Shawnee for those 15 years of age and younger. An Illinois fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 15. Visit Illinois Department of Natural Resources to access the state regulations and information on how to purchase your fishing license or contact IDNR at 1-217-782-6302.

19. 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.

20. I am a school teacher. How do I request a visit from an environmental education resource person (e.g. a visit from Smokey Bear and a fire prevention program)?
Email Forest Ranger program requests to our conservation education coordinator or contact us at (1-800-699-6637).  Please contact us at least two weeks in advance to allow time to check on the availability of resources, plan, coordinate and schedule your program.