Shawnee Forest Campground

shawnee forest campground

For Illinois residents seeking a distinctive and amenity-rich camping experience in the heart of Southern Illinois, Shawnee Forest Campground stands out as an excellent choice. This unique campground, formerly a golf course, offers a blend of natural beauty, spacious sites, and convenient access to the vast wonders of the Shawnee National Forest. It provides a comfortable and engaging setting for RVers and tent campers alike, making it a highly desirable destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and even those with mobility considerations. This article will delve into what makes Shawnee Forest Campground a top-tier option for locals exploring their own state.

Shawnee Forest Campground is truly a one-of-a-kind destination, built upon the lush landscape of a former golf course. This historical foundation provides several unique advantages, notably the pre-existing cart paths that now serve as excellent, easy-to-navigate walking and biking trails throughout the campground. This feature is particularly beneficial for pet owners and individuals using mobility aids, allowing them to comfortably explore the grounds. The campground boasts a beautiful setting with a picturesque pond, often frequented by egrets and serenaded by frogs, creating a tranquil backdrop for your stay.

Reviewers consistently praise the spaciousness of the sites, many offering full hookups, ensuring a comfortable experience for even the largest RVs. The staff is frequently described as "fantastic," "extremely friendly," and "helpful," contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere that encourages extended stays and repeat visits. Despite its convenient proximity to a major interstate, the campground maintains a remarkably quiet environment, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy nature. The commitment to cleanliness and maintenance, evident in the well-kept grounds and facilities, solidifies its reputation as a premier camping spot in Illinois.

Shawnee Forest Campground is located at 1800 State Rte 146 E, Vienna, IL 62995, USA. This prime location in Southern Illinois positions it as a gateway to the spectacular Shawnee National Forest and the burgeoning Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Its accessibility is a major draw for Illinois residents.

The campground is conveniently situated just off Interstate 24 (I-24 Exit 16), providing "easy in easy out access for all types of campers and RVs." Despite this proximity, reviews indicate that road noise is minimal and tolerable once inside the campground, thanks to its layout and surrounding trees.

For those traveling from various parts of Illinois:

• From Carbondale, it's approximately a 40-minute to an hour's drive east, making it a convenient escape for residents of Southern Illinois.
• From Springfield, the state capital, the drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours south.
• Even from the Chicago metropolitan area, while a longer journey at around 5 to 6 hours south, it's a manageable drive for a week-long vacation, offering a profound change of scenery and pace.

Furthermore, its central location in Southern Illinois means it's an ideal base camp for exploring numerous nearby attractions, including Giant City State Park, Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, Tunnel Hill State Trail, and the Cache River Wetlands.

Services Offered:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers 60 sites, all equipped with water, sewer, and both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, accommodating large RVs up to 120 feet long.
• Tent Camping: Dedicated tent sites are available, ensuring options for all types of campers.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• Clean Shower Houses: Two centrally located shower houses provide individual full restroom setups with private showers, sinks, and commodes, kept air-conditioned and heated for comfort.
• Laundry Facilities: Laundry rooms are conveniently located within the shower houses.
• Excellent Wi-Fi: Guests frequently praise the campground's Wi-Fi, noting its reliability and strong signal.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the office for campers.
• Propane Sales: Propane is also available for purchase, adding to convenience.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, catering to both extended stays and overnight visitors.

Features / Highlights:

• Former Golf Course Setting: The unique layout on a former golf course provides a beautiful, open setting with mature trees and maintained green spaces.
• Excellent Walking/Biking Paths: The old golf cart paths offer two miles of paved trails for walking and biking, circling the entire campground and its two large ponds, providing easy and safe exercise routes.
• Picturesque Ponds and Wildlife: Enjoy views of a gorgeous pond with egrets, singing frogs, and turtles. Three ponds (two large, one smaller) are stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish, offering catch-and-release fishing (with a catch-and-keep month in April).
• Pet-Friendly: The park welcomes pets, with ample space for walking them on the paved paths.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Consistently lauded by reviewers for their outstanding friendliness and willingness to assist guests.
• Proximity to Shawnee National Forest: Located at the gateway to the Shawnee National Forest, providing easy access to iconic sites like Garden of the Gods, Giant City State Park, and numerous hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Convenient Location: Super convenient to I-24, making it an easy stopover for travelers while still being quiet enough for a peaceful stay.
• Group Pavilion: A pavilion located in the center of a cul-de-sac is available for groups who rent the entire area.

Contact Information:

Address: 1800 State Rte 146 E, Vienna, IL 62995, USA

Phone: (618) 658-0619

Website: www.shawneeforestcampground.com

Shawnee Forest Campground is an ideal destination for locals throughout Illinois, offering a unique and highly enjoyable camping experience right in their home state. For RV enthusiasts, the promise of spacious, level, full-hookup sites and excellent Wi-Fi is a significant draw, ensuring a comfortable and connected stay. The former golf course setting provides an unparalleled advantage with its ready-made, paved walking and biking paths, which are perfect for all ages and mobility levels, including those with pets. This ease of access and exploration within the campground itself sets it apart from many other natural settings.

Furthermore, its strategic location serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the magnificent Shawnee National Forest. Illinois residents eager to discover iconic natural landmarks like Garden of the Gods, engage in extensive hiking or biking on trails like the Tunnel Hill State Trail (only half a mile away), or simply immerse themselves in the region's unique natural beauty will find this campground incredibly convenient. The friendly staff and well-maintained facilities ensure a welcoming atmosphere, while the quiet setting, despite proximity to the interstate, guarantees a relaxing retreat. For Illinoisans seeking a blend of comfort, convenience, and unparalleled access to outdoor adventure, Shawnee Forest Campground is undoubtedly a top-tier choice for their next memorable getaway.

Shawnee Forest Campground

1800 State Rte 146 E, Vienna, IL 62995, USA