Kickapoo State Recreation Area Illinois
Discover rugged trails, serene ponds, and abundant wildlife at Kickapoo State Recreation Area, a free Illinois gem for outdoor adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing
Kickapoo State Recreation Area Illinois
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover rugged trails, serene ponds, and abundant wildlife at Kickapoo State Recreation Area, a free Illinois gem for outdoor adventure.
"This place is amazing! Great rugged hiking trails, cool lakes, and tons of mountain biking trails."
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy shoes for rugged trails; many are great for beginners too!
🛶 Water Fun
Rent kayaks or paddleboats, or plan a float trip if river levels are good.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rugged Hiking Trails
Explore diverse terrain with challenging and beginner-friendly paths offering scenic views.
Pristine Ponds and River
Enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and float trips on numerous lakes and the river.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Conquer a variety of trails designed for mountain biking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Camping Comforts & Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy shoes for rugged trails; many are great for beginners too!
🛶 Water Fun
Rent kayaks or paddleboats, or plan a float trip if river levels are good.
🎣 Fishing Paradise
22 ponds offer great fishing opportunities; electric motors only on most.
🏕️ Shaded Campsites
Enjoy spacious, shaded campsites with a true forestry feel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy shoes for rugged trails; many are great for beginners too!
🛶 Water Fun
Rent kayaks or paddleboats, or plan a float trip if river levels are good.
🎣 Fishing Paradise
22 ponds offer great fishing opportunities; electric motors only on most.
🏕️ Shaded Campsites
Enjoy spacious, shaded campsites with a true forestry feel.
🦌 Wildlife Encounters
Spot deer and turkeys roaming freely; a true nature immersion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kickapoo State Recreation Area for its beautiful natural setting, offering a wide array of outdoor activities like rugged hiking, mountain biking, and water sports. The spacious, shaded campsites and abundant wildlife are major draws. Some minor updates to the bathrooms would enhance the experience.
"This place is amazing! Great rugged hiking trails, cool lakes, and tons of mountain biking trails. Kayaks can be rented on the lake or river and float trips are also cool if the water level is high enough."
Kurt Wagner
"Quiet campground, nice hosts, and I didn't get overtaken by mosquitoes or horse flies (I'm a magnet for both LoL), and I didn't even use repellent. Ticks and chiggers seem to like me as well, but I didn't have a problem with either. The firepits were cleaned out and ready to use. Also, no trash laying around, so policing my area before going home was a breeze. The only thing I would suggest improving were the bathrooms...not terrible, but could use some extra cleaning, and maybe a coat of paint to freshen things up. I would stay here again."
David Fisher
"I love this park and its beautiful setting! It has several ponds of assorted sizes. Most of those allow watercraft (Electric motors only) and are open to fishing. The first one you’ll likely notice has both a (limited) grill and a small boat (kayaks and paddle boats) rental. Scattered throughout this park there are also a number of fishing platforms and picnic shelters, many with views of one of the ponds. The shelters that aren’t alongside a pond are in very pleasant timbered locations. I visited on a Sunday and there was a large number of visitors, several with out of state license plates. Even with so many visitors, it wasn’t difficult to find an available shelter if that is what you were looking for."
R. U. Lost 2
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kickapoo State Recreation Area is located near Oakwood, IL. It's easily accessible by car, with large parking lots available throughout the park. Use GPS navigation to find the main entrance or specific activity areas within the recreation area.
Yes, Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a free park, making it an accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
From Danville, IL, take I-74 West to Exit 210 for IL-136 West. Turn right onto IL-136 West and continue for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Kickapoo Park Road, which will lead you into the recreation area.
The closest city is Danville, Illinois, which offers additional amenities and services. Oakwood, IL is also nearby.
The park has a network of roads connecting various points of interest. Pick up a park map at the entrance or rental store for detailed navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a free park, so no admission tickets are required to enter.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like the rental store may have limited hours, so it's best to check in advance if you plan to use them.
Yes, you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and tubes at the rental place located on one of the ponds. They also sell firewood and ice.
Yes, Kickapoo State Recreation Area offers a quiet campground with spacious, shaded sites. Firepits are available at each site.
While park entry is free, there are fees associated with equipment rentals and camping. It's advisable to check the official Illinois DNR website for current pricing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Kickapoo offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. Visitors praise the rugged nature of some trails, making them great for beginners looking for a challenge with awesome views.
You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and float trips on the park's numerous ponds and the river. Kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent.
Yes, the park's diverse habitats, including ponds and timbered areas, make it a great spot for birdwatching.
Absolutely! The park has numerous picnic shelters, many with scenic views of the ponds, and some located in pleasant timbered areas.
Visitors frequently report seeing deer and turkeys roaming throughout the park, offering a true immersion in nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The rental store offers limited concessions, including firewood and ice. For a wider selection of food, you'll need to travel to nearby Danville or Oakwood.
Yes, many picnic shelters are equipped with grills, and firepits are available at the campgrounds for cooking.
The rental store primarily offers essentials like firewood and ice, with limited concession items. It's not a full-service restaurant.
For groceries and a broader range of food supplies, it's recommended to visit Danville or Oakwood.
Pack picnic lunches, snacks, and plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking or spending the day on the water.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the ponds, wooded areas, and wildlife. The scenic views from hiking trails and picnic shelters offer great photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife like deer and turkeys, and tranquil water bodies, it's a photographer's paradise.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours,' and are also prime times for wildlife viewing.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with the Illinois DNR or park management for current rules regarding drone operation within the recreation area.
The reflections on the calm ponds, the dense forest canopy, and the chance encounters with local wildlife provide unique and memorable photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With numerous picnic shelters available, families can easily plan a comfortable day out with plenty of space for meals and relaxation. While the bathrooms might need a refresh, the overall clean environment and the abundance of natural beauty make it a worthwhile trip. Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options within the park are limited.
🎣 Anglers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond fishing, the park is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and float trips when river conditions are suitable. The rental facility ensures you have the equipment you need to make the most of the water. The scenic beauty surrounding the ponds and river adds to the overall enjoyment of these water-based activities.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Beyond the trails, the abundance of wildlife, including deer and turkeys, offers constant opportunities for observation and photography. The tranquil ponds and the natural forest setting create a serene environment that appeals to anyone seeking a peaceful connection with the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Beyond hiking, the area is a haven for mountain bikers, with a dedicated network of trails designed to test your skills. The natural landscape provides an exciting backdrop for cycling adventures. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, with its diverse habitats attracting a variety of avian species.
Water Adventures on Ponds and River
When water levels are favorable, float trips down the river are a highly recommended activity, offering a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty. The river adventures provide a refreshing way to spend a warm day. The presence of a beach for swimming and a concession area further enhances the appeal for water enthusiasts.
Camping Experience
While the overall camping experience is positive, some reviews mention that the bathrooms could benefit from some updates, such as extra cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. However, many visitors report a lack of bothersome insects like mosquitoes and horseflies, even without repellent, which is a significant plus for those who are typically targets. The absence of trash around the campsites also makes for an easier cleanup before departure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit