Barren Creek (FR 1415) in IL -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Illinois

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Barren Creek (FR 1415) in IL

Shawnee NF, Hidden Springs Ranger District
383 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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AT&TUNMEASURED
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A 1.1-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Pope County, IL. The road serves Brasher Cave. The road is open seasonally, May 9 to December 9.

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

All 1.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (1.1 miles). Climbs 60 ft over 1.1 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 20%. Level ground alongside most of its length. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 0.4 and 1.1 miles in.

Private here -- the nearest through road is 2.1 miles off. Open country -- nothing named rises within 30 miles of here. Night skies measure Bortle 2 -- true dark-sky territory. The nearest town, Metropolis, is 11 mi off.

September normals 59–82°F, 3.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Piper Lee (FR 1414) in ILDispersed Camping0.3miFR 1413 — Brasher Cave in ILDispersed Camping1.0miNorth Passage (FR 1412) in ILDispersed Camping1.1miHodge Cemetery (FR 1839) in ILDispersed Camping1.2miFR 485 — Cretaceous Hills Nature Preserve in ILForest Road Road1.3mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Shawnee National Forest, Hidden Springs 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?