As winter approaches, the Shawnee National Forest is preparing for its annual seasonal closures, with several roads, campgrounds, and trails set to be affected in the coming weeks. Here’s what you need to know:
Seasonal Forest Road closures will begin on Tuesday, December 10th. To help visitors navigate, a free Motor Vehicle Use Map is available on the forest’s website and via the Avenza Maps app by searching for “Shawnee National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map.” This map includes all Forest Service roads and their exact closure dates.
Several campgrounds will close for the winter starting Sunday, December 15th:
Red Bud Campground (Bell Smith Springs)
Pine Ridge Campground (Pounds Hollow)
Tower Rock Campground
Lake of Egypt Campground
Johnson Creek Campground
Most of these sites will reopen on March 15, 2025, with the exception of Tower Rock Campground, which will reopen on May 1st, 2025.
For year-round camping, the following campgrounds remain open:
Pharaoh Campground (Garden of the Gods)
Camp Cadiz
Oak Point Campground (Lake Glendale)
Pine Hills Campground
Seasonal wilderness trail restrictions are in effect for Lusk Creek, Garden of the Gods, and Bay Creek Wildernesses from now until March 31st. During this period, the use of horses or other saddle and pack animals is prohibited to protect wilderness resources.
Visitors can find detailed information about seasonal closures on the Forest’s Rules and Restrictions webpage.
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