After reading a dozen or more Pinterest pins, there are still some tips left out on what to expect when planning a camping trip to Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.
If you’re planning on spending the weekend camping at Garden of the Gods, take notes on my three mistakes that I’ve listed below.
But first, what is Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods at Shawnee National Forest
“The Garden of the Gods Wilderness is a 3,318-acre parcel of land listed as a Wilderness Area of the United States”, according to Wikipedia. It is a recreation area located within the Shawnee National Forest which consists of campsites and hiking trails.
It is important to note that this is not the Garden of the Gods that is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This location is in Southern Illinois. It’s a Midwest gem which provides spectacular views unlike anywhere in the Midwest.
The geology is gorgeous and the rock formations are spectacular! What’s even more amazing is that the trails are short to get to the rock formations. After parking our walk was less than a quarter mile to get to the top of many of the formations.
Mistake #1 – Not Having Proper Hiking Shoes or Boots for the Observation Trails
Although the distance is short, you do have to have some level of physical fitness, as you are walking up uneven pathways.
It would also be in a visitor’s best interest to wear comfortable and supportive hiking shoes or hiking boots. Having the necessary footgear will allow for a more stable walk or hike up the trail, especially when you’re ready to venture out on some of the cliffs for some epic photos.
My only caution is that you are careful and not playing around. The cliffs are high and can be dangerous.
Mistake #2 – Have a Backup Campground in Mind if the Garden of the Gods Campground is Full
A short distance outside of Camel Rock are 12 campsites for those who want to camp within Garden of the Gods.
What we learned is that you need to arrive early if you want a spot at one of those campsites. Campsites are first come, first serve.
Additionally, you must be ready to pay at the self-pay station. You take an envelope and note how many days you will be staying, list your campsite, enclose your cash or check, and deposit the envelope the payment drop within 30 minutes of arriving at your campsite.
If the campsites are all taken at Garden of the Gods, there are other campsites less than 10 miles away which include Pounds Hollow and Camp Cadiz.
Our mistake was not having a backup plan in place in the event the campground was full. Thankfully, we picked up a map at the Garden of the Gods Outpost which clearly labeled all campgrounds in the Forest.
We chose Camp Cadiz, as it was the closest.
Camp Cadiz at Shawnee National Forest
This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. It is somewhat off the beaten path about six miles from Garden of the Gods. The campsites are level and each has a fire ring with grill and picnic table.
We had no problem finding an available campsite at Camp Cadiz. The payment processing is the same and the campsites are clean and well-kept.
Stop at Garden of the Gods Outpost for Fun and Photos!
Lastly, be sure that you stop at the Garden of the Gods Outpost. It is located at 281 Karbers Ridge Road in Karbers Ridge, Illinois. You will see the Outpost as you turn onto the road that takes you to Garden of the Gods.
They serve delicious ice cream and other things that you may forget on your camping trip such as fire starters, and popcorn. They also sell a variety of souvenirs including but not limited to shirts, keys, and pressed pennies.
Mistake #3 – Waiting to Take Photos the Next Morning
For photos, there is a real and working payphone and phone booth outside of the Outpost. When the day was nice, I skipped the photo and said that I would do it before we left out the next morning.
The next morning, as we headed out, we stopped for the Outpost photos and the phone booth was very damp from the morning dew making for not the ideal phone booth photos. So, don’t wait. When you see the photo opps, go ahead and grab the photos instead of trying to wait for the perfect moment.
Aside from this, across the road are images of a family of Bigfoots eating ice cream, as well as Bigfoot himself as a statue catty-corner to the Outpost. Regardless of the morning dew, these were awesome photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts
While there are stops along the way for camping necessities, being well-prepared will ensure you have an awesome and memorable time at Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest. The Forest lies between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers in Herod, Illinois and there is no cost to enter the forest.
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