Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 4
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area - 5
Buildings

Established Camping

Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

About

State Park

Suggest an Edit

Location

Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.72000044 N
88.7630004 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

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

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

25%
42%
25%
10%
0%

4.0

out of 5

12 Reviews

BThe Dyrt PRO User
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
T
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
  • Review photo of Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area by Tracie E., April 30, 2022
S
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.
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2021

Large area

Large and clean area

Stacy B.
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

J
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.

  • Review photo of Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area by Jake L., October 27, 2020
S
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.

J
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.

  • Review photo of Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area by Jennifer G., October 14, 2019
Lori W.
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!

  • Review photo of Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area by Lori W., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area by Lori W., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area by Lori W., August 16, 2018
  • (4) View All
Chad K.
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.

B
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.

K
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2016

tent camping

it was a nice place will return