Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

Overview

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is located in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois and is currently open year-round. The site features the popular quarter-mile Observation Trail with spectacular sandstone rock formations including Camel Rock, Table Rock, and Devil's Smokestack, plus panoramic views of the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. There is currently an active alert: water is temporarily unavailable at the recreation area, so bring your own water. The Pharaoh Campground offers 12 primitive campsites ($10/night, cash or check only) with fire grills, tables, and vault toilets. The picnic area and Observation Trail are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The campground is open year-round. Cell phone coverage is spotty to non-existent. Overnight parking is allowed at the Backpacker's Parking Lot (Indian Point Trailhead) for wilderness access. Be aware of poison ivy and venomous snakes. No permit required for entering or camping in the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. Pets must be on leash.