The most scenic route through the National Forest is the Shawnee Hills Scenic Byway. Encompassing 70 miles from Mitchellsville to the Kentucky border along Rts 34, 1, and 146. Highlights of this scenic route are the Garden of the Gods bluffs and rock formations, Pounds Hollow Lake shoreline and cliffs, and the Cave in the Rock State Park. The Garden of the Gods section has intriguing sandstone boulders rising from steep cliffs.

IL, Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, Camel Rock.

Shawnee National Forest has 16 developed campgrounds containing 454 campsites. Two of the most scenic lakeshore campgounds are the Pounds Hollow Campground (75 sites on Pounds Hollow Lake) and Oak Point (55 sites on Lake Glendale). Oak Point is the only campground with showers and electrical hookups. The Pharaoh Campground (12 sites) in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is more rustic and offers a panoramic view of towering sandstone cliffs and rock formations. Campgrounds are open from April 1- December 15 on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees range from $6- $10. Shawnee National Forest, 901 South Commercial Street, Harrisburg, IL 62946 (618) 253-7114 or (800) 699-6637. www.fs.fed.us/r9/shawnee

IL, Shawnee National Forest, Pounds Hollow Lake