Recreation
The seven wilderness areas offer primitive backcountry recreation in non-motorized areas of the forest.
Recreation
Garden of the Gods Wilderness
Site Open
Garden of the Gods Wilderness is located in Saline, Pope, and Hardin Counties. The wilderness features outstanding scenic views along with very unusual rock formations. Trails for hiking and…
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…
Illinois Iron Furnace Historic Site
Site Open
The Illinois Iron Furnace is the only remaining iron furnace structure in the state of Illinois. Iron was manufactured at the Illinois Furnace by the charcoal blast method. The furnace was built on a…
Jackson Falls
Site Open
The bluffs and rock faces found at Jackson Falls offer excellent technical climbing surrounded by a beautifully scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. Considered part of the general forest area…
Johnson Creek Recreation Area
Site Open
Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Here you will find something for everyone in the family, from camping…
Kinkaid Lake & Trail System
Kinkaid Lake is one of the few large lakes in the region that offers a variety of recreational activities. Popular activities include primitive camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing/kayaking, horseback…
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Site Open
If you are looking for a place in the center of the Shawnee National Forest, then Lake Glendale Recreation Area is for you. Its central location makes it easy to visit main attractions on either side…
Lake of Egypt
Site Open
The southeast side of the Lake of Egypt is surrounded by Shawnee National Forest and open to primitive camping in the general forest area. Hickory Ridge Boat Launch is a gravel launch situated on…
Lake Tecumseh
Site Open
This is a very shallow lake (approximately 4 feet or less). It was constructed for flood control purposes. Water levels fluctuate widely and sport fish population are marginal.
LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area
Site Open
LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond RNA is one of the most unique areas in the world. As with many places in the Shawnee National Forest, the beauty we see today is rooted in geologic history. LaRue-Pine…