HARRISBURG – As we enter the winter season, the Shawnee National Forest says annual seasonal closures will begin in the coming days across the forest.
Seasonal Forest Road closures will be in affect starting Tuesday, Dec. 10. A free Motor Vehicle Use Map is available on the forest’s website and lists all Forest Service roads and exact closure dates. The map is also available for free download at Avenza Maps. Search for Shawnee National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Campgrounds that will close for the winter season starting Sunday, Dec. 15 include Red Bud Campground (Bell Smith Springs), Pine Ridge Campground (Pounds Hollow), Tower Rock, Lake of Egypt Campground, and Johnson Creek Campgrounds. Most campgrounds reopen March 15, 2025, except for Tower Rock Campground which reopens May 1.
For those who enjoy camping in any season, Pharaoh Campground (Garden of the Gods), Camp Cadiz, Oak Point Campground (Lake Glendale), and Pine Hills Campgrounds are open year-round.
For trail enthusiasts, please remember that there is a seasonal wilderness trail restriction prohibiting stock use now through March 31 that includes the following: Lusk Creek, Garden of the Gods and Bay Creek Wildernesses. Horse or other saddle or pack animals are not allowed in the three wilderness areas during the winter closure period. These restrictions are necessary to protect wilderness resources.
For more details on seasonal closures visit the Forest’s Rules and Restrictions webpage.
