Weekend Guide to the Shawnee National Forest, IL

May 23, 2024

Looking for the best hikes, campsites, and things to do in the Shawnee National Forest if you only have two days? Read this article for a quick weekend guide to visiting the Shawnee National Forest!

Why this blog? Hi I’m Maddy and I’ve worked as an outdoor guide and writer since 2018! I’m committed to exploring the Midwest and all of the wonderful places these states have to offer. I’m happy to show you around!

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Leave No Trace in the Shawnee National Forest

When recreating in the Shawnee National forest, it is important to pack out all trash including toilet paper and orange peels Keep in mind that different areas have different LNT expectations; in the Shawnee you’ll encounter Wilderness Areas, Recreation Areas, and developed camping areas.

There is not reliable cell service throughout the Shawnee National Forest. Some hiking trails may be overgrown, slippery, or difficult; Plan adventures accordingly.

Weekend Guide to the Shawnee National Forest:

From where to camp to the best easy hiking trails in the Shawnee National Forest, here’s a weekend adventurer’s guide to one of the coolest spots in Illinois!

Packing for camping in the Shawnee National Forest:

Camping in the Shawnee National Forest can look like anything from backpacking to car camping! Check out this guide to planning your first backpacking trip, or this guide to planning a car camping trip.

Weather in the Shawnee is hot and the trails can be rugged so at minimum I recommend…

Quick dry shorts for hiking
Lightweight long pants for hiking; in rugged areas long pants can protect your legs from bugs, thorns, and more.
A solid day hiking pack
A UPF hoodie for sun protection
A first aid kit & way to call for help without a cell phone
Food, water, and snacks
A solid pair of hiking boots
Depending on the trails you plan on hiking, trekking poles might be a good choice
Binoculars— there are some really cool species of birds and biodiversity in this area!

Where to Camp Shawnee National Forest:

The best place to stay while visiting the Shawnee National Forest is a National Forest Campground, for just $10 a night. Pharaoh Campground near the Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular campgrounds for its proximity to the scenic Garden of the Gods hiking trail.

For info on all of the campgrounds in the Shawnee National Forest, click here.

Hiking Garden of the Gods Recreation Area:

The best thing to do in the Garden of the Gods area of the Shawnee National Forest is to hike the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail.

This is probably the most scenic (and most popular!) point in the Shawnee National Forest and for good reason—

On this short trail, you can appreciate a variety of geological formations including sandstone hoodoos, overlooks of the forest below, and even canyons. This overlook and trail are especially beautiful at sunset and moderately trafficked.

If you only do one thing in the Shawnee National Forest, check out the Garden of the Gods!

Hiking Burden Falls Wilderness:

Another must-visit in the Shawnee National Forest is Burden Falls Wilderness and the area around Jackson Falls! Both of these areas have small parking lots but beautiful waterfalls to explore.

I recommend checking out this guide to Burden Falls and this guide to Jackson Falls, both by local hiker Hiking With Shawn. Hiking With Shawn is easily the best resource for exploring the Shawnee, so definitely check him and his work out!

Hiking Rim Rock Trail:

Rim Rock Hiking Trail is a quick drive from the Garden of the Gods area in the Shawnee National Forest, and a great choice for hiking with kids. Here, there are several cool overlooks along the main trail, as well as a cave.

Note that as of May 2024, a portion of the trail is closed making access to the Ox Lot Cave along the main trail impossible, but the cave is accessible via the lower trail while repairs are made to the staircase connecting the to trails. Find current status and updates here.

Watch for turtles in the Shawnee National Forest!

The Shawnee National Forest roads were full of turtles, painted and box turtles, while I visited in early May! If possible, take the time to help these turtles cross the road in the direction they were headed! Use a clean t-shirt to transport, but watch out for snapping turtles!

Hiking Little Grand Canyon

Visit the Little Grand Canyon trail for a three-mile loop featuring overlooks and a canyon. This is one of the most popular hikes in the Shawnee National Forest and is especially popular in the spring.