Established Camping

Sand Ridge State Forest

6 Reviews

About

State Park

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

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Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

A sandy forest that is less visited with backcountry sites

This review is for the backpacking campsites within the Sand Ridge forest. The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there.

We stopped at 2 different campsites. They are…

(8) View All

Silas H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 12, 2020

Nice little get away

It’s a nice get away from the city. I haven’t stayed at any of the backpacking sites, but the main campground. It is located under a bunch of tall pines, and feels fairly open. You’re close to others, and there isn’t a lot of privacy, but it is pretty. There are a lot of trails, but keep in mind a…

(5) View All

Brody R.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

Overall good

Awesome pine forest, not much traffic and great for primitive camping/bushcrafting...very few sources of water

Location

Sand Ridge State Forest is located in Illinois

Directions

From the west, east, or south: Follow Il. route 136 to Mason County Road 2800E and turn north. Continue in a straight line for about 6 miles, through the village of Forest City. This road will turn to the west and become Mason County Road 2300N which will lead you directly into the forest. From the north, follow Il. route 29 south out of Pekin to the Manito Road, turn west and go to Manito, about 20 miles. In Manito, watch for the sign at Mason County Road 2500N then again turn west (right). In about 6 miles you will have entered the forest. From either entrance, follow our clearly marked signs to the facility or destination of your choice