If you’re planning a trip to the Shawnee National Forest, Oak Point Campground at Lake Glendale is a great place to stay. It’s calm and quiet, surrounded by tall trees and beautiful views. Whether you are looking to relax or go on adventures, this campground has something to offer.
Located in the middle of the forest, Oak Point is perfect if you want to explore both the east and west sides of the Shawnee National Forest. With a nearby lake, hiking trails, and clean campsites, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors with family, friends, or even on your own.
Read on to know the compelling reasons why Lake Glendale camping is a favourite among campers.
Comfortable Camping in the Forest
Oak Point Campground has 59 campsites in total—35 have electric and water hookups, and the rest are non-electric. The sites are large enough for trailers, tents, or RVs up to 40 feet in length. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires. If you are staying at the non-electric site, water spigots are nearby to fill your bottles or wash dishes.
Looking for Shawnee National Forest campgrounds with showers? One of the best features of Oak Point is the clean bathrooms, equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. After a long day outside, it’s nice to have a warm shower and working restrooms. There’s also an RV dump station on site. The campground is open from March 1 to December 15 each year. You don’t need to make a reservation—just arrive early, especially on weekends, as sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you plan to bring your boat, a nearby boat launch is available, and electric motors are permitted on the lake. During the open season, the area is managed by a campground host, so someone is usually around to help if you have questions.
Fun & Relaxation at Lake Glendale
The 82-acre Lake Glendale, located adjacent to the campground, is the perfect spot for outdoor fun. You can go fishing, swimming, boating, or hiking all in one place. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. So don’t forget your fishing gear and Illinois fishing license.
There is a lovely beach area for swimming, open from Memorial Day to Labour Day and on weekends after that. The beach has outdoor showers, bathrooms, and a small snack stand. It’s a great place to cool off during the summer months. If you enjoy walking or biking, there’s a 3-mile trail that goes all the way around the lake. It’s flat and easy, perfect for kids or anyone who wants a short walk with great views.
If you want to relax, you can simply sit by the lake or have a picnic in one of the grassy areas. There’s a group shelter and open space if you’re camping with friends or hosting a family get-together.
Things to do around the camp
- Fishing – Try your luck catching bass, catfish, or bluegill from the shore or a boat.
(Check out Fishing in Shawnee National Forest)
- Swimming- Enjoy the sandy beach and cool off in the water during the summer season
- Boating – Bring your canoe or small boat (electric motors only) for a peaceful ride on the lake.
- Hiking and Biking- Walk or ride the 3-mile trail around the lake and enjoy the forest views.
Helpful tips before you go
- No reservation needed-All campsites are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for the best spots.
- Pack your supplies—bring food, water, firewood, and camping gear. There’s a small snack stand at the beach, but no grocery store.
- Stay clean and safe– Use the fire rings for campfires, clean up your site, and follow all safety rules.
- Bring bug spray- You’re in the woods, so mosquitoes and bugs are part of the experience.
- Don’t forget your fishing license- You’ll need it if you plan to fish.
The bottom line
Oak Point Campground is a great place to enjoy nature while still enjoying comfort. With clean restrooms, a peaceful lake, shady trees, and some of the best Southern Illinois fishing and boating sites to explore, it’s the kind of place where families create memories and campers return year after year.
Whether you are hiking through the forest, fishing by the water, or just sitting by your campfire, Oak Point lets you enjoy the best parts of Shawnee National Forest. It’s easy to get to, simple to set up, and full of fresh air and quiet beauty. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and take a break from the busy world—Oak Point is waiting for you! For more info, check out our blogs here.
Recent Comments