Posted 2012-05-25 2:54 PM (#144210) Subject: High Knob Campground - Shawnee National Forest
New User
Posts: 1
Just stayed a week at High Knob Ranch. It has new owners who are very accomodating. New items include fantastic barn with stalls very reasonable as is the camping. New restrooms and showers are very adequate. I have stayed at other camps and the riding is the best at High Knob. Can ride in three directions as long or short as you want. Best of all is the owner who will do all she can to make it pleasant for you. Give High Knob a try you will like it.
Posted 2012-06-06 9:37 AM (#144594 - in reply to #144210) Subject: RE: High Knob Campground - Shawnee National Forest
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
I've ridden Shawnee off and on since the 70's. Last fall was my first time camping/riding at High Knob. All I can say is, "Wow." The showers were done yet, but I have my own LQ. I could see where there was a lot of recent upgrading going on. The owner was super friendly and bent over backwards to help my friend who had truck trouble. I loved the riding.
As for the best time of year......I love it anytime, but my absolute favorite is November when the leaves have dropped. You then see rock formations that can't always be seen with heavy foliage. But even with the summer foliage, there are plenty of formations! And High Knob is just a short ride to Garden of the Gods.
One thing about summer riding is to ask about bees. However, we even got into some last November.
I've ridden in lots of states, but Shawnee is right in my backyard and can't be beat.
Posted 2012-06-12 3:31 PM (#144745 - in reply to #144210) Subject: RE: High Knob Campground - Shawnee National Forest
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 309 Location: MO
We like High Knob. The best trails we've ridden. There is a trail to MM Campground that takes about two hours. We usually take a ride to MM on Friday or Saturday to have lunch in the restaurant.
Posted 2012-06-12 4:48 PM (#144748 - in reply to #144210) Subject: RE: High Knob Campground - Shawnee National Forest
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 309 Location: MO
Probably the only bad time is July-August. Temps in the hi 90s to lo 100s can make the trip miserable. Spring is such a nice time as the wild flowers are in bloom. September-October is a riot of color and November-December with the leaves off the trees you can really see the rock formation. Ask Jo-Jo, the owner of High Knob. she will tell you when to come.
Posted 2012-06-13 10:08 PM (#144803 - in reply to #144210) Subject: RE: High Knob Campground - Shawnee National Forest
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
I found Jo Jo very willing to please on my trips to High Knob.
Just like anything, nobody can please all the people all of the time no matter what business one is in. I taught school for years, and even though I felt I treated each child the same way no matter what.......I'm sure that some parents never felt that way. I just tried not to take it personally because in my heart, I knew that I liked all the kids the same. And that's the honest truth.