Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area RV & Campground Guide
Illinois
Spanning 5,660 acres near Banner, Illinois, Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is an angler's paradise. This wildlife area, which is a popular stopover point for migrating birds in the spring and fall, actually includes seven lakes. Rice and Big lakes are both shallow, dish-shaped bodies of water offering great fishing conditions. You'll want to check the weather conditions before heading out on your boat, however, as the Illinois River often floods when there is a lot of rain. Also open for deer and duck hunting, Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is about 11 miles south of Canton, 26 miles southwest of Peoria, and 67 miles north of Springfield.
Spring 41-65 F
Summer 63-85 F
Fall 49-75 F
Winter 19-38 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
This Central Illinois area is a beautiful place to go camping, but you may want an RV to enjoy more comfort. You will love the peaceful solitude of this fish and wildlife area. If you do not have an RV, try out a rental on RVshare.com.
Fulton County Camping and Recreation Area
The 440-acre Fulton County Camping and Recreation Area has 12 lakes that are great places to go fishing for largemouth bass. It's about 10 miles west of Rice Lake. Rates start at about $10 per night.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities:12 lakes, boat ramps, fishing docks
Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area
You can go fishing in Spring Lake, which lies parallel to the Illinois River at Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area. Rates at this state park start at $8 per night. While the campground is roughly 10 miles east of Rice Lake, you'll have to take a 35-mile trip around the river to get there.
- Water hookup: No
- Electrical hookup: No
- Sewer hookup: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Fishing, hiking, boat rental
What to Do at
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Inside Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
At this fish and wildlife area, anglers often catch largemouth bass weighing up to three pounds. You can fish from 15 miles of shoreline or use the boat ramp to launch your boat. The wetland acres and the river backwater area make this a favorite spot to go deer hunting with a bow or go waterfowl hunting. When you're ready for lunch, head to the shady on-site picnic area.
Outside Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
You can find many things to do in Fulton County, Illinois. Many local restaurants will have a traditional fish fry on Friday nights, and they might even be serving up entrees that were fresh-caught in the Illinois River. Bring a taste of Fulton County home with you from one of the many shops stocked with the work of local artisans.
Restaurants
Goose Pit
Try to visit on Friday nights for the all-you-can-eat fish and chicken buffet or Saturdays for the buffalo. You can also find outstanding choices on their menu, like hamburgers, other days of the week.
Type: American
Location: 208 W Valley View Dr, Banner, IL 61520
Monical’s Pizza
Order your favorite pizza, including gluten-free options, at Monical’s Pizza in Canton. You can also get sandwiches and pasta.
Type: Italian
Location: 135 N 5th Ave, Canton, IL 61520
Bistro 101
The chefs at Bistro 101 rely on personal relationships to bring you the freshest local ingredients possible prepared with creative cooking techniques that you can enjoy in the casual dining room in a renovated historic hotel. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Type: American
Location: 101 E Elm, Canton, IL 61520
Canton Family Restaurant
Start your day off with a hearty breakfast featuring omelets, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, or other morning favorites. Come in later in the day for a hot bowl of soup or Mexican or American daily specials, like prime rib sandwiches or tacos.
Type: American, Mexican
Location: 169 S 5th Ave, Canton, IL 61520
American Grille
Get your day started right with breakfast from American Grille, which has been in business since 2008. You can also get lunch or dinner specials or stop in for a bowl of soup and a burger.
Type: American
Location: 525 S 5th Ave, Canton, IL 61520
Shopping
Mel’s Sporting Goods
Regardless of your favorite sport or which one you want to try, you can find the supplies and accessories needed to do it at Mel’s Sporting Goods. Customers have loved their wide selection for more than 40 years.
Location: 101 E Chestnut St, Canton, IL 61520
Blessings Primitives
If you love antique and rustic furniture and home accessories, then you need to shop at Blessings Primitives. They also offer a wide range of seasonal décor and neat knick-knacks that you won't find anywhere else.
Location: 74 N Main St, Canton, IL 61520
Immeasurably MORE
Find a wide selection of hand-painted signs and more at Immeasurably MORE, where the owner creates most items, and the rest come from Canton residents.
Location: 254 S 5th Ave, Canton, IL 61520
Snowman’s Reindeer Farm and Jolly Old Elf Shoppe
Shop for holiday décor, Christmas presents, and more at the Jolly Old Elf Shoppe. Then, head outside to interact with reindeer and have your holiday photos made during a visit to Snowman's Reindeer Farm and Jolly Old Elf Shoppe.
Location: 25599 E Middle Lake Rd, Canton, IL 61520
Big Horse Vineyards
Stock up on your favorite wines from Big Horse Vineyards. You can also sip on a glass of wine while watching draft horses play in their pasture.
Location: 11603 N County Hwy 9, Lewistown, IL 61542
Sightseeing
Canton Area Heritage Center
Tour Canton Area Heritage Center to learn more about the people and facilities that played an essential role in the area’s development, including its historic churches, the Alice Ingersoll Gymnasium, and Camp Ellis.
Location: 2 N Main St, Canton, IL 61520
Dickson Mounds State Museum
Explore the relationship of the people of the area to the Illinois River by touring the Dickson Mounds State Museum. See three excavated Native American buildings and learn how people survived from the Ice Age until President Lincoln practiced law.
Location: 10956 N Dickson Mounds State Rd, Lewiston, IL 61542
Sand Ridge State Forest
Bring your horse or your bike to explore miles of trails at Sand Ridge State Forest. You can also go camping, hunting, cross-country skiing, and more at this location.
Location: Forest City, IL
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
Bring your binoculars and go wildlife viewing along the 5 miles of hiking and 10 miles of biking paths at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. You can also go hunting and fishing here.
Location: 19031 E County Rd 2110N, Havana, IL 62644
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway runs from Ottawa to Havana, Illinois. There are more than 100 natural and historical sites along the byway.
Location: Havana, IL, to Ottawa, IL
How to Get to
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
If you are in Canton, it is easy to get to Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area by taking Ilinois 9 East through Monterey, Illinois, until you reach US 24 West. Turn right on it and continue for about 3.5 miles to reach the park.
Entering Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
This park is open all the time, but some activities may only be available during specific hours.
Per passenger vehicle : $0
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