With over 60 state parks, and the same number of recreational and wildlife areas located within its border, Illinois has plenty of places to head to when you want to escape to nature.
Editorial note: We choose and update recommended nearby parks using official park information, visitor-planning usefulness, available activities and facilities, geographic fit, and editorial review. Learn more in our Editorial Policy & Review Methodology.
Taking the form of everything from comparatively small day trip destinations to huge parks that contain massive lakes, deep canyons, dense woodland and beautiful hillsides, these places offer fantastic opportunities to engage in a range of outdoor activities. These include the likes of hiking, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, boating and camping.
Proffering free entry, many of these state parks are located within easy driving distance of Springfield. So if you want to spend some quality time with the family, enjoy a short romantic getaway with your partner, or simply be on your own for a while, you have plenty of choice available to you.
Outlined below is a list of 6 state parks near Springfield we highly recommend. All of which offer something a little different in terms of landscape, landmarks or activities.
Map of State Parks Near Springfield IL
Here is a map of the Illinois state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Springfield
These 6 state parks near Springfield are lovely places to visit for a day. However should you want to stay there overnight, or for longer, there are plenty of camping and accommodation options available at them all.
1. Sangchris Lake State Park
Distance from Springfield: about 14 miles southeast of Springfield (straight-line).
Sangchris Lake State Recreation Area is an Illinois state park on 3,022 acres (1,223 ha) in Christian and Sangamon Counties, Illinois, United States.
Highlights associated with Sangchris Lake State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Sangchris Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Edward R. Madigan State Park
Distance from Springfield: about 26 miles northeast of Springfield (straight-line).
Edward R. Madigan State Park covers 3.94 acres in Logan County, Illinois. Established 1971.
Highlights associated with Edward R. Madigan State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Edward R. Madigan State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Distance from Springfield: about 28 miles south of Springfield (straight-line).
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is an Illinois state park on 3,000 acres (1,214 ha) in Clinton County, Illinois, United States.
Highlights associated with Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Weldon Springs State Recreation Area
Distance from Springfield: about 34 miles northeast of Springfield (straight-line).
Weldon Springs State Park is an Illinois state park; the primary 550-acre (220 ha) area is located near Clinton, Illinois, while a secondary area is located near Monticello, Illinois.
See our full Weldon Springs State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Sand Ridge State Forest
Distance from Springfield: about 42 miles north of Springfield (straight-line).
Sand Ridge State Forest is a conservation area located in the U.S.
Highlights associated with Sand Ridge State Forest include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
See our full Sand Ridge State Forest guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Eagle Creek State Park
Distance from Springfield: about 54 miles east of Springfield (straight-line).
Location: 2341 Eagle Creek Road, Findlay, IL 62534
Encompassing 250 miles of shoreline, this park is a terrific spot for outdoor recreation with everything from hiking, horseback riding and fishing, to water skiing, pontoon boating and windsurfing being regularly undertaken here.
In the winter this is also a very good spot for snowmobiling, whilst in the fall the colours of the woodland are incredible. The park is also notable for the large herds of deer which reside in the area.
Should you want to stay here, there are ‘75 Class A’ sites available that offer showers, electricity, picnic tables, water hydrants and fire blocks. There are also more rustic camping options available too.
See our full Eagle Creek State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
