USDA Forest Service · Illinois
Redbud Campground
USDA Forest Service · Illinois, United States
- Cost
- Overnight Use: Single Site: $10 per night
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 692 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- BELL SMITH'S CG (NFSR 848A) · bituminous surface treatment · suitable for passenger cars
- Nearest town
- Eddyville, IL
- Activities
- Camping, Tent, Camping, Trailer, Camping, Vehicle, Hiking, Viewing Scenery
About
US Forest Service campground. Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs and an abundance of vegetation unique to Illinois. The trail system consists of eight miles of interconnected trails featuring strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna. Campground is first come- first served. No reservations. Amenities include: pad for small trailers/pop-up trailer or tent; picnic tables and firerings; non-electric; NO water or electric hook-ups. Open season: 3/15 - 12/15 annually. Not reservable through Recreation.gov, so plan on first-come, first-served; check with the ranger district for current conditions and fees.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40° | 28° | 4° | 68° | 10 of 11 |
| February | 47° | 30° | 0° | 70° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 59° | 40° | 19° | 79° | 5 of 11 |
| April | 67° | 49° | 31° | 84° | 1 of 11 |
| May | 79° | 62° | 44° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 86° | 68° | 55° | 97° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 88° | 72° | 63° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 85° | 70° | 63° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 84° | 66° | 52° | 95° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 67° | 51° | 36° | 84° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 57° | 40° | 15° | 76° | 3 of 10 |
| December | 46° | 32° | 10° | 66° | 9 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Duck Bay Picnic Area - Lake Glendale · USDA Forest Service · 8 mi
- Oak Point Campground - Lake Glendale · USDA Forest Service · 8 mi
- Dixon Springs State Park · Illinois State Parks · 10 mi
- Golconda Marina State Recreation Area · Illinois State Parks · 14 mi
- Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods · USDA Forest Service · 16 mi
All public campgrounds in Illinois · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-06-16. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.