RV Rental Shawnee National Forest, IL

Shawnee National Forest is home to a variety of recreational activities you can pursue. There are hiking trails you can follow, taking you through a mixture of landscapes and ecosystems, and bringing you closer to the animals that reside in these woods. Hiking with some form of a bell or noise-making device on your person is a good way to let them know you're coming. If you're camping at Shawnee National Forest, you can park your motorhome rental nearby, and return to its comforts after you have finished your excursions for the day.

There are many miles of hiking trails throughout the park; some of these may be ADA accessible while others are more challenging. If you're not certain how much of a challenge you'd be comfortable with, talk to park staff before heading out and remember to pack drinking water with you. The trails are open to equestrian riders too.

Mountain biking is not allowed within Shawnee National Forest; if your heart is really set on getting some biking in, you can ride on the highways and established dirt or gravel roads; these tend to be narrow or subject to high-speed traffic, so you should exercise caution if you attempt this. If you want to enjoy rock climbing and rappelling, head for Jackson Falls within the park. Also, keep in mind that some areas bordering the park may be private property.

Search for an RV in Pope County, and you are one step closer to a fantastic Shawnee National Forest camping vacation. RV camping is available at Lake Glendale Recreation Area within Shawnee National Forest. The campground has both electric hookup and primitive (no hookup) sites, a dumping area, a boat ramp, and areas where you can picnic. There are restrooms and shower facilities, a beach where you can swim, and a hiking trail that circles around the lake back to its starting point.

If Lake Glendale is a little more remote than you'd like, Cedar Lake Campground is near Vienna, and it has restrooms and showers. The campsites are primitive (without hookups) or have electrical hookups, and there's a lake nearby where you can canoe and kayak (outboard motors aren't allowed on the lake, so everything is quiet and relaxing). If you book a rental RV near Shawnee National Forest and decide to stay here, you'll have all the peace in the world.

The city of Vienna is a short drive from Shawnee National Forest, with easy access from Interstate 24. Gas stations, convenience stores, and a couple of grocery and chain retailers can be found here, along with a few restaurants.

Golconda is a small community with some attractions to its credit. Spend some time here and you can take in their historical landmarks that include a town courthouse and a family house (the Buel House) that is an important landmark along the Trail of Tears. It has urban parks and a winery where you can relax and sample their products; the owners are friendly and have a front porch where you can enjoy the views.

The town of Goreville also has some interesting parks and places to shop. The town has a handful of restaurants if you're feeling hungry, including a cafe and a wine bar, a Mexican restaurant, a barbecue joint, and a few more establishments.

Come for the scenery, recreation, and tranquility of the forest; search for a camper rental near Shawnee National Forest and start planning your southern Illinois RV camping trip today.