Camping & Cabins

The Shawnee National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences ranging from primitive backpacking to a developed campground equipped with showers and electrical sites. Most campgrounds & picnic areas are located near lakes or areas of exceptional beauty. Hiking, fishing and sightseeing are but a few of the recreational opportunities to be found nearby. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do not accept reservations. Campgrounds are usually open from April 1 through Dec. 15, although there are some exceptions. For fees and amenities see the Recreation Site Information Chart. 

Johnson Creek, Pounds Hollow and Lake Glendale Recreation Areas are located adjacent to lakes. Oak Point Campground in Lake Glendale Recreation Area has electrical sites, showers, and RV dump station. Campgrounds that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet are Johnson Creek Group Campground, Oak Point, Tower Rock and Camp Cadiz. Pounds Hollow campground offers one camping loop with electric sites. For fees and amenities see the Recreation Site Information Chart. 

Regulations that apply in designated Campgrounds

• Leaving your campsite unoccupied during the first night after equipment is set-up or leaving equipment unattended for more than 24 hours thereafter is prohibited.
• Check out time is 2:00 p.m.
• Parking on the grass and camping outside the designated campsite is prohibited.
• Keep campfires contained in the fire rings provided at each campsite.
• The cutting of live trees, shrubs and other vegetation is prohibited.
• Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Weapons, firearms and fireworks are not to be discharged in campgrounds or picnic areas.
• Pets are welcome but must be leashed and are not allowed in designated swimming areas.
• Other than groups sites, there is a maximum of two tents, two vehicles and eight people per site.
• Maximum length of stay is 14 days at the campsite.
• Large group camping is available at Lake Glendale Recreation Area, please contact the Lake Glendale Concessionaire.
• Equestrian camping is allowed at Johnson Creek and Camp Cadiz campgrounds. 

Primitive Camping

Primitive camping is allowed outside of developed recreation areas, with the exception that no camping is allowed in natural areas, along lake shores, near streams or on trails.  Equestrians and/or stock animals are prohibited from camping in designated Wilderness. 

Primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds is free and allowed any time of year for up to 14 consecutive days. Be sure to set up your camp on national forest lands; Do not trespass on private land.  Campers should use good outdoor ethics; Do not cut live trees or shrubs, clean up and naturalize your campsite, make sure campfires are dead-out and removing garbage and personal equipment. 

When camping overnight be sure you park where overnight parking is allowed, such as trailheads and do not block roads or gates. Areas signed as Day-Use Areas - open 6am to 10pm are closed to overnight parking.