Mill Spring (FR 403) in IL -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Illinois
Mill Spring (FR 403) in IL
A 4.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Pope County, IL. The road serves Barrens. 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 4.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4.5 miles). Climbs 370 ft over 4.5 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 16%. Level ground alongside most of its length. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 0.2 and 2.3 miles in.
Private here -- the nearest through road is 0.8 miles off. Open country -- nothing named rises within 30 miles of here. The Mann Lake shoreline is 0.9 mi off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Metropolis, is 8.6 mi off.
September normals 58–82°F, 3.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
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