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Stephen A. Forbes State Park is 3100 acres of oak hickory forest surrounding a 585 acre lake. Fishing , Swimming, Boating, Camping , Picnicking, Hiking, and Hunting are all popular activities . Oak Ridge Campground is a great place for an overnight stay, There are 115 shaded campsites with electricity, water and a shower building. Two sets of stairways and boat docks provide access to the lake for campers. A 120 foot floating walkway connects the campground with the marina area as well. One Cabin is also availble with bunk beds, electricity, air conditioning, heat, table and grill, and can sleep up to six. For those preferring a more secluded spot, 10 walk-in tent sites are available. The 585 acre lake provides ample opportunities to the sport fisherman and boater. Two boat ramps provide easy access to the main lake. There is no horsepower limit, but various sections of the lake are marked by bouys for water skiningand no wake speed. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye/sauger, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish A beautiful 200 foot sand beach is located at Rocky Point , where vistors can enjoy swimming or picnicking at the tables provided there. There is a $1.00 per person charge per day and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the beach area There are four established trails for hiking enthusiasts. The Oak Ridge Trail is a 2.5 miles located in the campground. The Marlow Pond Trail, and the Henneman Tail, which guides the hikers to an early settlement cementary are one half mile long. A 15 mile horse trail circles the lake and takes the equestrian through a panorama of natural beauty. In addition, an equestrian campground with 21 electrical sites is located one mile east of Omega The trail and campground is closed between Nov 1 and May1. A beautiful, full service restaurant, that over looks the lake is open from April 1 to Nov 1and provides a wide range of menu items. Bait, tackle,boat gas, and convenience items are also available. Overnight docking of boats are availble by the season or daily basis. More than 2000 acres of land are available for hunting. Deer hunting is the most popular, with bow only. Spring turkey is also available by special permit. Brushy draws and fence rows furnish excellent habitat for quail and rabbit. Heavily wooded areas provide verry good squirrel hunting. Hunting is permitted with shotgun or bow only.. |
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Camping fees are refundable if cancellation notification is received no later than 3 days prior to arrival. Shelter Reservations are non-refundable unless the area is closed by the Department, in this circumstance the Site Manager will contact you prior to your reservation date to cancel and issue your refund. Due to staff cut backs, there are no set office hours. * A responsible adult (18 years of age or older) from the camping party must register for the party and thereby acknowledge compliance with the rules and regulations of the park for the party. * At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.* Special camping rate reductions apply to Illinois residents only.* Group size and number of vehicles cannot exceed the established maximums.* The maximum length of camping stay from May 1 through September 30 is 14 nights in any 30 day period, except on LT campsites which allow campers to stay 30 nights within a 45 day period.* Responsible use of alcohol is permitted in the park and campground, with the exceptions of Rocky Point Beach Area, where all alchohol is prohibited * All pets must be on a leash. Pet owners are responsible for their animal's waste and must dispose of it properly.* All visitors are required to leave the park at or before 10:00PM.* Groups of 25 or more are required to register in advance with the park office * We hope you enjoy your stay or event. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints. For specific park information or questions regarding your reservation, please call the Park Office at 618-547-3381 Please click here to read the rules & regulations for camping at all State of Illinois campgrounds. |