Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Pounds Hollow Lake

Karbers Ridge Rd, Karbers Ridge, IL 62955

Canoeing & Kayaking

Pounds Hollow Lake is an area of the Shawnee National Forest and is large enough to provide some seclusion during a visit. This day-use area offers swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating and hiking.

A picturesque setting, Pounds Hollow campground and lake are tucked away amongst the Shawnee Forest, where you can relax and get away from it all. Completed in the early 1940's, Pounds Hollow Lake continues to provide opportunities to picnic, fish, swim, camp and hike.  Kayak rental is available at the nearby Garden of the Gods Outpost.  There are several lakeside picnic sites, plus a fishing pier and a large picnic shelter overlooking the beach.

Pine Ridge Campground is located on the ridgetop above Pounds Hollow Lake and offers 13 electric sites and 22 non-electric campsites, each with a picnic table, latern pole and fire ring with grill. Water spigot is located at the campground entrance across from pay station. 20, 30 & 50 amp at electric campsites.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.