Stephen A Forbes State Recreation Area — EQUST

Welcome to Stephen A. Forbes State Park, where you can enjoy a variety of popular activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, and hunting. Our park encompasses 3,100 acres of oak-hickory forest and a 585-acre lake. At Oak Ridge Campground, you'll find 117 shaded campsites available year-round, offering electricity, water, and shower facilities. Please note that our shower house is closed from Dec 1 to April 1. If you're looking for a more secluded camping experience, we also offer 10 walk-in primitive tent sites. Additionally, one cabin that accommodates up to six people is also reservable. For horse enthusiasts, a 15-mile trail that circles the lake and provides stunning views of the natural surroundings is available, along with an equestrian campground that has 21 electrical sites. Please note that both the trail and campground are closed from Nov 1 to May 1. Shelters at Circle Drive, Sassafras, and Stagecoach can be reserved online for day use. All areas come equipped with picnic tables, pit toilets, and park grills. Circle Drive Picnic Area is more open and features ample space for outdoor games, as well as playground equipment for children. With more than 2,000 acres of land available for hunting, it is important to stay informed about site-specific information and hunting seasons. You can find all the latest information on hunting regulations at https://dnr.illinois.gov/. Boating and fishing opportunities are easily accessible with two boat ramps. The lake is stocked with various fish species and has buoy markers to indicate areas for water skiing and no-wake speed. There are no horsepower limits on the lake. Rocky Point features a 200-foot sandy beach open seasonally for swimming or picnicking. We kindly remind our guests that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at the beach. We invite you to come and explore Forbes State Park, where you'll find something for everyone. With four established hiking trails to choose from, including the challenging 2.5-mile Oak Ridge Trail and the beginner-friendly Marlow Pond and Henneman Trails, there's no shortage of adventure to be had. We can't wait to welcome you to our park!