🏆 Official Guide: Delabar State Park — An 89-acre riverside park on the Mississippi River, 1.5 miles north of Oquawka, Illinois — featuring camping (tent + trailer with electric hookups), a boat ramp + docks with direct Mississippi River access, fishing (catfish, bass, bluegill, crappie), 2 miles of hiking trails, 50+ bird species, three picnic areas with shelter, and a children’s playground.
Delabar State Park is a gem along the Great River Road — a compact but well-equipped riverside park offering direct access to the mighty Mississippi. The park is a favorite among anglers launching boats for river fishing, birders tracking the Mississippi Flyway migrations, and campers wanting a quiet riverside setting in the rolling hills of western Illinois.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1.5 mi N of Oquawka, IL — Mississippi River |
| Size | 89 acres — riverside woodland |
| River | Direct Mississippi River access |
| Boat Ramp | Paved — 2 boat docks (south end) |
| Birding | 50+ species — Mississippi Flyway |
| Pets | Leashed at all times |
Camping
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sites | Tent + trailer — many with electric hookups |
| Water | Drinking water available |
| Facilities | Sanitary dump station, jet pump for water tanks |
| Permit | Obtain from park staff before setup |
| Groups | 25+ people need advance permission |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Channel catfish, bass, bluegill, crappie — river fishing |
| Boating | Boat ramp + 2 docks — motors of any size |
| Hiking | ~2 mi marked woodland trails |
| Bird Watching | 50+ species — waterfowl, songbirds, raptors |
| Camping | Tent + trailer — electric hookups |
| Picnicking | 3 areas — north, center, south + shelter |
| Playground | Children’s play area — center picnic area |
| Wildlife Viewing | Deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motorboats allowed?
Yes — boats with motors of any size are permitted. The park has a paved boat ramp and two boat docks at the south end providing direct Mississippi River access.
Do I need a camping permit?
Yes — campers must obtain a permit from park staff before setting up. Groups of 25 or more require advance permission from the site superintendent.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Rockwood State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Nauvoo State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Illinois state parks online at camp.exploremoreil.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Delabar 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 Delabar 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 Delabar State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
