Harrisburg, IL. March 24, 2020 – All developed campgrounds and restrooms managed by
the Shawnee National Forest have been closed indefinitely for the health and safety of visitors
and staff. This includes:
Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District
– Johnson Creek Campground, Jackson County
– Pine Hills Campground, Union County
Hidden Springs Ranger District
– Camp Cadiz Campground, Hardin County
– Pharaoh Campground at Garden of the Gods, Saline County
– Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow, Gallatin County
– Tower Rock Campground, Hardin County
As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our
number one priority. We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our
mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.
These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice for cleaning per
CDC guidelines and to promote social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to contact the
ranger district office with additional questions
The Shawnee National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate
potential impacts. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself,
Forest Service employees and our volunteers.
The Shawnee National Forest is closing offices and implementing virtual services to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with guidance from federal and state authorities.
Customers needing information, permits and maps are encouraged to call 618-253-7114 or 1-
800-My-Woods during regular business hours for prompt, customer service.
“As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our
number one priority,” said Karen Harralson, Acting Forest Supervisor. “We are committed to
continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to
minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.”
These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice to limit gatherings
of large numbers of people and to promote social distancing.
Visitors are encouraged to contact their local forest or ranger district with any questions at
[email protected] or www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee. You can also visit our Facebook
page at https://www.facebook.com.shawneenatlforest.
Visitors to our National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips from the CDC on preventing
illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/about/prevention.html.
