Pounds hollow - Junction, IL
Pounds Hollow Dog-Friendly Recreation Area in Junction, Illinois
Pounds Hollow, nestled near Junction, Illinois, offers a unique outdoor experience for dog owners with its picturesque lake, pet-friendly trails, and plenty of natural shade. Known for its scenic, easy hiking paths and spacious grounds, this recreation area is perfect for families and their pups looking to explore Southern Illinois. While the campground environment is primitive, visitors enjoy easy access to swim in the lake, picnic with friends, and adventure along the pet-friendly Rim Rock trail.
Dog lovers appreciate the relaxed rules—many people let their dogs play and swim off-leash on the beach and trails. There are bathrooms available, shaded picnic spots, fire pits, and beautiful views all around. Please note, certain facilities may be primitive or seasonally closed, and direct accessibility for wheelchairs is limited in some areas due to stair access and gated roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are frequently off-leash, especially around the lake and trails.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, dogs can swim in the lake at Pounds Hollow.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are bathrooms/outhouses at the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park has lots of natural shade from trees.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are hiking trails like the Rim Rock trail accessible from the area.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? There is a $10 contribution box at the entrance for visitors.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic areas and fire pits with grills for BBQs.
- Is the park good for kids? Yes, families and children are welcome, making it a great spot for everyone.
Reviews
Campground was not open though it was a warm weekend. Water was needed. Could not access water pump regardless. Road by lake near bathrooms gated off with no other access for wheelchairs or people who can’t climb stairs to get to it. That was a huge problem
Awesome place to cool off. Complete with two single bathroom/outhouse’s. The sink wasn’t working in the women’s bathroom and it definitely looked like the place needed more attention. But, it was fun and refreshing and the water was nice. No lifeguard on duty or anyone that showed up at any point to enforce any of the many rules posted. So, while we were there families abounded with dogs running around off leash (on and off the beach) and everyone having fun. The trail leading to Rim rock was pretty overgrown but not hard to follow. All in all, we had a lot of fun and I would go there again to enjoy the water and nature trails.
Theres a 10 dollar contribulation box at front and its a big area with lots of shade fire pits with grills and good bathrooms
Primitive Camping!
Great time of the year to be in Southern Illinois . Campground was quiet , hiking was better than average .
Pounds Hollow was a great experience. It was a nice hike, very scenic, easy hike too! There was so much to see! We could tell this was a popular place!