Camp Ondessonk is located on 983 acres of some of the most beautiful terrain in Southern Illinois for camping & hiking. We are uniquely situated adjacent to approximately 5,000 acres of uninterrupted Shawnee National Forest; traversed by only a few small county roads between here and Eddyville. We are within a day’s hike or short drive to Bell Smith Springs, Jackson Falls, Max Creek, Trigg Lookout Tower, Burden Falls, and Sand Cave, among other locations.
In the non-summer months when we are not hosting a special weekend event, Camp Ondessonk functions as a public campground and event venue. A great destination for hiking, mountain biking, fishing or camping, our site is perfect for families or groups to spend the weekend in nature and sleep in a treehouse, pitch a tent, or for those who don’t wish to rough it, rent a suite in St. Noel. Check out pictures of our lodging options.
Please be sure to check our calendar to see when we are closed to the public.
Ondessonk Staff are happy to provide more information about the many neat places to see nearby. The Forest Service has area maps and other information as well.
Camp Ondessonk Camping & Hiking Maps
Ondessonk Hiking Trail Descriptions
Shawnee National Forest River-to-River Trail Maps (Ondessonk’s area is on Maps 9 and 10)
