Park listing
Fox Ridge State Park
18175 State Park Road, Charleston, IL 61920
Fox Ridge State Park, a 2,064-acre park just south of Charleston in east-central Illinois, is known for its steep, thickly wooded ridges, broad, lush valleys and miles of rugged, scenic hiking trails.
Trip starter
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Fox Ridge State Park
This listing is currently using verified trip data while licensed photography is being finalized.
Drive time
Set origin in search
Bathrooms
Restroom coverage on site
Trailer fit
42 trailer-capable sites, max listed vehicle length 55ft, driveway mix: 0 pull-through, 0 back-in
Weather
Mostly Cloudy
Why this park
Facilities
Facility coverage needs a closer look on the official reservation page.
Trailer fit
42 trailer-capable sites, max listed vehicle length 55ft, driveway mix: 0 pull-through, 0 back-in
Activity mix
45 named routes are surfaced for hiking and activity planning.
About this park
Fox Ridge State Park, a 2,064-acre park just south of Charleston in east-central Illinois, is known for its steep, thickly wooded ridges, broad, lush valleys and miles of rugged, scenic hiking trails. In sharp contrast to the flat prairieland of most of this section of Illinois, the Coles County park is set amidst rolling hills along the forested bluffs of the Embarras ("Ambraw") River.
Read full park description
Fox Ridge State Park, a 2,064-acre park just south of Charleston in east-central Illinois, is known for its steep, thickly wooded ridges, broad, lush valleys and miles of rugged, scenic hiking trails. In sharp contrast to the flat prairieland of most of this section of Illinois, the Coles County park is set amidst rolling hills along the forested bluffs of the Embarras ("Ambraw") River. Hiking the trails at Fox Ridge is a highlight for many visitors. The staircase to Eagle's Nest climbs 144 steps to a deck overlooking the river, providing wonderful views. Fox Ridge State Park is a great place to visit at any time of year. In winter, the snow-softened ridges are alive with birds and animals. In the spring, a panoramic blanket of multi-hued wildflowers and flowering trees celebrate the resurgence of growth. By summer, the dense vegetation and new generation of wildlife are thriving in the sun, and autumn brings its brilliant display of color as nature enhances the woodlands with yellows, reds, purples and oranges. More than 40 campsites and two rustic cabins are available at Fox Ridge, cabin keys are in mail box at maintenance complex gate. Day use picnic areas are located throughout the park. A large outdoor pavilion and picnic shelters can be reserved The northern area of the park contains 1,129 acres open for public hunting. Check with Hunter Fact Sheet for details.
Campsite fit
Group-designated sites listed in park data: 10. Verify current group pricing, vehicle maximums, and campground rules on the official reservation page.
Group-site signal
No special group limitations surfaced in the current listing metadata.
Trailer and rig access
42 trailer-capable sites, max listed vehicle length 55ft, driveway mix: 0 pull-through, 0 back-in
Fire rules
Campfires allowed in designated fire pits only. Firewood must be sourced within 50 miles or USDA certified; no out-of-state wood.
Bathrooms and facilities
Trails and activities
45 named trail routes are surfaced here from 70 mapped source segments. Start with the featured routes, then expand the full list if this park stays on your shortlist.
Riverview Trail
5.3 miles total • grass • foot trail
900N
3.6 miles total • track
South River Trail
2.1 miles total • 8 mapped segments • gravel and grass • track and foot trail
View all trail routes
EIU Panther Trail
1.9 miles total • 5 mapped segments • asphalt and gravel • foot trail
North River Trail
1.9 miles total • 3 mapped segments • grass • foot trail
County Road 2000E
1.8 miles total • track
Acorn Avenue
1.4 miles total • 2 mapped segments • gravel • foot trail
550N
1.3 miles total • 2 mapped segments • track
Trail of Trees
1.2 miles total • 2 mapped segments • gravel • foot trail
1350N
1.0 miles total • track
0
1.0 miles total • foot trail
County Road 1050N
1.0 miles total • track
Weather context
Mostly Cloudy
2026-03-09 • 72° / 61° • 1% precipitation
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
May
May avg: 72°F high, 53°F low, 11 rainy days
June
June avg: 81°F high, 62°F low, 10 rainy days
July
July avg: 85°F high, 67°F low, 9 rainy days
Safety and rules
No active alerts surfaced for the selected dates.
Campfires allowed in designated fire pits only. Firewood must be sourced within 50 miles or USDA certified; no out-of-state wood.
Key rules and on-site notes
The current listing surfaces a short set of park rules worth checking before you finalize the trip.
Directions
From Chicago take I-57 south to RT 16, exit # 190 to Charleston. Go west on highway 16 through the town of Charleston to RT 130, take 130 south 7 miles to the entrance of Fox Ridge State Park.
Contact
(217) 345-6416
Fire policy
Campfires allowed in designated fire pits only. Firewood must be sourced within 50 miles or USDA certified; no out-of-state wood.
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