Red Hills State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nestled in Lawrence County, Illinois, Red Hills State Park promises stunning foliage views and year-round recreation. The park's 967 acres are full of breathtaking meadows, sparkling streams, lushly wooded hills, and extravagant ravines. When you want to take a break from hiking the trails, head to the 40-acre lake to fish and boat. The 627-acre Chauncey Marsh Nature Preserve is a key satellite feature of the park with its thriving marsh and bottomland forest wildlife communities. Whether you enjoy horseback riding, geocaching, ice fishing, or ice boating, Red Hills State Park is one of the best recreational stops in southern Illinois.
Spring 35-76 F
Summer 64-87 F
Fall 36-81 F
Winter 23-44 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Red Hills State Park
Red Hills State Park boasts more than 100 Class A, RV-compatible campsites. Many of the sites are pull-through and offer 50-amp electrical service. Other campground amenities include a sanitary dump station, water access, flush toilets, and accessible showers. These camping spots aren't far from the playgrounds, sports courts, picnicking shelters, and cabin area. The park accepts walk-ins between December and March. The park's peak season starts in April and goes until November.
What to Do at
Red Hills State Park
Red Hills State Park's three picnic areas and two playgrounds are completely accessible. One of these picnic shelters operates on a first-come, first-served basis. In the colder months, you can ice fish and ice boat when the ice is thick enough. During warmer weather, you can hike, horseback ride, and paddle the lake.
Fishing
Anglers will find the even, paved road around the lake is perfect for bank fishing. You may catch bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. For those interested in ice fishing, you should always make sure the ice is at least four inches thick for your safety.
Geocaching
Red Hills State Park has several geocaches, including a small traditional cache near the park's sign. There's another find near a hanging cherry tree close to the horse riding trail. Geocachers are encouraged to wear bright orange vests while searching for caches during the hunting season.
Nature Watching
Common animals in the area include rabbits, doves, quail, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and red squirrels. Some of the most frequently spotted birds are American robins, indigo buntings, house finches, purple martins, and barn swallows. You'll also have the chance to spot black bears and wolves while exploring the hiking trails.
Flora and Fauna
This state park sits on the Embarras River, which supports various wet and dry prairies and wetlands. Deciduous trees dominate the park's north end, while the south has scattered woodlands and clover prairies. While hiking, you'll likely see deer grazing in the fields or small rodents, rabbits, and squirrels foraging in the underbrush.
Hiking
Three of the park's eight miles of trails are open to hikers. Consider checking out the Valley Springs path or Indian Treaty trail for an intermediate hiking experience. These trails overlap on the grassy north side of US Route 50. In the winter, you're welcome to cross-country ski.
Boating
Red Hills Lake has a convenient boat launch. While you're welcome to bring a boat that's powered by hand or a battery, no gas motors are allowed.
Biking
Soil conditions permitting, you can venture out on the five-mile horseback riding and biking trail. Generally, bikers are encouraged to yield to riders. Helmets are recommended but not mandated.
How to Get to
Red Hills State Park
Visitors driving to Red Hills State Park from Chicago will want to take Interstate 55 south to Route 80 West. After taking the Marseilles Exit, head south on LaSalle County Highway 15. Cross the Illinois River Bridge, and from the Bloomington area, take Route 39 North to Route 80 East.
Entering Red Hills State Park
There are parking areas close to the picnic shelters and boat ramp. Spring and summer camping is between May 1st and September 30th. Fall and winter camping starts October 1st and runs through April 30th. The park is open to day-use guests from sunrise until sunset.
Red Hills State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Hills State Park
Spring and summer are great times to visit if you're interested in camping, hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The hills are alive with wildlife and stunning fields of colorful wildflowers. Stop by in the colder months if you want to skip the crowds and enjoy sledding and ice boating.
Turn your eyes to the sky to see gorgeous blue jays, goldfinches, ravens, and red-headed woodpeckers in the trees. Deer, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons are typically found in the woodlands. Closer to the lake, you may spot two species of snapping turtles and countless waterfowl and amphibians.
This park has 100 Class A campsites open for RV use. While most of them offer 30-amp electrical connections, there are a few with 50-amp service. You can also look forward to nearby water access, modern bathrooms, various volleyball and basketball courts, picnic tables, and playgrounds.
A reservation may be required depending on when you plan to visit. Reserving a campsite requires you to pay a $5 nonrefundable fee as well as the full cost of your expected stay. All reservations must be made at least three days before you plan to visit.
Service animals and pets are welcome at Red Hills State Park. Be sure to keep your animal companions on a lead no more than 10 feet long. Pets are not allowed in the park's cabin or any concession areas. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and keeping them under control at all times.