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Reviews for Shawnee National Forest
(click on name for more information)
Marion, IL

Overall TRAIL RATING with 4 votes:
Overall CAMP RATING with 2 votes:
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Individual Reviews

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I am new to this site & felt compelled to comment. I have stayed at Bear Branch some time ago, one in 2003 & again in 2004. The first time we brought a camper & tied our horses to picket lines. Everything was clean then, the sites, the restaurant, the showers and even the pond. In 2004 we stayed in the "cabin" which truly is a trailer but made to look rustic. Again, we had a total of 11 people, our horses were on picket lines and this time in the sun. Still, the camp was clean, showers, etc. We ate in the restaurant several times and always had a good meal. Nothing dirty, no bugs, etc. We took a break from camping & my brother settled on a permanent place in Hayes Canyon after checking out all local campgrounds. To be honest, I have not really been in Lusk Creek or Circle B other than a quick look around, so I cannot comment on those campgrounds. Since staying at Hayes Canyon and NEVER being disappointed we have never considered going back to Bear Branch. I do ride thru Bear Branch on almost each visit (5-6 times a year), as it's only a couple of miles from Hayes Canyon on a very easy, very open trail. I have been very disappointed in the outward appearance of Bear Branch as it has become very run down since our stay there years ago. It is very sad. I do not know why it has this appearance but am truthfully stating the obvious. I will make it a point to check out the other sites and hope to even venture over east to the High Knob area to ride and check it out as that is how I started my horse camping adventures in the last 70's. I truly hope that all comments come from actual posters and not camp owners as the area as a whole is a WONDERFUL area to enjoy and is BEAUTIFUL!
Reviewed by: Marie Finney on 7/21/2011 12:14:47 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/15/2011 Hometown: Westfield, IL

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Hey Folks, it seems that someone has decided to use this website to promote their own agenda. On a few dates in July 2007 there were suddenly several new reviews of Shawnee area campgrounds, many posted within minutes of each other, but with different 'names' and states. Negative reviews were posted on Circle B, Little Lusk, and Hayes Canyon. Positive reviews were posted on Bear Branch and on this page. Figure it out. ANYONE can post a review and list a fake name and state. Negative reviews could be from competing campgrounds, crazy neighbors, ex-girlfriends, etc. Positive reviews could be from the campground owner, family members, etc. Even outright lies can be entered anonymously. It's unfortunate because this site could be a good way to share information, but be advised to not believe everything you read.
Reviewed by: Ben & Patti -owners of Hayes Canyon Campground on 11/30/2007 8:38:16 PM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 11/30/2007 Hometown: Eddyville, IL

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I totally agree with the previous recent comments. I had not been to Shawnee for a few years but the improvement in the trails and the new maps are awsome! Go there! You won't be disappointed in the Shawnee Riding folks! !
Reviewed by: Jake on 7/12/2007 7:43:34 PM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 7/12/2007 Hometown: Dyre, LA

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It is funny, We were there the week before the last commenters. We feel the same way about the Shawnee and even Bear Branch. We love them both. Just wanted to comment on the BIG improvement in the trails this last year. The FS has really out done themselves. They had Mule teams and ground workers out in the Lusk Creek Wildernes, east of Bear Branch and they were building some fantastic trails there. I would recommend the Shawnee to anyone looking for truly scenic riding in the midwest.
Reviewed by: Bobbie and Jimmy on 7/12/2007 7:37:03 PM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 7/6/2007 Hometown: , KY

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We love the Shawnee Riding. The trails are now marked and maintained. The Forest Service is building some fantastic new trails. We have ridden there several times before. Like to stay at Bear Branch the best. Nice clean camp and friendly atmosphere. The riding out of there is the best and we love the Restaurant too. Great food at a reasonable price and the y make you feel like family.
Reviewed by: Susie Kimmil on 7/12/2007 7:31:39 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 7/10/2007 Hometown: Coryden, IN

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I will give Shawnee a 5 star when the trails are marked and mapped. It is next to impossible to find your way around if you are ridding the trails cold, especially since each camp has a different trail system.
Reviewed by: JulieS on 5/30/2005 1:48:36 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 5/19/2005 Hometown: Englewood, TN