Recreation
The seven wilderness areas offer primitive backcountry recreation in non-motorized areas of the forest.
Bald Knob Wilderness
Site Open
Adjacent to the beautiful Bald Knob Cross landmark this rugged and remote wilderness offers the Bald Knob trail loop and the linear Godwin Trail which connects into Clear Springs wilderness. Along…
Bay Creek Lake
Site Closed
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…
Bay Creek Wilderness
Site Open
Bay Creek Wilderness is located in Pope County. The Wilderness is located adjacent to Burden Falls Wilderness and is in a stone's throw of Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area. Bay Creek Wilderness is…
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…
Burden Fall Wilderness
Site Open
Burden Falls Wilderness is located in Pope County. The Wilderness is located adjacent to Bay Creek Wilderness and is in a stone's throw of Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area.Burden Falls Wilderness…
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…
Cedar Lake
Site Open
The shores of this 1,750-acre lake is lined with forests and colorful bluffs. National forest land encompasses the south end of the lake and provides one of the most tranquil water settings in the…
Clear Springs Wilderness
Site Open
Located on the west side of the Shawnee National Forest, Clear Springs Wilderness is one of the largest designated wildernesses in Illinois.  With elevations ranging from 400 feet to over 900…
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…