Hayes Canyon is located in beautiful Southern Illinois, just outside the village of Eddyville (the "Trail-Riding Capital of Illinois").  Approximate traveling distances:

St Louis 3 hrs,           Indianapolis 4.5 hrs
Chicago 6.5 hrs,            Louisville 3.5 hrs
Evansville 2 hrs,          Nashville 3 hrs,
Memphis  4 hrs           Madison 8 hrs,
Little Rock  5.5 hrs        Kansas City  6.5 hrs
Cincinnati  5 hrs

Directions to Hayes Canyon Campground :

IMPORTANT - when you get close to camp, use these directions, do NOT follow 'mapquest' or similar directions, and use caution with GPS directions . . . they may lead you down tortuous gravel roads which are unmarked!!

Directions from Interstate 24 from the North (through Vienna, IL):

Exit #16 exit for Rt. 146 / Vienna.
Turn towards Golconda (East) on Route 146.
Go 1/10 mile to Route 147, turn Left (towards Simpson). 
Take Rt 147 for 13 miles to the first and only stop-sign at the T-intersection with Route 145.
Turn Left on Route 145. 
Go 5 miles and watch for the sign for Eddyville Road (the same road as Main Street).
Turn left onto Main Street into the village of Eddyville.  Look for the Hayes Canyon Campground sign at this corner.  The Shawnee Mart (Gas & Convenience) is at the opposite corner of this intersection.     
Follow Main Street for 1 mile.  You will pass through the small village of Eddyville.  
Hayes Canyon Campground is on the left side of the road marked with a sign and an American flag.

Directions from Interstate 24 from the South (through Metropolis, IL):

Exit #37 exit for Route 45 for Metropolis/Brookport.
Turn towards Brookport (East) on Route 45.
Go 1/10 mile to Route 145, turn Left (North).  There is a closed down gas station on this corner. 
Take Rt 145 for 25 miles.  Watch for the sign for Eddyville Road (the same road as Main Street). This is past Pope County Mile Marker #16.  
Turn left onto Main Street into the village of Eddyville, there is a Hayes Canyon Campground sign at this corner.  The Shawnee Mart (Gas & Convenience) is at the opposite corner of this intersection.     
Follow Main Street for 1 mile.  You will pass through the small village of Eddyville.
Hayes Canyon Campground is on the left side of the road marked with a sign and an American flag.

Directions from Interstate 64 from the East (from the Evansville, IN or Louisville, KY area):

Just after entering Illinois, take the exit for Route #1 and head South (towards Carmi).
Follow Route 1 to Norris City. At Norris City, take Hwy 45 and keep heading South to Harrisburg.
In Harrisburg, stay on Hwy 45 South (which is also called Commercial Avenue) until shortly past the McDonalds, then turn Left on Hwy 145.
See directions below from Harrisburg.

Directions from Harrisburg, IL:

In Harrisburg, take Hwy 45 and head South (also called Commercial Avenue). Follow this 4-lane road to the south end of town shortly past the McDonalds. 
Turn left at the light on Route 145 and head South. The Super WalMart is on this corner.  

Follow Hwy 145 about 18 miles to Eddyville. Watch for sign for Eddyville Road (the same road as Main Street). This is past Pope County Mile Marker #17.  
Turn right onto Main Street at the Hayes Canyon Campground sign.  The Shawnee Mart (Gas & Convenience) is at the opposite corner of this intersection.     
Follow Main Street for 1 mile.  You will pass through the small village of Eddyville.  
Hayes Canyon Campground is on the left side of the road marked with a sign and an American flag.

Detailed Map of the Central Shawnee National Forest