Fox Ridge State Park RV & Campground Guide
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This 2,064-acre park prides itself on rustic trails winding through forested hills down to the Embarras River. It was developed through the 1930s with a combination of efforts from Charleston area residents and the Civilian Conservation Corps, and most of the original structures remain in use, including the dam that created Ridge Lake. The park's 12-acre lake was designed as part of an initiative to improve fishing and watersport opportunities in the state's outdoor recreation areas.
While the area enjoys temperate weather through most of the year, winters can be harsh. Since it's positioned in Eastern-Central Illinois, the park is also within day-tripping distance from major cities in Indiana as well as Illinois hubs like Springfield.
Nearby Cities:
Charleston, IL
Champaign, IL
Mattoon, IL
Terre Haute, IN
Spring 44-66 F
Summer 63-83 F
Fall 57-79 F
Winter 25-40 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fox Ridge State Park
Campground Accommodations
Fox Ridge State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: shower building, dump station, picnic tables, grills, drinking water, toilets
Parkview RV Park
Located in Tuscola, Illinois, Parkview RV Park offers campers free water, electricity, and sewer hookups. Additionally, dumpsters are available. The RV park is open year-round and offers rates starting at $25 to $30 for daily and $150 for weekly. If you’re having so much fun in Tuscola and you plan to stay for a bit, monthly rates are $550.
Free Wi-Fi
Free water, electricity, sewage
Dumpster on-site
Camp Lakewood Campground
Camp Lakewood Campground is an RV park that is great for kids. Children can spend time playing at the playground or swimming at the on-site lake. Daily rates at this RV park are affordable, beginning at $50 a night. Besides RVs, there are several on-site cabins available as well as tent sites. When you’re in the mood for fishing, Lake Pauline is a great location to catch bass. Boats on the lake only have a 5-mph limit, so be mindful of your speed. Campers can grab a quick drink or two at the lounge where there is a full bar setup. Additionally, there is no need to travel off-site for a grocery run as Camp Lakewood runs its own general store.
Grill
Dump station
Playground
On-site store
Lounge
30- to 50-amp electric
Fresh water
What to Do at
Fox Ridge State Park
Hiking is Fox Ridge State Park's biggest attraction, and it offers enough loops to keep curious guests busy exploring. The Eagle's Nest overlook area is the most challenging hike in the park and offers the grandest views. Embarras River and Ridge Lake offer fishing, boating, and a break from the steep hills the trails wind over. Birders have lots to enjoy in any area of the park, with woodpeckers, songbirds, and quail occupying the woods.
The trails here offer a reasonable challenge and stunning views. When it's time to rest your legs, the river waits for kayaking, canoeing, and angling.
Inside Fox Ridge State Park
If you enjoy the feel of being deep in the woods, Fox Ridge State Park is an ideal destination. Because it's such a large park, the hiking trails offer a lot of variety. Visitors can climb the steps at Eagle’s Nest, which offers a view of the river. Ridge Lake, which is right in the middle of the park, is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Additionally, about 1,129 acres of Fox Ridge State Park are set aside for hunters.
Fishing
Ridge Lake is a stocked, 12-acre lake in the park. Fish include bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Fishing is allowed by reservation only, so in addition to securing an Illinois fishing license, you will need to contact the Illinois Natural History Survey. Anglers willing to hike down the steep banks can also fish in the Embarras River. It's best for fly fishing and may flood in the spring.
Geocaching
The park has a few geocaches stashed around, waiting for eager adventurers to uncover, including the Geological Potpourri Earthcache.
Nature Watching
The park offers a concrete shelter where guests can wait for animals to pass by, but the campground has just as many wild visitors. Wild turkeys often move through the area, along with pheasant, quail, and the predatory species that hunt them. A comfortable camp chair and a pair of binoculars are all you need.
Stargazing
Although parts of the park are heavily forested, the area has very low light pollution and excellent stargazing opportunities. One of the best places to see the stars is the southern canoe launch area. It's also best to go stargazing during cooler seasons when there is less atmospheric haze.
Flora and Fauna
Part of the park features broad meadows dotted with wildflowers in spring and summer, but most of the paths showcase the park's forested hills. The area is a haven for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, hawks, owls, pheasants, quails, raccoons, and turkey vultures.
Hiking
The park has several excellent trails for eager hikers. Fox Ridge State Park Loop Trail is a slightly challenging 4.8 track that leads through the area's natural highlights. The challenge comes mainly from the steep inclines and wooden staircases built along the sharper drops down the hills. This trail is family-friendly but not stroller-friendly. Acorn Avenue Trail, a 1.7-mile loop, is another excellent option. It's also moderately challenging, with lots of hills and wooden staircases built into the trail. Both paths are great for birding and enjoying autumn colors.
Boating
There are two boat launches on the Embarras River. Canoes and kayaks are both welcome, though guests should be aware and consult local weather reports to avoid potential flash floods. Although Ridge Lake is in the park, the waters are protected by the Illinois Natural History Survey. No motorized boats are allowed on the water.
Biking
Although many of the park's trails aren't suitable for bikes, the new Embarras River Trail is open to both hiking and biking. It's just under a mile long and runs along the river.
How to Get to
Fox Ridge State Park
From Springfield, take IL-29 East for 24 miles, then turn left on West Park Street in Taylorville. After about a mile, turn left on East Main Cross Street and continue to Lincoln Trail. After about 2.5 miles, merge onto N 1600 East Road, and turn left on E 1350 right after. Follow E 1350 for 7 miles, then turn right on N 2300 East Road. After 1.5 miles, turn left on E 1200 North Road, continuing on the same road when it becomes Leafland Street. Continue when the road becomes 2100 North Shelby County Road, then Country Road 800, and then E Country Road 1000. Turn right on IL-130 South and follow it through Charleston. Turn right onto State Park Road after roughly 10 miles.
Entering Fox Ridge State Park
There are several parking areas several hundred feet down State Park Road on the right. There is no day-use entry fee.
Fox Ridge State Park Per Vehicle : $0.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Ridge State Park
Summer and early fall are the best seasons to visit to get the most of what the park has to offer. Winter brings lots of snow and ice that make the steep paths dangerous and challenging to traverse.
Animals in the park include several kinds of fish in the stocked lake, like bass and catfish. Creatures you may meet on land range from deer and raccoons to birds like wild turkeys, owls, and quail.
There are RV-friendly camping spots in the park's designated camping area. It's important to note that not all facilities are open through the winter.
You must reserve a campsite to stay overnight at the park. They cost between $10 and $20 a night, depending on the location.
Yes, pets are allowed in the park and campground. They must remain leashed when outside your vehicle, and owners must collect and properly dispose of all waste left by their animals.