Crab Orchard Lake Campground

The Great Outdoors

RV rentals in Jackson County are your best bet for finding an RV rental that is perfect for you. Once you've found it, point it towards Trail of Tears State Forest near Anna, IL. Trail of Tears is a multi-use nature preserve that provides timber resources through selective logging, preserves the native wildlife and ecosystems, protects the area's watersheds, and allows for public outdoor recreation. The park has dedicated hiking trails that traverse the hills and valleys where you'll have an up-close view of the vegetation and wildlife, but hiking on the fire trails is also allowed. There are several picnic areas within the park, each having a table and grill, drinking water outlets, and restrooms; there are additional picnic areas located on the park's gravel roads.Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a unique geographical area located between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and consisting of bottomland forest, swamp, and wetland communities. The result is a diverse collection of wildlife that includes varieties of birds and mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The refuge is open to the public for outdoor recreation with the exception of one section designated for the protection of shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory birds. You can take this opportunity to observe the birds within the public areas as well as canoe or kayak on the waters; equipment can be rented inside the park. You can also use your RV rental as a type of blind while enjoying a warm beverage.Shawnee National Forest is an outdoor recreational area just north of the Missouri border, near the Ozark Plateau; its geography ranges from wetlands to statuesque rugged bluffs and includes vast areas of forest. It's the perfect place for you to enjoy hiking; mountain biking is allowed on the park's dirt roads, but you should exercise caution as these roads are also used by heavy vehicles (there are no bicycle trails in the park; existing trails are designated for foot traffic only). You can fish in the lakes and ponds within the park with the appropriate licenses, and there are scenic roads allowing you to take an auto tour of the park.

Exploring The Area

While you are here, you should take the time to experience some of Illinois' culture and a good place to do that is Carbondale which is known for its selection of vineyards and wineries, among other attractions. If it's entertainment you seek, there is a stadium where you can watch local high school and university basketball teams and a theater that supports local stage productions. There's a shopping mall if you feel in the mood to browse and numerous restaurants where you can refuel when you're ready.Marion has a historical museum and library housed in a former jail with the original gallows on-site. The staff who manage the site are very knowledgeable, not only about the facts and details but also about the stories that have been handed down from one generation to the next. The town has a mandala garden owned and maintained by a local family and open to the public (you should call ahead, however, to let them know you're coming); a variety of animals wander about adding to the serenity of the area. There is a good selection of places to eat, all of which are reasonably priced and some of which specialize in breakfast. You can choose from Thai or Indian cuisines, steakhouses and barbecue joints, and much more; if you're serious about your dining experiences, you might want to pencil this destination in for several meals.