Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
A picturesque setting, Pounds Hollow campground and lake are tucked away amongst the Shawnee Hills, where you can relax and get away from it all. Completed in the early 1940's, Pounds Hollow Lake is popular for the same reasons it was 60 years ago and continues to provide opportunities to picnic, fish, swim, camp and hike.
General Information
Maps and Guides
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area Guide and Map
Pine Ridge Campground is located on the ridgetop above Pounds Hollow Lake and offers 13 electric sites and 22 non-electric campsites, each with a picnic table, latern pole and fire ring with grill. Water spigot is located at the campground entrance across from pay station. 20, 30 & 50 amp at electric campsites.
Day-use Activities: At 25 acres, Pounds Hollow Lake is large enough to provide its many visitors some seclusion during their visit. This day-use area offers swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating and hiking. No public boat ramp is available. There are several lakeside picnic sites, plus a fishing pier and a large picnic shelter overlooking the beach. The skilled craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corpsmen (CCC) can still be seen today in the hand-cut sandstone foundation of the picnic shelter.
Only small boats and electric motors are allowed on the lake. The lake contains largemouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish. The tranquil surroundings of the area are a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoors.
Campground - March 15th to December15th
Beach - no lifeguard; swim at your own risk.
Lake Access Road and Picnic Area - March 1st to November1st (daily from 6am to 10pm)
Campground - March 15th to December15th Beach - no lifeguard; swim at your own risk. Lake Access Road and Picnic Area - March 1st to November1st (daily from 6am to 10pm)
- Swimming allowed at the beach only.
- Picnic area is open 6am - 10pm. Beach area is open dawn to dusk.
- Pets must be leashed and are not allowed on the beach or in the designated swimming area.
- Use trash receptacles in developed areas. No glass or metal containers allowed on the beach per Forest Order.
- Camp only at designated sites.
- No reservations, campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- There is a maximum of 2 tents, 8 people and 2 vehicles allowed per campsite.
​A complete list of site regulations is posted on each bulletin board and at fee stations.
Campsite $10/night - 8 people & 2 vehicle maximun. Campground has 13 electric sites and 42 non-electric sites. Payment cash or check only.
Campsites are $10 night. 8 people and 2 vehicles maximum. Campground has 13 electric sites and 42 non-electric sites. Payment cash or check only.
Address: 602 N. First Street Route 45 North Vienna, IL 62995
Phone: 618-658-2111
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (closed 11:30 am -12:30 pm) (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.615001
Longitude: -88.2666667
Directions
From Harrisburg: Take Highway 34/145 south 6 miles, then continue on Highway 34 south for 9 miles. Turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road and go 9 miles to the recreation area entrance.
From Evansville, Indiana: Take Highway 62 west & continue on IL. State Route 141 to Highway 1. Go south on Highway 1 about 24 miles to Karbers Ridge Road, then west 2 miles to the recreation area entrance.
Parking
Day parking at lake.
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Spigot is at campground entrance.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Accessible Design
Other Amenities
- Interpretive Site: at Picnic Shelter
- Camping trailer: Campsites & turn radius of campground roads limit truck & trailer size to under 25 ft.
- Tent camping
