Pine Hills Campground
4.3433 reviewsPine Hills Campground, State Forest Rd, Wolf Lake, IL
Pine Hills Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Flat rate of $10 per night for all campsites, accommodating up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Payment accepted via cash or check only. Discount available for disability cardholders, reducing fee to $5 per night.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Shawnee National Forest, Pine Hills Campground offers an intimate escape where towering pines whisper ancient stories and a babbling stream provides nature's soundtrack. This rustic gem attracts those who prefer their adventures unplugged, with generously spaced sites carved from the forest floor that welcome multiple tents beneath a canopy of old-growth pine and hardwood trees. Here, solitude isn't just available—it's inevitable.
Pine Hills Campground is a small, primitive site with no RV-specific amenities, catering primarily to tent campers and those seeking a back-to-nature experience. It features 13 combined sites and has a group use area with a pavilion and fire pit.
Historical SignificanceThe legendary Snake Road has earned Pine Hills a place on every naturalist's bucket list. Twice yearly, this unassuming forest path becomes a highway for one of North America's most remarkable wildlife spectacles—the mass migration of snakes, amphibians, and reptiles. Scientists, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe converge here to witness this ancient rhythm of nature, making the area a living laboratory of ecological wonder.
Weather and SeasonsPine Hills transforms with the seasons, from winter's crystalline beauty when snow dusts the pine boughs, to summer's verdant warmth where humidity hangs thick in the forest air. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping season, offering crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons, and star-filled evenings under clear skies. These shoulder seasons paint the forest in either fresh greens or brilliant golds, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures.
ElevationNestled at 600 feet above sea level in a sheltered valley, Pine Hills occupies a unique microclimate within Shawnee National Forest. This gentle elevation creates a natural amphitheater effect, trapping cool air that brings refreshing relief on summer evenings and adds a mystical quality to misty mornings when fog pools among the trees.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient pines and hardwoods create cathedral-like groves, their roots drinking from the clear stream that meanders through camp. The landscape opens dramatically to reveal views of LaRue Swamp and the mighty Mississippi River floodplain beyond. This ecological crossroads harbors an astounding diversity of plant and animal life, from delicate wildflowers carpeting the forest floor to the calls of countless bird species echoing through the canopy. Every trail promises discovery, every sunset paints a masterpiece.
Geological RegionPine Hills Campground sits at the convergence of multiple natural wonders within Shawnee National Forest, one of Illinois' most spectacular wild spaces. The campground's prime location places visitors at the doorstep of the state's largest natural area, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. From your tent, you're minutes from the famous Snake Road migration corridor, while the proximity to LaRue Swamp and the Mississippi River floodplain creates an ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the Midwest—a place where upland forest meets wetland wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but there is limited information on other accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious, capable of accommodating multiple tents or even large trailers.
Sites PrivacySites are well-spaced and private, with some reviews highlighting the peace and quiet of the campground.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bug spray due to insects. Sites with pine groves are reportedly ideal for hammocks.
Best CampsitesSpecific site recommendations not provided. All sites are described as spacious and clean.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people and 2 vehicles per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutAll 13 campsites are spacious, featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. Sites are located in cleared areas among pine and hardwood trees.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round, with services provided from March 15 through December 15.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are unavailable.
Walk-in AvailabilityExclusive walk-up basis. Users report that sites often have availability even during busy weekends like Labor Day.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations available; campsite availability is on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Pine Hills Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly suited for nature enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Nearby attractions like Snake Road and Inspiration Point provide additional opportunities for exploration.
Hiking
A two-mile White Pine Trail is available for day hikes. Additionally, Pine Hills Road leads to the top of the bluffs, offering panoramic views of the LaRue Swamp and Mississippi River floodplain.Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist in nearby lakes and ponds, with species like bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.Wildlife viewing
The campground is located near the Snake Road, which is closed biannually to protect migrating reptiles and amphibians. Users have reported seeing a variety of wildlife, including snakes and birds.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but no specific winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not supported at this location.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings available at all campsites. Local wood supply available, but users are encouraged to follow fire safety guidelines.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water; campers must bring their own. Seasonal flooding may occur at the dip when turning onto Pine Hills Rd (Forest Route 236). Wildlife, including snakes, may be encountered.
Active alertsSeasonal closure of Snake Road for biannual reptile migration.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital is Cape Girardeau, MO, approximately 30 miles away. No emergency services detailed for police or ranger station in provided information.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 15 through December 15.
Trash and recyclingAnimal-proof trash cans and critter-proof dumpsters are available on-site, ensuring proper waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to a stream. Nearby LaRue Swamp offers additional wildlife viewing opportunities.
Common complaintsLack of potable water; campers must drive 15-30 miles for supplies. Some users noted occasional noise from a nearby train.
HostRangers and campground workers reportedly visit frequently and are described as friendly and accommodating.
Campground Map
Pine Hills Campground, State Forest Rd, Wolf Lake, IL
Driving directionsFrom Jonesboro take State Hwy 146 west to State Hwy 127 north. Go north three miles to the State Forest blacktop road. Turn west and travel 9 miles to FR236 or Pine Hills road. The campground is 0.07 miles north on Pine Hills road. To access PHCG from Illinois Route 3, turn onto the State Forest blacktop at the south edge of Wolf Lake. Travel east approx. 1 mile to the Pine Hills Road, FR236. Turn north onto FR236 and travel 0.07 miles to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads with a gravel apron at the campsite entrance. However, turning left onto Pine Hills Rd (Forest Route 236) involves crossing a dip that could be flooded during certain conditions.Nearby places
Wolf Lake (approximately 0.6 miles)
Jonesboro (approximately 20 miles)
Cape Girardeau, MO (approximately 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Wolf Lake, within a few miles of the campground. Cape Girardeau also offers more extensive options approximately 30 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
33 reviews
Pine Hills Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground for its clean and spacious sites, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users express concerns about the lack of potable water and cell phone service.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the cleanliness of the sites and vault toilets, spacious layouts, and the serene environment. Many reviewers appreciate the critter-proof dumpsters and the new pavilion...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the absence of potable water, limited cell phone service, and occasional noise from a nearby train. Some also mentioned the lack of modern amenities like electricity.
Based on 33 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, as there is no potable water on-site. Bug spray is also advised for a more comfortable stay. For those looking to explore, Snake Road and the bluffs offer...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is popular in spring and fall, especially among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. Summers are described as peaceful, with fewer crowds. Winter visits are less common due to colder...
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Camper Quotes
"Clean sites tucked into the wilderness off the beaten path and away from all crowds." - Margeau Faticone
"The vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen for a state campground." - Margeau...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight that most sites are clean, spacious, and well-maintained. Some reviewers recommend specific sites closer to the pavilion for group activities.
Based on 33 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but additional feedback on accessibility is limited.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes. No specific pet-related issues or praise were noted in the reviews.
Based on 33 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025