Nauvoo State Park Campground

About

Nauvoo State Park occupies 148 acres along the Mississippi River at the southern edge of historic Nauvoo. The campground offers 105 sites: 35 Class A sites with electricity and 70 Class B primitive sites, plus a 15-spot group camping area. A modern shower building with flush toilets serves the campground, supplemented by vault toilets throughout the park. A dump station and water hydrants are available. The 13-acre Lake Horton provides fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Only electric trolling motors are permitted. A primitive boat launch and accessible fishing dock are available. The 1.5-mile Lake Trail circles the water through wooded terrain, with a shorter accessible loop near the campground. The park preserves significant history from the 1839 Mormon settlement and subsequent French Icarian utopian community. A visitor museum displays artifacts including one of only two remaining sunstones from the original Mormon temple. The historic vineyard reflects the Icarian winemaking heritage. The annual Nauvoo Grape Festival takes place Labor Day weekend.

Directions

From Chicago: I-80 west to I-74 south to Route 34 west to Route 67 south to Route 136 west to Route 96 north (12 miles to park). From Springfield: Route 97 west/north to Route 136 west to Route 96 north (12 miles). From East St. Louis/Alton: Route 67 north to Route 136 west to Route 96 north (12 miles).