Simmons RD (FR 1498) in IL -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Illinois

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Simmons RD (FR 1498) in IL

Shawnee NF, Hidden Springs Ranger District
445 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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AT&TMARGINAL
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A 0.6-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Pope County, IL. The road serves Shelter 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 0.6 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Gravel the whole way in (0.6 miles). Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Secluded here -- the nearest through road is 2.7 miles off. The nearest town, Carrier Mills, is 16 mi off.

September normals 58–82°F, 3.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Big Creek Fork RD (FR 1486) in ILForest Road Road0.6miJulien Hill (FR 1501) in ILForest Road Road1.1miVaughn Cem RD (FR 855) in ILForest Road Road1.2miWhiplash (FR 444) in ILDispersed Camping3.5miRaum Lookout RD (FR 427) in ILDispersed Camping3.6mi
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?