Pine Hills Campground










Pine Hills Campground Overview
Rating
Address Wolf Lake, IL 62998, USA
Website https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=10677&actid=29
Hours
Pine Hills Campground Location & Map
Pine Hills Campground About
Introduction / Overview
Nestled within the breathtaking natural beauty of Southern Illinois, Pine Hills Campground offers a serene and unforgettable escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. If you're an Illinois resident looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature, this campground provides the perfect setting. Known for its picturesque wooded environment, spacious campsites, and excellent accessibility, Pine Hills Campground has consistently garnered positive reviews from campers seeking a tranquil and well-maintained outdoor experience. Imagine waking up to the sounds of rustling leaves, spending your days exploring verdant forests, and your evenings under a canopy of twinkling stars and fireflies. This hidden gem in Wolf Lake, IL, is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to create lasting memories amidst the stunning landscapes that make our state so unique. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking to introduce your family to the joys of the outdoors, Pine Hills Campground presents an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Illinois.
Location and Accessibility
Pine Hills Campground is conveniently located in Wolf Lake, IL 62998, USA, placing it within easy reach for many Illinois residents. Its position in the southern part of the state makes it an accessible retreat for those seeking a change of scenery without embarking on an extensive journey. Visitors have consistently praised the campground's ease of access, noting that reaching the site is straightforward, even after dark. This convenient location allows for more time enjoying the natural surroundings and less time navigating complicated routes. Situated within a beautiful forested area, the campground is part of a gorgeous region of Illinois, offering stunning natural vistas and opportunities for exploration right outside your tent or RV. The accessibility also extends to the campsite layouts, with many sites, such as the well-regarded Site 3, being described as spacious and level, making setup a breeze for campers of all experience levels. While some sites, like Site 1, might experience headlight exposure from late arrivals, the overall feedback emphasizes the thoughtful layout and ease of use, ensuring a welcoming experience from the moment you arrive. The surrounding area promises a true immersion in the natural beauty of Illinois, making the journey to Pine Hills Campground as rewarding as the stay itself.
Services Offered
- Clean and well-maintained pit toilets: Campers consistently highlight the cleanliness of the restroom facilities, noting the ample supply of toilet paper, which contributes significantly to a comfortable camping experience.
- Spacious and level campsites: Reviews emphasize the generous size and flat terrain of many campsites, simplifying tent pitching and RV parking. This ensures a comfortable and stable setup for all campers.
- Ample natural beauty: The campground is situated within a "gorgeous part of Illinois," offering a rich natural environment featuring an abundance of flowers, butterflies, and lightning bugs during the appropriate seasons.
- Easy accessibility: Visitors commend the straightforward access to the campground, making arrivals and departures hassle-free, even for those arriving after dark.
- Lantern hooks: Specific mentions of helpful amenities like metal tube hooks for hanging lanterns demonstrate the thoughtful design of the campsites, enhancing convenience for campers.
- Well-maintained grounds: The general upkeep of the campsites, including typical clean-up of sticks and pine cones, indicates a commitment to providing a pleasant and tidy environment for guests.
Features / Highlights
- Enchanting Natural Ambiance: Visitors consistently praise the campground's setting within "nice woods" and a "gorgeous part of Illinois." The presence of abundant wildflowers and butterflies creates a vibrant daytime atmosphere, while the sight of lightning bugs twinkling high in the canopy at night adds a magical, almost ethereal quality to the evenings. This natural beauty is a significant draw for those seeking a true escape into the wilderness.
- Roomy and Flat Campsites: A recurring highlight from campers is the spaciousness and flat layout of the individual campsites. This makes setting up tents and organizing gear much easier and more comfortable, contributing to a stress-free camping experience. The level ground is also ideal for families and those with varying mobility needs.
- Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: The cleanliness of the pit toilets is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, with campers appreciating the readily available toilet paper. This attention to hygiene significantly enhances the overall comfort and convenience for all visitors.
- Thoughtful Amenities for Campers: The inclusion of practical features like metal tube hooks for hanging lanterns demonstrates a keen understanding of campers' needs. Such small but significant details enhance the functionality and enjoyment of each campsite.
- High Repeat Visitation: The strong desire expressed by past visitors to return, sometimes multiple times within a short period (e.g., "I've camped at Pine Hills twice, both times in April 2024," and "We'll probably be back in the fall!"), speaks volumes about the positive and memorable experiences the campground consistently provides.
- Accessibility and Ease of Use: The campground's ease of access, combined with its well-organized and clearly marked sites, contributes to a smooth arrival and setup process, making it welcoming even for those new to camping or arriving at off-peak hours.
- Seasonal Natural Spectacles: The description of flowers, butterflies, and high-flying lightning bugs highlights the dynamic and engaging natural environment that changes with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year. This encourages repeat visits to experience different facets of the campground's beauty.
Promotions or Special Offers
While specific promotions or special offers are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the recurring sentiment of visitors expressing a strong desire to return ("I want to go back," "We'll probably be back in the fall!") serves as a powerful testament to the inherent value and enjoyable experience offered by Pine Hills Campground. This consistent customer satisfaction acts as its own form of promotion, indicating that the quality of the camping experience itself is the primary draw. Many campgrounds offer seasonal discounts or loyalty programs, and it would be advisable for potential visitors to check the official website or contact Pine Hills Campground directly for any current or upcoming promotions that might be available. Often, campgrounds might have special rates for off-peak seasons, longer stays, or group bookings, so inquiring directly is always the best approach to discover any potential savings. The sustained positive feedback suggests that the campground's regular rates already offer excellent value for the serene and well-maintained environment it provides, making it an attractive destination for Illinois residents year-round, regardless of specific promotional offers.
