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Map showing campground location near McClure, Illinois
Camper submitted image from Bean Ridge Pond CampgroundView 6 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near McClure, Illinois

Bean Ridge Pond Campground

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Two primitive campsites sit beside a small pond, accessed by a half-mile gravel road that accommodates cars, vans, and smaller RVs. The sites feature fire pits and picnic tables but no facilities, requiring pack-in, pack-out camping. Campers report the area stays relatively clean despite some scattered litter, and the narrow sites position visitors close to each other.

The pond supports frogs and fish, though the water appears stagnant and brackish. AT&T cell service runs slow and spotty, allowing texts but limited internet access. Weekend visitors may encounter late-night activity, as local groups sometimes use the pond area for gatherings. For those wanting more developed facilities, Willow Springs Campground offers additional amenities about eight miles northeast.

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Location

Public Campground

Bean Ridge Pond Campground is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.24981869 N
89.3778944 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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General Info

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the primitive, peaceful setting with only two narrow campsites and basic amenities like fire pits. Several guests reported problems regarding weekend noise from local partiers, though weekday visits tend to be quiet.

Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2024

Nice private locationl

There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow. We camped in the lower site and had a difficult time getting everything out of the road.

On the positive side, the site was clean, there was nobody there over the weekend and there was a humming bird. The pond had lots of frogs and and a few fish.

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bean Ridge Pond Campground by Kevin C., July 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Bean Ridge Pond Campground by Kevin C., July 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Bean Ridge Pond Campground by Kevin C., July 14, 2024
Cameron
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020

Free, primitive campground, loud partiers

Got here on a Saturday night in late September and both of the campsites were available. Campsites consist of a clearing with a fire pit and a picnic table. No litter. No toilets. Very slow and spotty AT&T service: I was able to text but not access the Internet. The area is very pretty. Soft ground for staking a tent. Bugs were alright, no need for bug spray. There’s water access at the pond, but it’s obviously stagnant and very brackish. Big downside was a convoy of Jeeps full of partiers rolled down to the pond at 12:30am and hung out down there blasting music for an hour, which is a real sleep ruiner. This might be a local party spot, so be aware and maybe pack earplugs if you’re coming on a weekend. Upside is that it’s in a National Forest, so if both sites are taken, you can always dispersed camp

Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2020

Solitude

Small little pond with 2 primitive campsites. It's very quiet and peaceful. Some signs of litter, but mostly clean. Saw a few deer during my stay. No facilities, pack in-pack out. 1/2 mile gravel road leads to sites. Should be accessible by cars, vans, and small motorhomes/trailers.

Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What fishing opportunities are available at Bean Pond?

Bean Ridge Pond offers peaceful fishing opportunities in a serene, natural setting. The small pond provides a quiet environment for anglers seeking a relaxed fishing experience. While specific fish species information isn't detailed, the pond's natural setting suggests opportunities for typical freshwater pond fishing. The area's tranquility makes it ideal for those who prefer fishing in solitude away from crowded locations.

What amenities are available at Bean Pond Campground?

Bean Ridge Pond Campground offers very minimal amenities as a primitive camping destination. Each of the two campsites includes a clearing with a fire pit and picnic table. There are no restroom facilities, running water, or garbage services available—this is strictly a pack in, pack out location. Cell service is extremely limited, with slow and spotty AT&T coverage that may allow texting but not reliable internet access. The sites are quite close to each other and somewhat narrow, which may present challenges for larger setups.

When is the best time to visit Bean Pond Campground?

Late spring through early fall appears to be the optimal time to visit Bean Ridge Pond Campground. September offers good availability, with campers reporting both sites were open even on a weekend. The area is notably pretty during this time, with wildlife sightings possible, including deer. Weather conditions are generally favorable during these months, providing comfortable camping temperatures and a chance to fully enjoy the peaceful natural setting.

How do I access Bean Pond Campground?

Bean Ridge Pond Campground is accessible via a half-mile gravel road that leads directly to the campsites. The road is generally suitable for cars, vans, and even small motorhomes or trailers. The access road is relatively well-maintained, though it's advisable to drive carefully, especially after rain when the gravel surface might be softer. The campground's compact layout includes just two primitive sites in a quiet, secluded setting.

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