24 Jul 2023 Illinois
Want to explore a new site with a quick getaway? Consider an RV camping trip to Lincoln Trail State Park in scenic Illinois. We have a complete RV camping guide of everything you need to know before you go.
Whether you are looking for a historic spot, recreational opportunity, or searching for unique and unusual plant life, Lincoln Trail State Park has something of interest for you. This state park is named after the trail Abraham Lincoln’s family followed enroute from Indiana to Illinois in 1831.
Today visitors come to enjoy the 1,023-acre park full of sights, American beech woods, wildflowers, camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and winter sports. Enjoy the unusual squaw root and beech drops during your visit. Check out this RV camping guide to learn everything you need to know before your visit.
Located almost four hours south of Chicago in Clark County, Illinois, this 1,023-acre park was established in 1958 and is governed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Its main attraction is the 146-acre Lincoln Trail Lake which was the third lake created in Illinois under the Dingell-Johnson Act. The lake’s maximum depth is 41 feet. This park offers opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and boating with full service concession stand and seasonal dock rentals. The park was started in 1936 whereas the initial 31 acres were acquired by the state and officially dedicated in 1958.• Lincoln Trail Lake offers more than 7 miles of thickly wooded shoreline.
• Lincoln’s Heritage Trail is 1,000 miles long and opened in 1963 with 3,000 markers showing the way through Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
• Lincoln Trail State Park was originally settled by Native Americans with the main tribes in the area being the Piankeshaw and Wea, of a Miami group.
• The western boundary of the first cession is known as the Old Indian Boundary Line or the One O’Clock Line. It is called the One O’Clock Line because it is said that, if you look south from Pilot Grove in Vermilion County, the boundary runs in the direction of the sun at one o’clock in the afternoon.
• With various plant life found, the American Beech Woods is a noteworthy part of the park. The deep ravines of the preserve contain a beech-maple forest that is little changed from pioneer days.
• Southern Illinois and the eastern border of the state are the only areas where the American beech grows in Illinois. It is a distinctive tree, with smooth gray bark.
Our handpicked list below gives you some of the best Lincoln Trail State Park RV park locations to choose for your next visit.
Two Class A campgrounds, Plainview and Lakeside, offer something for every type of camper. Amenities include electricity, showers, tables, fireblocks, playground equipment, water, toilet facilities, and a sanitary dumping station. Lakeside Campground offers Class C camping area for tents.
More Information:
Address: 16985 E. 1350th Rd, Marshall IL 62441
Phone: (217) 826-2222
This campground offers a picturesque walk around the lake, across a bridge to an island. Open year round, there are nearby attractions including 1,100 acres for hunting, equestrian trails, championship golf courses, and many more excellent restaurants and more. Amenities include 30 and 50 amp full hook-up campsites, shower and laundry facilities, and exceptional cleanliness. Paddle boat on the lake, play putt-putt golf, and various other outdoor games.
More Information:
Address: 9876 E. 2000th Avenue, West York, IL 62478
Phone: (618) 563-4779
Situated amid a stunning setting of spring-fed lakes and wooded landscapes, Horseshoe Lakes RV Campground is home to over 290 acres and a family friendly atmosphere. With access to 11 lakes and unbeatable campsites, you can fish or participate in any of the other many recreational activities for the whole family. Amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, fishing, hiking trails, and ocean frontage view.
More Information:
Address: 12962 S 225 W, Clinton, IN 47842
Phone: (795) 832-2487
With 1,023 acres of a historic and recreational paradise, there are various activities to participate in along the Lincoln Trail. From camping to hunting and boating, here is a look at the most popular things to do in Lincoln Trail State Park.
Plainview and Lakeside Campgrounds offer something for every time of camper. From Class A to tent camping, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful sights and sounds of the great outdoors. You will also have access to various amenities from home such as electricity, showers, tables, bathroom facilities, and a sanitary dumping station.
Fishing is available and a source of enjoyment for visitors. Fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish abound at the lake. Size and creel limits are in effect for some specifics so check with the site office for specific information.
The wooded shoreline along Lincoln Trail provides the perfect spots for a picnic. There are several shaded areas with furnished tables, stoves, toilets, and water. Four shelters are also available, one of which has electricity on site. Children can play at the playground at two of the larger picnic areas.
Boaters can take advantage of the view and shoreline along Lincoln Trail Lake. The docking facility includes a launching ramp and parking for boat trailers. Boat and seasonal dock rentals are available at the concession stand.
Take a short walk past the boat docks and campgrounds for a longer hike. The Beech Tree Trail is just a half mile long, extending to Lakeside Campground. The trail includes a series of stairways and foot bridges that provide an excellent view of the beech maple forest contained within the nature preserve. Trek along the Sand Ford Nature Trail for an opportunity to enjoy a 2 mile hike through an oak hickory forest.
To experience the beauty of winter, try one of the winter sports available. Ice fishing and skating are allowed as weather conditions permit with 6 miles of roadway along the lake for cross country skiing.
The park features seasonal hunting programs with more than 857 huntable acres. Species include raccoon, deer, trapping, turkey, and squirrel.
Before you start on your trip, these final tips on visiting Lincoln Trail State Park will ensure you have a smooth and relaxing trip.
• Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.
• Hunting season is subject to seasonal closure.
• Concession is available at the downstairs of the restaurant, offering live bait, tackle, row boat and paddle boat rentals, bagged ice, firewood, snacks, and drinks.
• Lincoln Trail State Park offers a full service restaurant with home style cooking.
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy a quick getaway to this historic natural wonder, check out our fleet of RV Rentals. Our RV lineup is perfect for any budget and loaded with the necessities and conveniences you look for to make your journey as fun as the destination.
Reserve a Lincoln Trail State Park RV rental today.
