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Submission
[Lake Glendale](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd559331.jpg) If you are looking for a place in the center of the Shawnee National Forest, then Lake Glendale Recreation Area is for you. Its central location makes it easy to visit main attractions on either side of the forest or any place in-between. Surrounded by tall pine trees and mixed hardwood forests, Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing and bicycling. The picnic area has a large picnic shelter near the lake with party grills for group gatherings. Recreation Area brochure/map Lake Glendale Campgound Map
From Harrisburg: Take Highway 145 south 26.5 miles. Turn left into the recreation area off of Hwy 145.
From Vienna: (intersection I-24 and Hwy 146): Take Hwy 146 east 11 miles to Hwy 145. Go north on Hwy 145 for 2.2 miles and turn right into the recreation area.
From Metropolis: (intersection I-24 and Hwy 145): Take Highway 145 north 18 miles and turn right into the recreation area.
Swimming area is fenced off and only open on weekends. There's picnic tables, unfortunately, didn't have much time to check out if there were any trails. Only had outhouse toilets.
Fantastic place to camp! Flush toilets, showers, and very nice camp hosts. Sites were spacious and there is a good amount of growth between them for some seclusion. Pretty lake with cement boat launch, but the water was kinda smelly. Looking forward to returning!
Was our base camp for two weeks while exploring various areas of Shawnee Forest.
Great campground and our dogs love a daily swim in the lake.
Lake Glendale includes a nice lake with access for fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping near the shore. Despite the state's budget problems the area is well maintained. It is possible to circumambulate the lake on the main trail. This is a good area for observing wildflowers and birds. We have never camped there, but have driven and walked through the campground several times on birdwatching trips. There is a full-time campground host, well maintained campsites, and a heated, year-around bathroom and shower facility.
The lake is beautiful. The beach is clean and has a concession stand. The camp sites are nice and surrounded by trees. There is a picnic area and boat launch as well. We used our kayaks several times. There's also a trail all the way around the lake. Great place to walk and bicycle rides.
