REDBUD - BELL SMITH SPRINGS
Open for the season. The campground operates March 15 through December 15 annually. Sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Payment is cash or check only.
Lane reduction on bridge near IL Iron Furnace
Big Creek BridgeBig Creek Bridge, which carries County Road 12 over Big Creek, near the Iron Furnace recreation site in Hardin County, is reduced to a single central lane due to deteriorating bridge conditions. Motorists should slow down when approaching and traveling over the bridge. For your…
Trigg Tower temporarily closed
Trigg Tower on the Shawnee National Forest will temporarily close this month for necessary repairs. Weather permitting, contractors will begin work May 11, temporarily closing the tower and parking area to visitors. Repairs are expected to take approximately one month, no more than 90 days.Repairs…
River Pigs timber sale area active-use caution
Contractors have begun moving equipment onto the River Pigs timber sale area on the Shawnee National Forest, located off Buttermilk Hill Road in Jackson County.For your safety and the safety of crews working in the area, please be aware of increased traffic and active logging operations.• Watch…
Failing Culvert on Oakwood Bottoms Road FSR # 786
Be aware there is a failing culvert on Oakwood Bottoms Road FSR # 786. The culvert is approximately 0.6 miles off of Route 3, just before the railroad tracks.The area has been barricaded off but vehicles can still proceed through. Please use caution in the area until repairs can be made or use…
Public Health and Safety Closure Within the V-Plow Timber Sale Area
This order aims to protect the public health and safety of users recreating on National Forest System (NFS) lands within Township 11S, Range 5E, Sections 21 & 22 of Pope County, Illinois, as depicted in Exhibit A of this Order.
09-08-25-03 Shawnee Wilderness and Watersheds
This order aims to protect the public health and safety of users recreating on National Forest System (NFS) lands by outlining restrictions in wilderness and watershed areas, including stock use.
09-08-25-02 Occupancy and Use
This order aims to protect the public health and safety of users recreating on National Forest System (NFS) lands by outlining conditions of occupancy and use.
09-08-25-04 Restrictions for the Use of Natural Areas
This order aims to protect the public health and safety of users recreating on National Forest System (NFS) lands by outlining restrictions in natural areas.
McClure Road Closed
McClure Road (Forest Service Road 772) is closed at the low-water crossing approximately 0.1 mile past the Forest Service boundary (0.8 mile from Little Kinkaid Road). We apologize for the inconvenience, but the road will remain closed to all vehicular traffic until a culvert can be replaced. …
Road Conditions
Current area road conditions can be found at the Illinois Department of Transportation.Roads Open to Motor VehiclesDownload our Motor Vehicle Use Maps for a list of which roads are open to motor vehicle access on the Shawnee National Forest.
Reporting Trail Conditions
Call (618) 658-1312 to report trail conditions, give feedback about the trails, and ask questions about the forest trail system.
Trail Segment Closed - Lincoln Memorial
The walking path at Lincoln Memorial Day-use site has been affected by heavy rainfall, which has caused soil erosion and subsidence at the spillway of the Lincoln Memorial pond. Because of the unstable soil, the loop portion of the walking path around the pond is temporarily closed.Hazard…
Cave and Mine Closure Order
This order aims to protect the public health and safety of users recreating on National Forest System (NFS) lands by outlining cave and mine closures.
About
Redbud Campground is located within Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area in southern Illinois's Shawnee National Forest. This area is renowned for its striking geological features: clear, rocky streams wind through scenic canyons bordered by towering sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation unique to Illinois. The eight-mile trail system connects hikers to remarkable formations such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls, and a natural rock bridge. The campground operates seasonally from March 15 through December 15, offering a primitive camping experience at $10 per night. Sites accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles, with payment accepted by cash or check only. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water. Campers must pack out their trash. Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash, and glass containers are prohibited outside the campground area. Bell Smith Springs is managed by the Hidden Springs Ranger District. The recreation area's trail system remains open year-round, though camping in the designated Natural Area is prohibited. This campground is best suited for tent campers and those with smaller vehicles seeking an immersive experience in one of Illinois's most scenic natural areas.
Directions
From Harrisburg, take Highway 145 south 11 miles to Burden Falls Road, turn right, go 5 miles to Ozark Road, turn south (left), go to Bell Smith Springs Road, turn southwest (right) and proceed 2 miles to Bell Smith Springs.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (618) 253-7114 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!