Sand Ridge State Forest Campground

Open

Open year-round. Pine Campground operates first-come, first-served. Oak Campground and Horseman's Park shelters and sites can be reserved through ExploreMoreIL. Backcountry camping requires a permit from forest headquarters.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 1:27PM CDT until July 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL

1:27 PM — July 3rd, 4:00 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105. * WHERE...Marshall, Mason, McLean, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, and Knox Counties. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Flood Warning issued July 2 at 10:25AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL

10:25 AM — July 3rd, 2:30 AM

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Illinois... Illinois River at Peoria affecting Woodford, Tazewell and Peoria Counties. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois... Illinois River at Beardstown affecting Morgan, Brown, Cass and Schuyler Counties. Illinois River near Havana affecting Fulton, Mason and Cass Counties. .The following forecasts are based on observed precipitation, soil moisture conditions, and forecast precipitation. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Illinois River near Havana. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 19.5 feet, Access road to Anderson Lake north campground closed. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:45 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 18.2 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:45 AM CDT Thursday was 18.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall to 14.6 feet Thursday, July 09. - Flood stage is 14.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

About

Sand Ridge State Forest, the largest state forest in Illinois at 7,550 acres, offers primitive camping experiences in a unique landscape of sand prairies, oak-hickory woodland, and extensive pine plantations. Located just southwest of Peoria in Mason County, the forest provides multiple camping options for different types of visitors. Pine Campground features 27 Class C sites with water, vault toilets, fire pads, and space to park two vehicles per site. Oak Campground offers group camping with open space, water, vault toilets, and council rings for organized groups. Horseman's Park Campground caters to equestrians with hitching rails, water, vault toilets, and a shelter area. For those seeking solitude, 12 primitive backcountry sites are scattered along 55 miles of trail, requiring a permit from the forest headquarters prior to use. The forest supports diverse recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting for deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, dove, and squirrel. The Henry Allen Gleason Nature Preserve within the forest protects rare sand prairie ecosystems but is closed to vehicles, pets, and hunting.

Directions

Sand Ridge State Forest is located southwest of Peoria in Mason County, Illinois. The forest headquarters address is P.O. Box 111, Forest City, IL 61532.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $6 - $40

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites Yes

Contact

Email DNR.R4parks@illinois.gov
Phone +1 (309) 597-2212

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

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