Hidden Springs Ranger District
General Information
East side of the Shawnee National Forest
Recreation Sites
Bay Creek Lake
Site Open
Bay Creek Lake, also known as Millstone Lake is about 96 acres and fed by Bay Creek. Bay Creek is known for its clear clean spring-fed waters. This lake is becoming more popular, but it is not…
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
Site Open
Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone…
Camp Cadiz Campground
Site Open
This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up with the exception of…
Dutchman Lake
Site Open
This 118 acre lake is not far from main highways and the small town of Vienna, IL. where stores and gas stations are available for food, gas and live bait. Dutchman Lake is also easily accessible…
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
Site Open
One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.The Observation Trail…
High Knob Lookout
Site Open
Once the site of a fire lookout tower, high knob was staffed by the Camp Cadiz Civilian Conservation Corpsmen (CCC) during the early days of the Shawnee National Forest.  The old tower's concrete…