Pine Ridge Campground

For Illinoisans seeking a natural and affordable escape, Pine Ridge Campground near Junction offers an ideal destination. This is a true first-come, first-served campground nestled within the serene Shawnee National Forest, providing a perfect base camp for exploring some of Southern Illinois' most stunning natural features. Unlike campgrounds that require reservations months in advance, Pine Ridge provides a sense of spontaneity, allowing for a last-minute getaway into the woods. With a mix of sites, clean facilities, and its close proximity to the beautiful Pounds Hollow Lake, this campground is a favorite among those who appreciate a more rustic, yet well-maintained, outdoor experience. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Pine Ridge Campground a gem worth visiting, from its location and amenities to the activities that will make your stay memorable.

Pine Ridge Campground is known for its peaceful and clean environment. Visitors consistently praise the campground for its cleanliness, noting that the vault toilets are very clean and regularly maintained by rangers who patrol the area. This attention to detail ensures a comfortable stay for everyone. The campground offers a mix of sites, including a loop with electric hookups and a larger number of non-electric sites, catering to different styles of camping. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, providing the essentials for a great outdoor meal. The pea gravel on the sites and the fact that most are level make setting up a tent or a small RV a simple and quick process. This level of maintenance and care, combined with a very affordable nightly fee, makes Pine Ridge a fantastic value for campers.

The campground's atmosphere is relaxed and low-key. The sites are described as fairly well spaced, which offers a degree of privacy while still being part of the camping community. While some larger RVs can fit, the campground is best suited for smaller campers and tents, which adds to its rustic and intimate feel. The surrounding woods provide a beautiful setting, and the presence of cool rocks to climb on and go through adds a unique element of fun for explorers of all ages. For those who enjoy a more active outdoor experience, the campground is right on the doorstep of the Pounds Hollow Recreation Area and the vast trail system of the Shawnee National Forest. This combination of a tranquil camping spot with direct access to a wide range of outdoor activities makes Pine Ridge Campground a compelling choice for any nature lover in Illinois.

Pine Ridge Campground is located at Junction, IL 62954, USA, placing it in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Its proximity to the beautiful Pounds Hollow Lake is a major highlight; the lake is just a quarter-mile down the road, and a two-mile loop road goes around the entire campground and down to a beach access point. This convenient location allows campers to enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating on the lake with ease. The campground’s location also provides easy access to a number of scenic hiking trails, including trails that feature unique rock formations and beautiful natural scenery. The on-site parking is a key convenience, making it easy to unload your gear and set up camp. While the campground is in a somewhat remote location, its accessibility from nearby towns and roads is straightforward, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Accessibility at Pine Ridge Campground is thoughtfully provided for, with a wheelchair-accessible car park. This is a crucial feature that ensures visitors with mobility challenges can comfortably access the starting point of their camping and hiking adventures. The campground's layout, with well-defined sites and roads, makes it easy to navigate. Since the sites are first-come, first-served, the process of finding a spot is simple: you can pull up and choose an available site that best suits your needs. The campground’s close proximity to the lake means that you can easily walk or drive down to the beach, fishing pier, and picnic areas. The trails are noted for being "kid-friendly," making it easy for families to explore the area together. This blend of a scenic location with practical accessibility features makes Pine Ridge Campground a welcoming and convenient choice for a diverse range of visitors.

The location’s surrounding area offers even more to explore. Pounds Hollow Lake is a popular day-use area that provides opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and swimming, all within a short distance of the campground. For more adventurous hikers, the campground serves as a great launchpad for exploring the wider Shawnee National Forest, with its famous trails and unique rock formations. This blend of a peaceful campground and direct access to a larger recreation area makes Pine Ridge a truly versatile and exciting destination for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Services Offered:

• RV and Tent Sites: The campground offers a variety of sites, with 13 electric sites and 25 non-electric sites.
• Electric Hookups: Electric sites offer 20/30/50 amp service, accommodating a range of RVs.
• Water Hookups: Running water is available at a check-in station, providing a central source for campers.
• Public Toilets: Clean, vaulted toilets are available and are praised by visitors for their cleanliness.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Pits: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill.
• On-site Parking: Convenient on-site parking is available for campers.
• Kid-Friendly Hikes: The area offers hiking trails that are suitable and enjoyable for children.
• Dog-Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs, allowing you to bring your pets along for the adventure.

Features / Highlights:

• Affordable Camping: At just $10 a night, the campground offers a great value for a high-quality camping experience.
• First-Come, First-Served: The "no reservations" policy is perfect for spontaneous getaways.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Visitors consistently praise the campground and its toilets for their cleanliness.
• Proximity to Pounds Hollow Lake: The campground is just a short walk or drive from a beautiful lake, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
• Scenic Hiking: The area is known for its beautiful trails, which feature unique rock formations and a peaceful, wooded setting.
• Family-Friendly: With kid-friendly hikes and a safe environment, the campground is a great choice for families.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible car park is a key feature that ensures accessibility for all visitors.

Contact Information:

Address: Junction, IL 62954, USA

Phone: (618) 253-7114

What is worth choosing this place for?

Choosing Pine Ridge Campground is an excellent decision for anyone seeking an affordable, peaceful, and amenity-rich outdoor experience in Southern Illinois. The most compelling reason to choose this campground is its unbeatable value and its beautiful, natural setting. At just $10 a night, you get access to a clean, well-maintained site with a fire pit, picnic table, and even electricity at some sites. This affordability, combined with the "first-come, first-served" policy, makes it a perfect choice for spontaneous trips without a complicated booking process. The close proximity to Pounds Hollow Lake is a major highlight, as it provides a wide range of activities like swimming, fishing, and picnicking just a short distance away. This allows you to easily transition from a peaceful morning at your campsite to an active afternoon by the water.

The campground’s commitment to providing a clean and safe environment is also a major draw. Visitors consistently mention the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the presence of rangers, which speaks volumes about the quality of the park's management. The variety of sites, from electric to non-electric, means you can choose the level of amenities that best suits your camping style. For families, the kid-friendly hikes and the "cool rocks to climb on" make it a memorable and engaging experience for children. Pine Ridge Campground offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it a top-tier choice for a peaceful, affordable, and fun-filled camping trip in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest.

Pine Ridge Campground

Junction, IL 62954, USA