25 miles of trails, plus the 11 mile backpacking trail and the asphalt handicapped trail (1/3 mile).

River Ridge Backpack Trail Rules

River Ridge Backpack Trail Registration Form

Several wooded picnic areas have easy access by vehicle; tables and grills (some have fire pits); also “click” General Information for rental buildings. 

Modern Campgrounds – 50 amp electrical service; shower building, dump stations, water available, camp store, campground host. Includes 42 sites (34 electric), fees

Tent Campground – 16 sites – completely wooded – walk-in only; picnic table and fire ring provided; water available; use of shower building in modern campgrounds (walking distance); fees

Group Campground – 6 primitive sites( no water available, pit toilets); organized groups only; no recreational vehicles (motor homes or trailers); pre-registration required; fee dependent on number of persons.

Tipi Camping – $27.00 – 1st day; $13.00 each consecutive day

East Camp – 3 sites located at the 7.5 mile mark of the River Ridge Backpack Trail; pit toilet and fire rings; advanced reservation required

Vermilion River (Canoe)

Willow Creek Pond (electric motors only)

Registered as an Illinois Wildlife Viewing Area; a favorite for bird watchers; deer and turkey are common; also beaver, coyote, pileated woodpecker, fox and geese. 

A favorite area for the morel mushroom hunters in the spring, and also fall mushrooms. Berry picking is allowed in the park. Collecting of plants or ginseng is not allowed. 

A 72 foot tower gives a spectacular view of the Vermilion River bottoms.

Vermilion River

Willow Creek Pond ( 7 acres )

Edgewood Pond (1 acre )

Entrance Pond ( 1 acre )

Highland Pond (1 acre )

All Illinois State fishing regulations apply.