Illinois
Shawnee National Forest Pine Ridge Campground
Established Campground
Pine Ridge sits in a hollow surrounded by second-growth pine and hardwood, about 15 minutes from the Garden of the Gods overlooks. Twenty-eight sites spread across two loops, most with decent spacing and fire rings. The place fills up on fall weekends when the leaves turn, but you’ll find spots midweek. No hookups, but vault toilets and hand-pump water that actually works most of the time.
Gravel access road off Forest Route 114 — any rig can make it. Open April through October, though they don’t plow the access road in winter. Sites run $12 a night, first-come basis. Good launching pad for hitting the rock formations and trails on the south end of Shawnee.
Pine hollow base camp near Garden of the Gods.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | 50 Highway 145, Harrisburg, Illinois 62946 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Harrisburg, IL |
| Miles from pavement | 8.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 28 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $12.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |