Shawnee Forest Campground

For Illinoisans seeking the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and peaceful relaxation, a true gem awaits in the heart of Southern Illinois: Shawnee Forest Campground. Nestled within the captivating landscape that was once a golf course, this unique campground offers a serene escape with modern conveniences, making it an ideal destination for everything from a quick weekend getaway to an extended stay.

Camping in Illinois provides an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, explore scenic trails, and create lasting memories with family and friends. While many campgrounds offer basic amenities, Shawnee Forest Campground elevates the experience with its thoughtful design and exceptional hospitality. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, with picturesque ponds just steps from your RV, and easy access to walking paths that invite leisurely strolls or invigorating runs. This isn't just a place to park your camper; it's a destination designed for immersive outdoor enjoyment.

For local Illinois residents, the convenience of finding such a high-quality campground close to home is a significant advantage. Whether you're an experienced RVer, a tent camper, or someone looking for a family-friendly spot that caters to diverse needs, Shawnee Forest Campground offers a compelling solution. Its unique past as a golf course has endowed it with features not typically found in other campgrounds, enhancing its appeal and providing a distinctive camping experience.

Shawnee Forest Campground is conveniently located at 1800 State Rte 146 E, Vienna, IL 62995, USA. This prime address places it perfectly for exploring the wonders of Southern Illinois, particularly the vast and beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Vienna, a charming town in Johnson County, serves as a welcoming gateway to the region's natural splendor.

One of the significant advantages of its location is its accessibility. Situated just off the interstate, as noted by a satisfied customer, reaching the campground is straightforward for travelers from across Illinois and neighboring states. This easy access means less time spent on complicated routes and more time enjoying your vacation. Despite being easily reachable, the campground retains a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, ensuring a peaceful retreat.

The campground's proximity to the Shawnee National Forest is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. This allows guests to easily explore the forest's myriad attractions, including hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and unique geological formations. Additionally, being in Vienna means guests are close to local amenities, including gas stations, grocery stores, and small-town charm. The convenience of this location truly maximizes your vacation time, whether you're planning an adventurous outing or simply relaxing at your campsite.

Shawnee Forest Campground provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to make every guest's stay comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. These services cater to a wide range of campers, from RV enthusiasts to those preferring a more traditional camping experience.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers 62 large RV sites, each equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electricity, water, and sewer connections, providing all the necessary conveniences for modern RVs.
• Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more rustic experience, tent sites are available, ensuring options for all camping preferences.
• New Restrooms and Laundry Facilities: The campground boasts new, clean restrooms and laundry facilities in two convenient locations, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all guests. The laundry area is specifically highlighted as "very nice and clean" by a reviewer.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each site comes with a fire ring for cozy campfires and a picnic table for outdoor dining, enhancing the traditional camping experience. Firewood is also available for sale at the office.
• Year-Round Operation: Shawnee Forest Campground is open year-round, catering to extended stays and overnight visits regardless of the season, providing flexibility for all travel plans.
• Excellent Wi-Fi: One of the standout services, as noted by a reviewer, is the "excellent WiFi," a crucial amenity for many modern campers who wish to stay connected.
• Individual Full Restroom Setups: Beyond just showers, the shower houses offer individual full restroom setups with private shower, sink, and commode, providing a more private and comfortable experience. These facilities are air-conditioned and heated for year-round comfort.

Shawnee Forest Campground distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that contribute to its "excellent" and "top ten all-time favorite" status among seasoned campers:

• Former Golf Course Setting: The campground's past life as a golf course is a significant highlight. This unique origin provides "lots of open grass areas, woods, ponds," and, notably, the former "cart paths" which are still present. These paths serve as "excellent paths for walking without fear of picking up ticks," offering a safe and picturesque environment for leisurely strolls.
• Beautiful Ponds with Wildlife: The presence of gorgeous ponds is a major draw. Reviewers mention "egrets feeding along the shore and frogs singing at night," creating a serene and immersive natural experience. Guests can also spot "turtles that live behind the picturesque bridge," adding to the charm. The ponds are also stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish, with catch and keep allowed in April.
• Exceptional Staff and Management: Consistently praised in reviews, the staff is described as "fantastic," "extremely friendly and helpful," "amazing," and "very accommodating." Their welcoming nature makes guests "feel welcome" and significantly enhances the overall experience.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: For families traveling with furry companions, the campground is explicitly "pet friendly," which is a "must for our family (2 dogs)" according to one reviewer. This welcoming policy ensures that all family members can enjoy the getaway.
• Accessibility for Mobility Scooters: The smooth, paved pathways (former cart paths) make the campground easily navigable for those using mobility scooters, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to "see more of the campground" and enjoy the beautiful setting.
• Reasonable Pricing: Guests highlight the campground as "very reasonably priced," offering excellent value for the quality of facilities and services provided.
• Peaceful and Picturesque Scenery: The serene atmosphere, with a calm pond reflecting like a "mirror" for "fantastic pictures," combined with open grass areas and woods, creates an idyllic setting for relaxation and photography.
• Community Pavilion: A pavilion is centrally located and is great for groups, especially if they rent the entire cul-de-sac.

While specific, time-limited promotions may vary, Shawnee Forest Campground is known for being "very reasonably priced," indicating a consistent commitment to offering good value for its guests. For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, special offers, or discounts, it is always recommended to contact the campground directly. They may offer:

• Extended Stay Discounts: Given that the campground is open year-round and "caters to extended-stays," there may be special rates for longer visits, making it ideal for those planning more prolonged explorations of the Shawnee National Forest.
• Seasonal Packages: Depending on the time of year, the campground might offer special rates for off-peak seasons or packages tied to local events and attractions in Southern Illinois.
• Group Rates: With a pavilion available for groups and the option to rent an entire cul-de-sac, special rates might be available for group bookings.
• First-Time Visitor Incentives: Some campgrounds offer introductory discounts to encourage new guests to experience their facilities.

To ensure you receive the best possible rate and to inquire about any current deals that might apply to your stay, please reach out to Shawnee Forest Campground using the contact information provided below. Their friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Ready to plan your unforgettable camping trip to Shawnee Forest Campground?

Here's how you can get in touch with their friendly team:

• Address: 1800 State Rte 146 E, Vienna, IL 62995, USA
• Phone: (618) 658-0619

The staff's reputation for being "fantastic," "extremely friendly and helpful," and "very accommodating" means you can expect excellent service when you call or visit. They are the best resource for availability, booking, and any specific questions you may have about your upcoming stay.

For Illinois residents, Shawnee Forest Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a myriad of reasons. It perfectly encapsulates the desire for accessible outdoor recreation combined with comfort and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a local getaway or a base for exploring Southern Illinois.

Firstly, its convenient location just off the interstate in Vienna means that a peaceful escape is never too far away. This ease of access significantly reduces travel stress, allowing Illinoisans to maximize their time enjoying the campground's amenities and the surrounding natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Whether you're coming from Chicago, Springfield, or a smaller town, the journey is straightforward.

Secondly, the unique transformation from a golf course into a campground has resulted in features that directly benefit local users. The open grassy areas, the scenic ponds with their abundant wildlife, and especially the former cart paths that now serve as easily navigable walking trails, offer a distinctive and enhanced camping experience. These paths are particularly beneficial for families with young children, pet owners, and individuals using mobility aids, ensuring that everyone can comfortably explore the grounds without fear of uneven terrain or ticks – a concern for many outdoor enthusiasts.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the consistent praise for the "fantastic," "extremely friendly and helpful" staff highlights a level of hospitality that resonates deeply with the community spirit often found in Illinois. This warm, accommodating approach makes every visitor feel genuinely welcome and contributes to a relaxing, stress-free environment. For locals seeking a reasonably priced, pet-friendly, and beautifully maintained campground with a strong sense of community and direct access to some of Illinois' most stunning natural landscapes, Shawnee Forest Campground is not just a good option – it's an excellent one, promising a memorable and enjoyable experience every time.