Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area Campground

About

Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area encompasses 6,000 acres of Illinois River bottomlands and bluffs across Marshall and Peoria counties, with roughly half water and half land. The Marshall Unit contains the area headquarters, a small campground, boat ramp, and a man-made half-mile fishing channel that draws anglers year-round. The campground offers Class B/E sites with electricity and vehicular access, as well as Class C primitive sites. A 3.5-mile marked trail winds through the unit for hiking, cross-country skiing, and hunter access. The backwater sloughs and bottomland forests support wood ducks, great blue herons, bald eagles, deer, and beaver. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, Marshall SFWA is a popular destination during waterfowl season, though the area closes to general public access during firearm deer seasons. Canoe camping is permitted on the river islands outside waterfowl hunting season, offering a more primitive experience for paddlers exploring the backwaters.

Directions

From I-80: Exit to I-39 at LaSalle, travel south approximately 25 miles to the Lacon/IL Route 17 exit. Head west on Route 17 for 20 miles, then south on Route 26 for 5 miles. From I-74: Follow IL Route 116 approximately 5 miles north to IL Route 26, then continue north for 18 miles.