Shawnee National Forest Invites Public to Recreate Safely this Memorial Day Weekend

Harrisburg, IL, May 12, 2025— Shawnee National Forest is prepping for recreation season to welcome an influx of visitors. We want to provide the most up to date information related to recreation sites for your planning purposes. The safety and enjoyment of our visitors remain top priorities, and we’ll steward the areas we can with available staff and resources.

Important Status information and hours are provided below:

• The following campgrounds are open: Lake Glendale, Pounds Hollow, Pharoah at Garden of the Gods, Johnson Creek, and Pine Hills. Please remember all sites are first come, first serve (no reservations accepted). Depending on visitation, other primitive camping opportunities may be available at Camp Cadiz, Lake of Egypt, Redbud Campground, and Turkey Bayou.
• Due to debris and/or damage from flooding, Tower Rock Campground and Snake Road are currently closed until further notice. McClure Road is also currently closed until further notice at the low-water crossing.
• All Shawnee National Forest offices will be closed May 26, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day.

Please check the Forest’s website frequently for the most recent updates on recreation site availability and any potential closures.

And check out safety tips and information to plan for your adventure.