Gail Trail RD (FR 272) in IL -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Illinois

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Gail Trail RD (FR 272) in IL

Shawnee NF, Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District
522 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedMODERATE
VerizonMARGINAL
AT&TNONE
T-MobileUNMEASURED
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A 3.8-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Alexander County, IL.

Shawnee National Forest, Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 28 days.

All 3.8 miles in are maintained for passenger cars. Gravel the whole way in (3.8 miles). Climbs 400 ft over 3.8 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 25%. Winds through 3 switchbacks.

Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.6 miles off. Open country -- nothing named rises within 30 miles of here. A river runs 1.2 mi off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Scott City, is 6.6 mi off.

September normals 59–82°F, 3.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Sexton Crk RD (FR 512) in ILDispersed Camping2.2miSlick Ridge (FR 262) in ILDispersed Camping2.4miOld Goat (FR 625) in ILDispersed Camping3.0miBean Ridge Spur 1 (FR 695) in ILDispersed Camping3.4miHoney School Lookout (FR 656) in ILForest Road Road3.8mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Shawnee National Forest, Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?