🌤 Weather at Beall Woods State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–76 °F | 66–87 °F | 36–81 °F | 25–45 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Mount Carmel, 5 mi away, elevation 430 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Beall Woods State Park is a public state park in Illinois near Mount Carmel in Wabash County. Spanning 2.57 acres and established in 1966, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Illinois |
| Nearest City | Mount Carmel |
| County | Wabash |
| Park Size | 2.57 acres |
| Established | 1966 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Beall Woods State Park is located near Mount Carmel, Illinois. The park’s coordinates are 38.3667, -87.8333.
Things to Do
Illinois state parks offer surprising geological diversity — from sandstone canyons and waterfalls in the south to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and Great Lakes shoreline in the north. Popular activities include hiking through dramatic canyon formations at Starved Rock and Matthiessen, fishing for bass and catfish in the state’s rivers and lakes, camping in forested settings along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, biking paved and gravel trails, birdwatching along major migratory flyways (Illinois sits on the Mississippi Flyway), cross-country skiing in winter, horseback riding on dedicated equestrian trails, and exploring historic sites from frontier forts to Lincoln-era landmarks.
Best Time to Visit
Illinois parks shine across all four seasons. Spring (April–May) brings peak waterfall flow at Starved Rock and Matthiessen after snowmelt, plus wildflower carpets in the canyon floors. Summer (June–August) is ideal for swimming, Lake Michigan beaches, and river recreation — but canyon parks get crowded on weekends. Fall (September–November) delivers stunning foliage, especially in the southern Shawnee National Forest region, peaking mid-October. Winter transforms canyon parks into ice wonderlands — frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock are a major winter attraction. All Illinois state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Illinois state parks offer free admission — there are no entrance fees or vehicle passes required. This makes Illinois one of the most visitor-friendly state park systems in the country. Camping fees are modest ($8–$35/night depending on amenities). Reservations are made through the Illinois DNR reservation system. Popular parks like Starved Rock fill parking lots before 9 AM on fall and spring weekends — arrive early. Many parks offer excellent lodge accommodations (Starved Rock Lodge, Pere Marquette Lodge, Giant City Lodge) for those who prefer indoor comfort with park access.
Explore More Illinois State Parks
Beall Woods State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Illinois. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Illinois guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Beall Woods State Park protects 635 acres of virgin old-growth forest in southeastern Illinois — one of the last remaining tracts of original eastern deciduous forest in the entire Midwest. The forest — called the “Forest of the Wabash” — has never been logged. Trees exceeding 300 years old and 120 feet tall include tulip poplar, American beech, white oak, and sweetgum. Beall Woods has been designated a National Natural Landmark for its exceptional ecological significance. The old-growth canopy supports barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and red-shouldered hawks. Indiana bats — ESA-listed as endangered — roost under the bark of large trees. The forest floor supports spring wildflower displays including bloodroot, trillium, and Virginia bluebells.
Nearby Attractions
Wabash River — forming the Illinois-Indiana border — provides fishing and canoeing. Mt. Carmel is the nearest town. Red Hills State Park offers recreation in the wooded hills of southeastern Illinois. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes (Indiana) commemorates the 1779 frontier campaign. Lincoln Trail State Park traces Abraham Lincoln’s family migration route. Crawford County State Fish and Wildlife Area provides hunting and fishing access.
More parks in Illinois: Red Hills State Park and Ten Mile Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area. See the full Illinois state parks guide.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Beall Woods State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; state code caps leash length at 10 feet
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in areas posted 'NO PETS', reserved for beach areas, concession areas and crowded campground/picnic areas (e.g. no dogs on the beach at Illinois Beach State Park)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in campground cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash rule exceptions for hunting dogs, field trials and dog training areas; pets must not be left unattended
Are dogs allowed at Beall Woods State Park?
Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.illinois.gov. More: Illinois state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Beall Woods State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
