Pharoah-Garden Of The Gods

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Water is currently unavailable at the campground; campers should bring adequate drinking water.

About

Pharaoh Campground sits within the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest, offering 12 primitive campsites year-round. This first-come, first-served campground provides a rustic base for exploring one of Illinois's most photographed natural areas, featuring unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the Shawnee Hills. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire grill, with vault toilets available in the campground. The campground is ideally positioned near the quarter-mile Observation Trail, which showcases dramatic sandstone formations like Camel Rock, Table Rock, and Devil's Smokestack. Campers can also access numerous hiking trails that venture into the Garden of the Gods Wilderness, where rocky streams, sheer cliffs, pine stands, and scenic vistas await. The recreation area maintains hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for day use areas, though the campground is accessible 24/7 for registered campers. This primitive campground charges $10 per night and accepts cash or check only. Each site accommodates up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Cell phone coverage is spotty or non-existent in the area. For campers seeking electric hookups, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area is located 6 miles to the east with 13 electric sites available.

Directions

From Harrisburg, take Highway 145 south 5 miles to Highway 34, then take 34 south for 10 miles. Turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road for 2.5 miles to Forest Road. Turn north and drive 1.5 miles to the recreation area entrance road.

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