Pounds Hollow Recreation Area

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Nestled within the vast and captivating Shawnee National Forest, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area offers a pristine and invigorating escape for residents across Illinois. This beloved natural gem, located in Eagle Creek Township, stands as a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps' craftsmanship from the early 1940s, providing a timeless destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Pounds Hollow is more than just a campground; it's a comprehensive recreation area centered around a beautiful 25-acre lake, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of activities from dawn till dusk. Whether you're seeking a peaceful fishing spot, a refreshing swim, an invigorating hike, or a quiet place to camp under the stars, Pounds Hollow provides the perfect backdrop. Its tranquil surroundings, combined with its historical significance and ongoing commitment to natural preservation, make it a truly special place in Southern Illinois. The area is designed to foster a deep connection with nature, offering a reprieve from the stresses of daily life and creating lasting memories for families and individuals alike.

Pounds Hollow Recreation Area is conveniently situated in Eagle Creek Township, IL 62954, USA, deep within the scenic Shawnee National Forest. This location, while offering a true sense of natural immersion, is remarkably accessible for residents throughout Illinois, especially those in the southern and central parts of the state. It is positioned near Illinois Route 1, a major state highway that facilitates straightforward travel to the area. For those familiar with the Shawnee National Forest, Pounds Hollow is often considered a gateway to other renowned natural attractions like Rim Rock National Recreation Trail and the iconic Garden of the Gods, which are just a short drive away. This proximity allows visitors to easily combine a camping trip at Pounds Hollow with explorations of the broader forest landscape. While it offers a secluded feel, the recreation area is not overly remote, allowing for practical trips from various parts of Illinois. This balance of natural seclusion and convenient access makes Pounds Hollow an attractive destination for local users seeking both tranquility and adventure without extensive travel burdens.

• Camping Facilities: Pounds Hollow offers a variety of campsites at Pine Ridge Campground, located on the ridgetop above the lake. This includes 13 electric campsites (20, 30, and 50 amp) and 22 non-electric campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. Note that campsites are generally not large enough for RVs over 25 feet due to turn radius limitations in some loops.
• Vault Toilets: Centralized vault toilets are available within the campground loops, providing essential restroom facilities. These are noted for being clean.
• Drinking Water: A water source is conveniently located at the entrance of the campground, near the pay station, for campers to access potable water.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach is available on Pounds Hollow Lake, open from dawn to dusk (no lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk). Pets are not allowed on the beach.
• Picnic Areas: Several lakeside picnic sites are available, including a large picnic shelter overlooking the beach, complete with grills. These areas are open seasonally from March 1st to November 1st (6 AM to 10 PM daily).
• Fishing Access: Pounds Hollow Lake is a popular spot for fishing, stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. There is a fishing pier below the parking lot, and shoreline fishing is good on the southwest side of the lake.
• Boating (Electric Motors Only): Small boats are allowed on the 25-acre Pounds Hollow Lake, with a strict electric motors only rule. This ensures a peaceful environment for paddling, fishing, and enjoying the water.
• Hiking Trail Access: The recreation area provides access to various hiking trails, including connections to the broader Shawnee National Forest trail system like the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail. Trails cater to different difficulty levels and can be used by hikers and, on some trails, equestrians.
• First-Come, First-Served Camping: Campsites at Pine Ridge Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations accepted. This provides flexibility for spontaneous trips.

• Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Craftsmanship: The area boasts structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1940s, including a large stone picnic pavilion with hand-cut sandstone foundations. This historical element adds a unique character to the park.
• Picturesque 25-Acre Lake: Pounds Hollow Lake is the centerpiece of the recreation area, offering a serene and beautiful setting for various water-based activities. Its relatively small size helps maintain a sense of seclusion and tranquility.
• Tranquil Electric Motor / Hand-Powered Boating: The restriction to electric motors or hand-powered boats (kayaks, canoes) on the lake ensures a peaceful aquatic experience, ideal for quiet fishing and enjoying nature without the noise of gas-powered engines.
• Direct Access to Shawnee National Forest: Pounds Hollow is strategically located within the Shawnee National Forest, providing campers with immediate access to vast wilderness areas, diverse ecosystems, and renowned attractions like Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock.
• Diverse Recreational Opportunities: Beyond camping, the area offers a wide array of activities including swimming at the designated beach, picnicking at scenic lakeside spots, excellent fishing, and an extensive network of hiking trails for all skill levels, including connections to longer routes.
• Spacious Campsites: While RV size limits exist due to turn radius, the campsites are generally spacious, with many offering a good natural feel and privacy, especially the non-electric sites. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole.
• Natural Rock Formations and Bluffs: The surrounding sandstone bluffs and unique rock formations, characteristic of the Shawnee National Forest, add to the scenic beauty and provide interesting natural features to explore, such as the nearby Ox-Lot Cave.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With its designated swimming area, picnic facilities, and diverse activities, Pounds Hollow is well-suited for family outings, encouraging children and adults to engage with the outdoors.

For more detailed information, inquiries about current conditions, or specific questions about Pounds Hollow Recreation Area within the Shawnee National Forest, please utilize the following contact information. While Pounds Hollow does not have a dedicated, publicly listed phone number for its office, information can typically be obtained through the Shawnee National Forest's main offices:

Address: Eagle Creek Township, IL 62954, USA (within Shawnee National Forest)

For general inquiries related to Shawnee National Forest, which oversees Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, you may contact:

Shawnee National Forest Headquarters: 50 Hwy 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946

Phone: (618) 253-7114

For specific information related to Pounds Hollow, it is often advisable to call the Hidden Springs Ranger District, which directly manages this area:

Hidden Springs Ranger District: 602 N. First Street, Vienna, IL 62995

Phone: (618) 658-2111

It's important to remember that campsites at Pounds Hollow are first-come, first-served, so direct reservations are not taken by phone. However, these numbers can provide updated information on park conditions, fees, and any current advisories.

Pounds Hollow Recreation Area stands as an exceptional and highly suitable destination for residents across Illinois, particularly those seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor experience within our state. Its location in Eagle Creek Township, deep within the expansive Shawnee National Forest, provides a genuine escape into nature without requiring excessive travel, making it ideal for weekend getaways or longer family vacations for Illinoisans. The area’s diverse offerings mean there’s something for everyone: from the tranquil waters of Pounds Hollow Lake, perfect for fishing or a quiet paddle with an electric motor, to the refreshing designated swimming beach for those hot Illinois summers. This variety ensures that families with different interests can all find enjoyment. The presence of well-maintained hiking trails, connecting to the broader Shawnee National Forest, invites adventurers of all levels to explore Illinois’ unique natural beauty, including the distinctive sandstone bluffs and rock formations. For campers, the "first-come, first-served" policy offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, and the typically spacious campsites provide a comfortable base for relaxation. The historical significance of the CCC-built structures adds a layer of heritage, connecting visitors to the past while enjoying the present. Pounds Hollow provides a beautiful, relatively uncrowded environment that fosters genuine connection with nature. It’s a place where Illinois families can create cherished memories, engage in healthy outdoor activities, and truly appreciate the natural treasures that our state has to offer, all within a convenient distance from home. For any Illinois resident yearning for a peaceful, activity-rich outdoor retreat, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area is a standout choice.

Pounds Hollow Recreation Area

Eagle Creek Township, IL 62954, USA