Fort Massac State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fort Massac State Park near Metropolis, Illinois, is the perfect spot to learn about local history. The park features a reconstructed 1802 fort and a two-day re-enactment that is held annually in October. You can also join the fun at several living history re-enactments held throughout the year. Every day, there is plenty to do at Fort Massac State Park, including hiking along the Ohio River, playing disc golf, and using the boat dock and ramp to put your boat in the water. You can choose to fish in the Ohio River from a boat or the shore. This state park is located 230 miles south of Springfield, 162 miles southwest of East St. Louis, and eight miles south of Round Knob, Illinois.
Spring 49-69 F
Summer 58-78 F
Fall 55-78 F
Winter 35-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Massac State Park
Each year, over 200,000 people attend this park’s Fort Massac Encampment, and at other times people love to camp here to find solitude along the river. If you plan to visit, bring your RV so that you do not miss a moment of the action. If you do not have one, then you can rent one on RVshare.com.
High Knob Campground
High Knob Campground is located within the Shawnee National Forest, and it offers hiking and horse-riding trails. Rates start at about $10 per night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Horse stalls, hiking trails
Oak Point Campground
Oak Point Campground is located within the Glendale Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest, and you can play on the lake located next to this campground. Rates start at $12 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Lake, dump station
What to Do at
Fort Massac State Park
Inside Fort Massac State Park
The site of Fort Massac was essential during the French and Indian Wars, Revolutionary War, and Civil War. You will want to attend one of the re-enactments to learn more about how this land on the Ohio River’s banks served throughout history. You will also want to bring your fishing pole along to catch the big one in the river. While you can fish from shore, it is also easy to launch a boat here. During your stay, be sure to follow the hiking trails, including the section of the George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail that runs through this park.
Outside Fort Massac State Park
You can find many things to do near this park, including excellent restaurants to dine in if you don’t want to cook at your campsite. Outstanding shopping opportunities abound. Nearby, Shawnee National Forest offers many fun activities, but there are also plenty of other places to visit in the area.
Restaurants
Just Like Mamma’s Home Cooking
Chicken fried steak, pork roast, and other entrees are often the daily specials at Just Like Mamma’s Home Cooking. Be sure to try their desserts, including the apple crisp.
Type: American
Location: 901 E 5th Street, Metropolis, IL 62960
Yesterday’s Home Cookin’
If the big one got away, then head to Yesterday’s Home Cookin’ for some outstanding catfish. You can also find great barbecue and burgers at this restaurant.
Type: American
Location: 310 W 10th St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Fat Edd’s Roadhouse
Get your seafood, including peel-and-eat shrimp, at Fat Edd’s Roadhouse. If you are not in the mood for seafood, this restaurant still has you covered with outstanding burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, kabobs, and more.
Type: American
Location: 323 Ferry St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Cordavino's
Imagine the aroma of a fresh plate of spaghetti marinara and a basket of bread headed to your table. Visit Cordavino’s to try this meal today or opt for one of other their Italian entrees, fresh salads, or pizza.
Type: Italian
Location: 310 Ferry St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Shopping
Friends and Co.
Shop from artwork, primitives, antiques, and other items assembled by over 30 vendors at this store.
Location: 1700 North Ave, Metropolis, IL 62960
FSO Fashions
Assemble the perfect outfit at FSO Fashions.
Location: 901B E 5th St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Hitterman’s Merchandise Mart
Find propane for your grill and camper at Hitterman’s Merchandise Mart. You can also find a large assortment of hardware, home décor, and other items.
Location: 817 W 10th St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Metropolis Big John
Shop at the family-owned Metropolis Big John for all your grocery needs. They also have a large selection of wine and liquors.
Location: 1200 E 5th St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Ribbons & Beaus
Help your child be the best-dressed kid in town by visiting Ribbons & Beaus. This is the shop to find all your favorite name-brand children’s clothing at reasonable prices.
Location: 623 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Sightseeing
Super Museum
See over 70,000 Superman collectibles at the Super Museum, which also has a gift shop where you can get your own Superman collectibles.
Location: 517 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Harrah’s Metropolis
Test Lady Luck by playing the game tables and slot machines at Harrah’s Metropolis.
Location: 100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Halesia Nature Preserve
Go hiking in Halesia Nature Preserve, which sits along the Ohio River. This preserve contains one of the best stands of silverbell trees in the state.
Location: Metropolis, IL 62960
How to Get to
Fort Massac State Park
Getting to Fort Massac State Park is easy. Start out driving southeast on West 5th Street. Turn left on Butler Street. Finally, turn right on 7th Street and go straight until you reach the park.
Entering Fort Massac State Park
Fort Massac is open year-round for day-use and camping activities.
Fort Massac State Park Per vehicle : $0.0
Check the park schedule for events and activities that may have specific hours.
Rent an RV on RVshare.com or bring your own to explore Fort Massac State Park. You may want to start your visit at the visitor center to better understand the role that this site played throughout American history. Re-enactments help bring history to life at this location. Then, visit the 1802 replica fort. There are plenty of fun things to do at this state park that sits on the Ohio River’s banks, including fishing and boating. Hiking along the trails is a fantastic way to enjoy this park’s innate beauty throughout the year. If you have visited Fort Massac State Park, then post about it on your social media feed. Your friends will love hearing about your memories. Be sure to tag RVshare.com in your posts. You can also send your tales and photos to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Massac State Park
Most people find early fall and late spring the best times to check out Fort Massac State Park. If you don't mind the heat, visit during the summer to avoid springtime rainstorms.
Fort Massac State Park has the typical Midwest climate. Summers get hot, with Fahrenheit temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Winter is cold, with the average daily high reaching about 48 F.
Anyone who enjoys bird-watching will find plenty of bird-viewing opportunities at Fort Massac State Park. The park is home to golden eagles, great horned owls, red-shouldered hawks, northern cardinals, and more.
Fort Massac State Park Campground has 50 RV-designated camping spaces. Each site has water and electric hookups, but there are no sewer hookups. The campground also has a dump station for guests.
The park welcomes all pets as long as owners follow standard rules, such as the pets must be leashed and under their owner's control at all times. Make sure to bring vaccination records for dogs.