Kickapoo State Recreation Area sits on reclaimed strip mining land near Bismarck, Illinois, featuring distinctive deep ponds and 12 miles of multi-use trails. The park's 22 lakes and ponds range in size from 0.2 to 57 acres, providing visitors with varied fishing and paddling opportunities. Campground sites are positioned across several loops with both electric and primitive options available for overnight stays.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Kickapoo offers numerous fishing spots across its 22 lakes and ponds. "The park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax," notes Todd T. about Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Paddling opportunities: Several waterways allow for canoeing and kayaking. "Been going to this campground all my life. She's showing her age! This would be a great place for a mower! I use this campground as my initial trip out each year to shakedown the camper for the year. Lots of trails, fishing is bad, campground is overgrown," shares Richard R. about his experience at Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Stargazing sessions: The region offers excellent night sky viewing. At Harry L Swartz Campground, "Our second visit was in August for the Perseid meteor shower and a local expert came to give a talk and there was a meteor viewing party of sorts, so that was very interesting," reports one camper. The campground is recognized as a Dark Sky Park.
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Many campgrounds in the area offer reasonable rates with good facilities. Rob G. notes about Kickapoo State Recreation Area, "There has been some confusion on the app—for clarity—this campground is not free, but don't let that stop you! We paid only $20 for our one night stay. Big, beautiful and well maintained. We had electricity, free showers, topped off our water tank."
Large, spacious sites: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Bismarck provide ample room between sites. "Campsites are very roomy," comments Douglas W. about his experience at Kickapoo. Similarly, at Turkey Run State Park, Michelle M. notes, "The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents."
Walk-in primitive sites: For those seeking more seclusion, several parks offer walk-in tent camping. "Have to walk to the site but if you want nonelectric/primitive that's what you get. Water pump at either side of the entry. Some outhouses available. Trails close as well as fishing areas," explains Cassandra I. about the primitive camping experience at Kickapoo.
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary: Some parks have strict rules about alcohol. "Nice CG. No booze signs posted, take it serious! Watched a ranger evict and entire group late in the evening for drinking. They weren't being rowdy but we're breaking the rules," warns Lucas T. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Seasonal maintenance issues: Campground conditions can vary by season. "Campground is super basic but the access to trails and paddling is amazing. This park is severely underfunded so don't expect much for amenities. That said it's a great place to setup for a weekend on the trails," Josh M. shares about Kickapoo.
Site terrain varies significantly: Many campsites have uneven ground. At Turkey Run State Park, one camper notes, "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There are several fishing ponds around the campground and a small swimming area with a beach, playground, mini library, and shower house," notes a camper about Harry L Swartz Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can spot various animals in their natural habitat. "Deer and wildlife seen in the mornings. Really nice way to get off the grid for a second without having to go too far," shares Cassandra I. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Bring water shoes: Many trails cross streams or have muddy sections. A Turkey Run visitor advises, "On one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed." Another mentions, "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet."
Tips from RVers
Site selection is crucial: At pet friendly campgrounds near Bismarck, location matters. David P. notes about Kickapoo, "The RV sites are great for either rv, van, or tent camping with a lot of level ground at most sites. There are some real diamonds of a campsite hidden here that you can basically be in the woods with clear ground for a level tent."
Electric hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric sites. At Forest Glen County Preserve, campers can find electric sites along with primitive options and backpacking sites. "The park has always been very clean. The Rangers are very helpful and nice," reports Sally R.
Dump station access: Plan for waste management during your stay. Kickapoo State Recreation Area provides sanitary dump facilities, as noted in their campground features. Rob G. mentions, "We had electricity, free showers, topped off our water tank. It's a great deal."
Legend
