W. Chickenbone Lake campground
W. Chickenbone Lake
Surrounded by lush forests, the camping area provides breathtaking views of the nearby hills and valleys. The lake itself is also a picturesque sight, with crystal-clear water that reflects the surrounding scenery.
The camping area is located near several points of interest, including the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, which features stunning sandstone formations and scenic hiking trails. Another must-visit attraction is the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, a 1.7-mile trail that winds through rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the forest and surrounding areas.
Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. However, there is no access to potable water or electrical hookups, so visitors must bring their own water supply and camping gear.
The best time to visit the W. Chickenbone Lake camping area is in the fall, from September to November, when temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-70s. During this time, visitors can enjoy the stunning fall foliage and mild weather conditions, making it the perfect time for hiking and camping.
Interesting facts about the area include that the Shawnee National Forest is home to more than 400 species of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and river otters. The area is also rich in history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back more than 10,000 years.
Overall, the W. Chickenbone Lake camping area provides a unique and memorable camping experience in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can enjoy stunning views, explore nearby attractions, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of southern Illinois.
What's on-site at W. Chickenbone Lake
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of W. Chickenbone Lake, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Chickenbone Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| E. Chickenbone Lake | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| East Chickenbone Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Lake Richie Canoe | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Mccargoe Cove | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of W. Chickenbone Lake -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pigeon River At Middle Falls Nr Grand Portage Mn | 1,870 cfs | → |
| Trap Rock River Near Lake Linden | 86 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- 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.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save W. Chickenbone Lake as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About W. Chickenbone Lake
Can I make reservations at W. Chickenbone Lake?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to W. Chickenbone Lake?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of W. Chickenbone Lake.