Pine Ridge-Pounds Hollow

Open — Open March 15 through December 15. Currently open for the season. First-come, first-served only, no reservations accepted.

About

Nestled in the Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois, Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area provides a tranquil camping experience on a ridgetop above the scenic 25-acre Pounds Hollow Lake. Built in the early 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this recreation area continues to attract visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. The campground offers 35 total campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Thirteen sites feature electric hookups with 20, 30, and 50 amp service, while 22 sites are non-electric. Each campsite includes a picnic table, lantern pole, and fire ring with grill. A water spigot is conveniently located at the campground entrance near the pay station. The campground roads and turnarounds limit vehicles to under 25 feet, making this an ideal destination for tent campers and smaller RVs but not suitable for large rigs. Beyond camping, visitors can enjoy swimming at the lake beach (no lifeguard), fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish, hiking nearby trails including the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, and picnicking at lakeside sites. Only small boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake. The recreation area showcases the skilled craftsmanship of the CCC, particularly visible in the hand-cut sandstone foundation of the picnic shelter overlooking the beach.

Directions

From Harrisburg: Take Highway 34/145 south 6 miles, then continue on Highway 34 south for 9 miles. Turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road and go 9 miles to the recreation area entrance. From the east: Take Highway 62 west continuing on IL State Route 141 to Highway 1. Go south on Highway 1 about 24 miles to Karbers Ridge Road, then west 2 miles to the recreation area entrance.

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