Gp-3 Camping Area

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Last Updated: February 11, 2026

The GP-3 Camping Area in Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, offers free dispersed camping—no established sites, reservations, or permits required.


Summary

There are no amenities: no toilets (bring a trowel), no water (pack it in), no fire rings (use Leave No Trace practices), and no picnic tables. RVs can access the area via gravel roads but there are no hookups. Set in a quiet, forested area near the Garden of the Gods Wilderness, it’s ideal for solitude and hiking nearby scenic trails like the Observation Trail. Best visited in spring or fall for mild weather and fewer bugs. It’s a rustic, back-to-nature experience for self-sufficient campers.



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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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