Oak Point Campground

We were heading back home to Iowa and decided to check out Shawnee National Forest, mainly the garden of the gods… we didn’t have reservations and called late afternoon thinking no one would answer, per previous experiences, however, Jane answered the call and told us to come on down which we did… she provided great details on the route to the park plus meeting us after hours. She told us about local places to eat and grocery stores etc….The park is great for kids and a local platform to visit the sites of Shawnee National Forest. The bathrooms are very clean as are the sites which are huge and flat… I want caveat the fact that we have a Class B, but there were much bigger rigs there as well… but for us the space was huge… anyway, we were only stopping for the night but stayed two. As an aside, we were very surprised to find out that Jane and Mark are volunteers who do not receive financial benefits for doing what they do - their selfless devotion to all of us is admirable..!

We chose this place specifically to hang out at the lake, which was closed in early August except for weekends. So, given that bit of a disappointment, I was t overly stoked on what is otherwise a fairly nice campground. Sites are well spaced, loads of hardwood trees between them. The showers are hot and have good pressure, and even the presence of showers at all was a welcome surprise. Having a playground is nice. Nobody else was in the non-electric loop with us. Verizon service was 1 bar of LTE but worked fairly well.

A sign out front says, “$18 electric car charging fee, in addition to campsite.” So, sign of the times I guess, just something interesting to note.

But seriously, why is a natural lake in a national forest gated at all?

Each site has beautiful trees all around for sufficient privacy and socializing with neighboring campers. We were in a double camper site with friends, there were two electric hookups but only one water hook up, resolved by connecting our two hoses, filling up our fresh tank and allowing them to stay connected. Fire ring and grate were PERFECT. We cook our meals on the fire and that cast iron grate was excellent. Firewood provided was $10 for three bundles of small cut pieces allowing for quick fire for hungry campers! As is common for these camp grounds, the bathroom and shower facilities have been neglected but are still functional, just always bring TP for potty and flip flops for showers. Just a 40 min drive to beautiful (casual) rock climbing at Garden of the Gods, enjoyed a site seeing drive through small town Golconda for cash and groceries, and hung out with Steve at his Hogg Hollow Winery. Campground concessionaire Jennifer was delightful, we are definitely coming back here in the fall! Last note: Beach is not included but only $5 (CASH ONLY!) and was a beautiful beach / water combo, facilities to be desired but will return to that beach for sure!

Called the number on the link and an old man, who worked for the Forest Service, answered and didn’t seem to understand the simple questions we asked.

After three attempts to ask if we could use the dump station and the fee amount, we gave up!

After a few minutes of searching online, I found the concessionaire, Jennifer Haner’s number. It’s 618-638-3246. She is awesome, friendly (unlike forest service relic!), & said we could absolutely use the dump station at NO CHARGE! She did say a donation would be appreciated.

You bet! Gladly!

Fee listed is standard fee for site used. We received reduced rate using a NPS Pass. Campground is along lake shore. Most sites are near lake and have shore access to beach a boat. TENT site HAVE SEPARATE LOOP OF CAMPGROUND. RV SITE LOOP has water spigot at each site with 30 amp service. Dump station at entrance.
Can be busy most weekends (No Reservations) and busy into fall with hunting season also.
Lake is reasonable (I'm only fair at fishing skills others may be more skilled) for fishing and good for canoe/kayak use. Trail is good for a afternoon hike around lake.
We camp here yearly and love it each time. Lots of Shawnee Forest to experience using this as a Base camp.

My wife and I stayed during for 3 week days in May starting on Tuesday. Only about 1/4 of electric/water sites taken and many of those were leased long term sites. Camp host was very helpful. The sites were level. Some had pads (such as ours). Flush toilets and showers. Most sites were private with some double sites. We did not have cell service with Sprint or AT&T. Had to drive 15 miles to use phones. There were some non-electric sites and most were empty and seclude. On arrival pick a site and drop off money (checks ok) in box at camp host. We paid $16 a night with Senior Pass.

Stayed here one night in October on an RV trip from Alabama to Iowa. We got here after dark and there was one site left. Other people at the campground were helpful and one person guided us to the one remaining site when we arrived. The next morning walking around we saw the campground was lovely and peaceful even when full of people. Facilities seemed well maintained also.

I have been here only in fall season. Not sure if you can reserve sites, but I have always come during the off-season and haven't had problem finding a spot w/o reservations. A few of the sites have water views but all of the sites are close to Lake Glendale. I really enjoy this campground as many of sites are spacious, shady and when I have been there very quiet and peaceful. Nice clean showers and water at sites. Dumpstation near the entrance. This is really a pretty campground during the fall when the leaves change colors, however I think it would be great in the summer also because there is a beach on the other side of the lake. Note that when deer hunting is season (check the IL DNR website), there may not be too many sites available. Although there is water at the sites, it is turned off late October or early November, but the main shower/restroom remains open.

Although going to the grocery store is about 10 miles away as are restaurants, this offers so much for outdoor people. Hike around the lake, its a fun easy trek and your dog will love it. Next there are several State parks nearby that have great hikes, Dixon Springs (very close), Bell Smith Springs (one of my favorites), Cave in the Rock (not so much of a hike but very interesting to see, was an old bootlegger or pirate hangout right on the Ohio River, its free).