Sesser, Illinois

Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround Lake Murphysboro and provide opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Paddling is a perfect past time here. Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Boards are all allowed much of the year. If fishing is on the agenda, a 10 hp maximum outboard...

Located within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and along one of the most scenic lakes within the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois Little Grassy Lake Campground is a awesome place to camp for a night or a whole week. There are 14 full hook up campsites. 54 sites have water and electric acc...

Giant City is a popular weekend retreat because it provides for all levels of camping. There are 85 campsites in the Class A Campground which provides water, electricity, showers and restroom facilities for tent and trailer camping. Some facilities such as showers are closed for the winter. A sep...

This wandering intermittent creek inside of Giant City State Park only flows in periods of heavy rain or after snow melts. Prior to a confluence with Drury Creek, the path comes to a mid sized shelter bluff wall. What this shelter lacks in sheer size, it made up for in importance to Native Americ...

Ferne Clyffe has a campground for everyone. From the more modern, or primitive, larger groups, backpackers and even equestrian campers. From beginner to hardened veteran eagle scout, there is a campsite for everyone. The shower facilities that are offered at some campgrounds are available seasona...

Inspiration Point Trail is a 0.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Wolf Lake, Illinois. The Inspiration Point Trail offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands and is well worth the climb. The 300-foot drop, seven feet to the left ...

In the heart of the Shawnee National Forest is an amazing camp that provides many adventures for those with all skill levels. When camp is out, anyone is allowed to visit Camp Ondessonk as a guest and explore. There are over 10 miles of trails through pristine forests,  sandstone canyons, and sev...

Trail of Tears State Forest lies within one of the most rugged landscapes in Illinois. The hills are steep, and the soil is shallow and susceptible to erosion. Cliffs are all around and streams with gravel bottoms are in the narrow forest filled valleys. In 1838-39 the Cherokee, Creek, and Chicka...

In the southernmost part of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a wonderful natural area that transports you far from the flat agricultural landscape typical of so much of the Midwest. Located in the central area of the forest, Garden of the Gods is a 3,318-acre wilderness area characterized by ...