Glidden Lake State Forest Campground Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground, located in the scenic woods of southern Illinois, offers 8 established, first-come, first-served campsites—no reservations or permits required, but a small fee applies.


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Summary

Amenities include pit toilets, hand-pump water (seasonal), fire rings, and picnic tables; there are no hookups, but sites can accommodate small RVs. The campground sits lakeside in a quiet, forested setting ideal for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby, the Shawnee National Forest offers hiking on trails like Bell Smith Springs and Jackson Falls. Best visited spring through fall, Glidden Lake is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, rustic camping experience immersed in nature.

       

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Glidden Lake State Forest CampgroundMICHIGAMME RIVER NEAR CRYSTAL FALLS Preview Michigamme River Near Crystal Falls
279.0cfs
279cfs
Glidden Lake State Forest CampgroundPAINT RIVER NR ALPHA Preview Paint River Nr Alpha
268.0cfs
268cfs
Glidden Lake State Forest CampgroundBRULE RIVER AT US HIGHWAY 2 NEAR FLORENCE Preview Brule River At Us Highway 2 Near Florence
259.0cfs
259cfs
Glidden Lake State Forest CampgroundMENOMINEE RIVER NEAR FLORENCE Preview Menominee River Near Florence
950.0cfs
950cfs
Glidden Lake State Forest CampgroundBRULE RIVER NEAR COMMONWEALTH Preview Brule River Near Commonwealth
428.0cfs
428cfs
Glidden Lake State Forest CampgroundMENOMINEE RIVER AT TWIN FALLS NEAR IRON MT Preview Menominee River At Twin Falls Near Iron Mt
3420cfs
3420cfs

Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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Nearby Snowpack Depths View more

FLORENCE
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AMASA 1W
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IRON MOUTAIN 5N
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STAMBAUGH 2SSE
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AURORA
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ISHPEMING 7.2 SW
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Boat Launches

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River Runs