Illinois · Hiking

West Camp

1.8 mi
round trip
202 ft
climb
497 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Caution at last check

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 18 h ago

Is West Camp open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name West Camp, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

West Camp is an easy out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, about 1.8 miles long with a total elevation gain of 32 feet. The trail is on natural surface, and horses are allowed, making it a practical choice for riders as well as hikers. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Rosiclare show highs around 75°F in May and 69°F in October, with summer highs climbing into the mid-80s. The trail is open year-round, and the nearest places to pair it with are Cemetery-Gap, Collier Cemetery and One Horse Gap, all about 0.4 miles away. Lusk Creek offers canoeing about 5 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit West Camp

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 22°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      56° / 33°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 43°

      11 wet

    5. May

      75° / 53°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 62°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 65°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 63°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 43°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 33°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 26°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rosiclare 5nw, IL, 3.6 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.