Contact Information
For inquiries and to plan your visit to Pine Hills Campground, you can find them at their physical address: Wolf Lake, IL 62998, USA. While a direct phone number was not provided in the supplied information, the typical way to reach campgrounds in Illinois often involves checking their official website, which usually lists contact details such as a phone number for reservations or inquiries, or an email address. It is highly recommended to search online for "Pine Hills Campground Wolf Lake IL" to find their official web presence. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date contact information, including a phone number for direct communication, details on how to make a reservation, and possibly an online booking system. Reaching out directly is the best way to confirm availability, inquire about specific campsite features, ask about any current promotions, or clarify any questions you might have before your arrival. Planning ahead by contacting the campground directly can significantly enhance your camping experience and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this beautiful Illinois destination.
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For Illinois residents seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor escape, Pine Hills Campground in Wolf Lake, IL, stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination. Its prime location in the "gorgeous part of Illinois" offers a convenient retreat from urban life, minimizing travel time and maximizing the time spent immersed in nature. The consistent praise for its spacious, level campsites and easy accessibility means less stress during setup and more time enjoying the serene environment, making it perfect for families, first-time campers, or seasoned enthusiasts looking for a hassle-free experience. The natural beauty, from the vibrant wildflowers and butterflies to the enchanting spectacle of lightning bugs, provides a rich sensory experience that connects campers deeply with the local ecosystem. The commitment to cleanliness, particularly in the pit toilets, and thoughtful amenities like lantern hooks, demonstrate a dedication to camper comfort and convenience, ensuring a pleasant stay for all. Furthermore, the strong desire of past visitors to return reflects the campground's ability to consistently deliver memorable and satisfying experiences. Pine Hills Campground offers more than just a place to stay; it provides an opportunity to rediscover the stunning natural landscapes within our own state, fostering a deeper appreciation for Illinois's outdoor treasures. It's a place where lasting memories are made, all within a comfortable and welcoming environment, making it an ideal choice for your next local adventure.
Customer Reviews
I've camped at Pine Hills twice, both times in April 2024, and I enjoyed each time. It's in some nice woods in a gorgeous part of Illinois. The campsites are roomy and the layout is flat. During my visits the forest had many flowers and butterflies, and at night there were lightning bugs that seemed to stay high in the canopy, but it gave the campsite a twinkling quality. I want to go back.
It is very easy to access. Site 3 was spacious and level. Typical clean-up of sticks, pine cones, etc. Site 1 I noticed, gets blasted with headlights when people arrive after dark and sign in. The pit toilet was very clean, and there was plenty of TP. I loved having the metal tube hook for hanging a lantern. We'll probably be back in the fall!
I've been going to Pine Hills at least once a year since 2003 for our annual squirrel hunt. The campground is and has always been very clean and cared for and the rangers and workers that stop by are always friendly and accommodating. The pavilion works well for our Saturday night potluck and the "anyone welcome" soiree complete with live music. Thanks to all the folks for the upkeep of the campground and for making us feel welcome for more than 2 decades. UPDATE: This is an absolutely wonderful place to spend time to get away from all the hustle and bustle and relax. I read and have read several reviews about cell phones not working, Starlink not working, towns being too far away etc. Please help me understand why all the people that leave these reviews based on these factors are camping. If you plan on sitting, playing on your cell phone, watching television or running around town... stay home and save your money. If you want to camp and get back to nature and away from all the technology, you're not going to find a better place to do it.
Wow. This campground was everything I dream of. I am an avid car camper and let me tell you this place was perfection. Clean sites tucked into the wilderness off the beaten path and away from all crowds. Beautiful groves of trees great for hammocks. Each fire ring was litter free and had grates for cooking over the fire. Animal proof trash cans available if you need them. Pit toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen for a state campground. Suffice to say I was impressed. If you are in a small camper or tent and enjoy the peace and quiet you will love it here.
Quiet, extremely quiet, save for the frequent train. And if you’ve grown up near a train line (like ur reviewer has) you won’t even hear them. There is a main line less than two miles away. Green woods, mix of pines and deciduous trees. Not much evidence of use of the campground. Two other campers were there. Both respectful of campground etiquette. U cross one ford on way in. Road well maintained. Only an occasional pothole. Had no problems getting 27’ trailer in.
More Campsites Nearby

Turkey Bayou
Pomona, IL 62975, USA

Mulberry Acres Mobile Home Park
158 N Legend Dr, Jackson, MO 63755, USA

The Landing Point RV Park
3020 Boutin Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA

Pleasant Trails Mobile Home and RV Community
240 Daffodil Ln, Makanda, IL 62958, USA

Cape Camping & RV Park
1900 N Kingshighway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA

Southern Oaks Mobile Homes
335 Warren Rd, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA

Blue Blaze Estates
2400 W Blue Blaze Trail, Herrin, IL 62948, USA

Marion Campground & RV Park
119 7th St, Marion, IL 62959, USA

Saline Creek RV Park & Campground
4997 Hwy T, Perryville, MO 63775, USA