Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 1

Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 2

Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 3

Nature

Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 4

People

Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 5

Facilities

Established Camping

Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

13 Reviews

About

State Park

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Location

Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area is located in Illinois

Coordinates

38.72000044 N
88.7630004 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Matt M.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 20, 2024

Nice State Park Campground

We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

Month of VisitMay

Bennie

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Not too bad and great in a pinch!

We did not have a reservation it was just a quick stop for the night while passing through.

This was a good spot for the night. We didn't get there until after dark and the campgrounds weren't that well marked. We didn't stay in the spot we originally planned because it was getting late and we couldn't find it and I didn't want to keep hitting the other campers with our headlights.

The campground was no where near full and it was very quiet so a very nice nights stay. Only complaint was trying to find the right campsite.

Month of VisitAugust

Tracie E.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2022

Nice & Private

We we’’re here 1st week of April. Still rather cool weather but had a great time. There are 3 loops only one of which is reservable & we were at the rear of that loop. Had the whole place to ourselves until the last night. Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground. Hosts told us they were making more space for specific species of trees so “take all you want” from the area. No need to bring firewood.

Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike. Definitely want to go back when the restaurant is open (mid-May I believe).

Fishing could’ve been better but again it was early April

Cell service was only 1-2 bars LTE with AT&T but able to stream with hotspot to the SmartTV with only 1 bar so not bad

Site25

Month of VisitMay

Sharon F.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

Hateful Host

While setting up our tents a woman came strutting down the road and in a hateful voice hollered "You've got 5 minutes to get your car out of here." Come to find out she was the camp host and apparently there was a small sign that one couldn't drop off supplies even though I am disabled. I understand she didn't want vehicle's back there but as they say you get more flies with honey than vinegar! Will never go back. Poor attitude!!

Siteprimitive camping

Month of VisitAugust

Stacy B.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 5, 2021

Large area

Large and clean area

Stacy B.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 5, 2021

Very nice camping

Lots to do and see. They have a bridge and trail that connect campsite to marina. Looove it

Jake L.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Small Lake And Beautiful

It's a small campground that offers a playground,bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina. With small towns close to this state park.

Samantha H.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Trailer camping

We went for a weekend. The camp site we chose was very clean and had water and electric hook ups. Nice place for a fire. We were not a fan of the host she was very rude to us. My boyfriend is a disabled veteran and we showed the papers stating he was and she wouldn’t accept it. We asked her for information about the place and she was not informational at all. Our over all experience was okay but we will not go back.

Jennifer G.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 14, 2019

Good separation

Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one. Shower house is alright. The store/restaurant has been closed for a year or two now because of the Illinois budget. There's a dollar store in Farina and a grocery store in Kinmundy; both towns are less than 10 miles away. The lake is big enough for ski boats but nice for kayaks also. Swim beach is not well maintained due to the budget but also doesn't cost anything since they can't pay anyone to man the gate, but it's not horrible.

Lori W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2018

relaxing place

this is where we have camped the most. there is very little cell service so it is a great place to be unplugged and enjoy time with friends and family!

(4) View All

Chad K.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2016

Nice SP

This state park is a basic but nice state park facility, The tent sites were basic but fairly level and clean. Most of the sites had fire pits and picnic table. The bathrooms were big and clean, At the time of our visit it was raining so we didn't get a chance to explore much but its someplace we will come back to.

Baxter

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2016

primitive

Park was spacious and we'll maintained. Security was not great, as someone tried to get into our car in the middle of the night. Bath houses were large and basic.

Kevin M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2016

tent camping

it was a nice place will return