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ForestMatters, LLC

Camel Rock Trail

Shawnee National Forest, Illinois · 3 min read

Distance
2 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Distinctive hump-shaped sandstone rock resembling a camel
  • Views across forested hill country from the base of the formation
  • Less crowded than the main Garden of the Gods overlook
  • Good photography subject in morning and late afternoon light

Overview

Camel Rock is a freestanding sandstone formation in the Garden of the Gods area of Shawnee National Forest, shaped by millions of years of weathering into a profile that does, in the right light and from the right angle, resemble a seated camel. The 2-mile out-and-back trail to the formation starts at the same parking lot as the Garden of the Gods Loop and offers an easier, less-crowded alternative to the main overlook circuit.

The trail passes through typical Garden of the Gods terrain: sandstone outcrops, open oak-hickory woodland, and the occasional view through the trees over the surrounding hills. Camel Rock itself is the obvious endpoint the formation is visible from some distance before you arrive. The sandstone glows orange and red in early morning and late afternoon light, making it a particularly rewarding photography subject in those hours.

At 2 miles out and back with 200 feet of elevation gain, this is an easy trail. It shares the parking area with the Garden of the Gods Loop and makes a natural pairing for a half-day outing.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: From the Garden of the Gods parking lot, the trail heads east on a well-maintained path. The sandstone outcrops increase in frequency as the trail approaches the formation area. Camel Rock becomes visible approximately half a mile before the end of the trail.

Miles 1 to 2 (return): The turnaround point is at the base of Camel Rock, which provides the best views of the formation and the surrounding landscape. Return on the same path.

When to Visit

April through November covers the main hiking season. October fall color adds to the sandstone scenery. Summer visits are warm but manageable for this short trail, particularly in the morning. Check conditions after rain sandstone is slippery when wet.

What to Bring

  • A half-liter of water is sufficient for this short hike in mild weather. Summer visits warrant more.
  • Hiking shoes with rubber soles
  • Camera
  • Tick repellent from April through October

Practical Details

A vault toilet at the shared parking lot. No fee (as of 2026). Follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on the trail to protect fragile sandstone formation soils.

Getting There

Same trailhead as the Garden of the Gods Loop, off Forest Road 114 near Harrisburg, Illinois. The Camel Rock trail starts from the east end of the parking lot. GPS coordinates are approximately 37.61°N, 88.38°W.

Trailhead Parking

Garden of the Gods area parking lot shared with Garden of the Gods Loop. Paved lot off Forest Road 114.

← Back to Shawnee National Forest

More Trails in Shawnee National Forest

easyloop

Garden of the Gods Loop

1 mi100 ft gain
April through November

A 1-mile loop at the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest, passing ancient sandstone formations and a dramatic overlook with some of the best views in the Midwest.

4 min read

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Jackson Falls

1.5 mi200 ft gain
April through October

A 1.5-mile loop to a sandstone waterfall grotto in Shawnee National Forest, one of the most photogenic natural features in Illinois with excellent swimming in summer.

3 min read

moderateloop

Little Grand Canyon Loop

6 mi600 ft gain
April through June and September through November

A 6-mile loop through the most dramatic canyon in Illinois, descending into a sandstone slot canyon with a seasonal waterfall and traversing the canyon rim in Shawnee National Forest.

4 min read

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Ohio River Bluffs Trail

5 mi400 ft gain
April through November

A 5-mile out-and-back trail along limestone bluffs above the Ohio River in Shawnee National Forest, with panoramic river views and access to one of the largest rivers in North America.

3 min read

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Pounds Hollow Recreation Area Loop

3.5 mi200 ft gain
April through October

A 3.5-mile loop around Pounds Hollow Lake in Shawnee National Forest, through oak-hickory forest with lake views and access to one of the few public swim lakes in southern Illinois.

3 min read

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Rim Rock Trail

3 mi300 ft gain
April through November

A 3-mile loop in the Shawnee National Forest passing ancient Kaskaskia Indian grinding stone, sandstone cliff overlooks, and dense bottomland hardwood forest near Elizabethtown, Illinois.

3 min read

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Smuggler's Cave Trail

3 mi300 ft gain
April through November

A 3-mile loop near Cave-in-Rock in Shawnee National Forest, visiting a large cave used by river pirates in the 1800s and traversing limestone bluffs above the Ohio River.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you climb on Camel Rock?
Scrambling on the base of the rock is generally practiced by visitors, though the main hump is steep and slippery when wet. The Forest Service may have specific posted restrictions at the site.
How does Camel Rock compare to the Garden of the Gods Loop?
The Garden of the Gods Loop has the famous overlook and more variety of formations, but Camel Rock offers a less crowded experience and a distinctive single formation. Both can be done in the same visit, sharing the parking area.
Is this trail suitable for young children?
Yes. The short distance and easy terrain make this a manageable outing for most children. The formation itself is visually engaging for kids. Keep children close near the cliff edges.
When is the light best for photography at Camel Rock?
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light on the sandstone, which glows orange and red in low-angle sun. The east-facing sides are best lit in morning.