April 2024, 5 nights
We visited Shawnee National Forest in 2022 and loved it. We were passing through on that trip, and did not have much time to explore, so we returned with our camper this trip. You can find more information via the 2022 link above, and there are more photos of the area in the Shawnee Forest Facebook album.
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| Above: View from the road around the campground looking up toward the first loop Below: Campground registration board |
Pine Ridge Campground in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
According to the website this campground has 35 sites, which are all first come, first serve. There are actually four loops in the campground with sites numbered as high as 76. The very first loop on the right was closed in April; however, the other three loops were open. This campground has fresh water at the entrance and a couple of pit toilets in two of the loops. There is no dump station, no flush toilets (except in the picnic and beach area), and no showers. The cost is $10 per night/$5 senior rate.
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| Campsite 43 in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area - Pine Ridge Campground |
The first loop on the left has sites with electricity. We arrived on a Tuesday, and there were only three campers in this loop. Site 41 (or first choice) was taken, so we chose site 43. Site 43 is the most secluded site in this section with trees on all sides. The campsite is mostly flat; we had to use one leveling block under each tire on the driver's side.
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| Above: looking at campsite 43 from site 42 in Pine Ridge Campground Below: campsite 37 in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area/Pine Ridge Campground |
We liked most of the campsites in this campground, and I am sharing a few more photos here. The two end campsites in the primitive loop (no power) straight ahead when entering the campground area are great sites. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of those.
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| Above: campsite 40 Below: campsite 41 |
There was quite a bit of pollen, many tent worms, and many bees during our stay in April. We did not have any mosquitoes, and the flies were not too bad. It was quiet during most of our stay. The only somewhat noisy day was our last night, which was Saturday. Overall, we loved this campground and would definitely stay here again.
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| Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest Illinois |
Recreation
We visited Garden of the Gods again, and enjoyed it just as much as we had the first time.
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| Indian Point Trail at Garden of the Gods in Illinois |
This time, we also hiked Indian Point Trail (trailhead just before Garden of the Gods parking and Observation Trail). This was a great hike, although I opted not to have as close an encounter with the caves as my husband! 😁
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| Bathroom at Pounds Hollow beach and picnic area |
There is a small lake with picnic area and swimming beach in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. There are flush toilets at the beach; however, they were pretty nasty during our stay.
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| Rim Rock Trail and sign to Ox Lot Cave |
We loved the hike from Pounds Hollow to Ox Lot Cave and Rim Rock Trail. This is an easy and beautiful hike, which leaves from the Pounds Hollow beach area.
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| Stairs from Ox Lot Cave |
The second set of stairs from the cave to the observation deck on Rim Rock Trail was under repair in April.
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| Ohio River and ferry dock from Cave-in-Rock State Park |
We visited Cave-In-Rock State Park one day; however, we were unable to see the cave, as the walkway was more than ankle deep with muck and mud. Since the cave entrance is facing Ohio River, it is possible this is common. If you are planning to see the cave, you may want to be prepared with some waders or water shoes, just in case.
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| Illinois Iron Furnace and Big Creek across from the parking area |
Our last stop in this area was to see Illinois Iron Furnace on our way back to camp from Cave-in-Rock park.
Misc. and overall
We love all the hiking and beauty in this area. The cell service is pretty spotty in many areas, and we did not have service on our campsite. We participated in the Shawnee Forest Challenge by checking into places we visited, and should be receiving a sticker in the mail soon. 😊 Be sure to check my previous post and the Facebook album for more information.
Let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to share this post for others!
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