Polka Dot (FR 1818) in IL

Shawnee NF, Hidden Springs Ranger District

430 ft

Maps

Overnight camping allowedRUTTED

VerizonWEAK

AT&TUNMEASURED

T-MobileUNMEASURED

StarlinkPOOR

A 1.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Pope County, IL. The road serves War Bluff Valley Sanctuary. 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 1.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (1.2 miles). Level ground alongside most of its length.

The nearest town, Carrier Mills, is 19 mi off.

September normals 60–83°F, 3.4″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots

434B in ILDispersed Camping0.7mi Reddick Hollow (FR 452) in ILForest Road Road1.5mi Raum Lookout RD (FR 427) in ILDispersed Camping1.5mi Whiplash (FR 444) in ILDispersed Camping2.4mi FR 650 — N37 24.465 W88 35.372 in ILDispersed Camping2.8mi

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?

Polka Dot (FR 1818) in IL -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Illinois

Polka Dot (FR 1818) in IL