Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area near Whittington, Illinois, lies on the shores of Rend Lake; the state opened this park in 1975, building it on former farmland. This park covers 3,000 acres, with 1,000 acres set aside for hunting. State officials named the park after Wayne Fitzgerrell, who served in the Illinois House of Representatives and supported the building of Rend Lake. While initially called Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, its name was changed to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area after state officials created the hunting grounds. Nearby, golfers will enjoy playing on the two nine-hole courses at the Rend Lake Golf Course. History lovers will enjoy touring the Franklin County Historic Jail Museum and the Frankfort Area Historical Museum. State
Spring 37-78 F
Summer 66-89 F
Fall 46-81 F
Winter 26-57 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
There are 243 campsites at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area. Each site comes with electrical hookups. There are three shower houses in the campground. A dump station is available for campers to use. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to Do at
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
Officials often hold sporting dog field trials in the early spring at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, with winners qualifying for national competition. Many of these trials use the equestrian area. Anglers love fishing in the 19,000-acre lake. Birdwatchers will love seeing the vast variety of birds at this park. Wave runners and pontoon boats are available to play on the lake.
Fishing
Rend Lake is an amazing place to fish for black and white crappie in the 2-to-3-pound range. The best fishing is often on the north end of the lake, where brush buried in the lake is more abundant. Consider fishing with minnows in March and April. This lake is also a terrific place to go bass fishing. Think about trying your luck using soft plastics from April to June. Anglers often catch flathead catfish weighing up to 25 pounds on chicken livers in late spring and early summer.
Nature Watching
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area is a fabulous place to go birdwatching, and you may see ring-necked pheasants, great blue herons, American bald eagles, red-tailed hawks and a variety of songbirds. Look near the lake at sunrise and sunset, and you may spot white-tail deer and raccoons getting a drink. Watch along this park's trails to see opossums and squirrels.
Flora and Fauna
It is still easy to tell that farmers tilled fields at this location before it became a state park. Therefore, you will see a variety of grasses in the park's flat areas. Nearer the water, you will see small groves of oak and hickory trees.
Hiking
There is a 5.2-mile trail that starts near the park's office. This wide trail runs through corn and wheat fields. Many trees are along this trail, making it a good place for a hike on a hot summer day.
Swimming
There is a swimming pool at the lodge in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area. Since the pool is outdoors, it is open seasonally. You will also find two tennis courts and other outdoor recreation spaces near the pool. As of December 2023, the swimming pool and recreational areas surrounding it are closed until further notice.
Boating
Head to the marina to rent a boat or bring one to play on Rend Lake. Gas for boats is available, and there is a courtesy dock. The convenience store at the marina stocks many supplies to make your boating adventure more enjoyable.
Biking
The bike trail at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area runs through a wooded area that is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn colors. The trail has some slight switchbacks to it but is generally flat. Therefore, it is a fantastic place for a family bike ride.
How to Get to
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
Getting to Wayne Fitgerrell State Recreation Area from Whittington, Illinois, is easy. Start by getting on Illinois 37 South going west. Turn right on Illinois 154 West. Then, turn right onto Fitzgerrell Park Drive. Finally, turn left on Ranger Road to reach the park.
Entering Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
There are many places to park at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, including near the park's office, the marina and the campground. Each parking lot has accessible parking spaces. This park never closes, but visitors staying in the campground arriving after the park's office closes should check in with the campground host.
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
Many people enjoy visiting Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in the late spring, as it is the easiest time of the year to catch fish as most will be spawning. Spring is also a great time to hike through the wooded areas to see plants blooming.
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area is the only place in Southern Illinois to see ring-necked pheasants. Visitors may also see great blue herons, American bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed deer, opossums and squirrels.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots in the campground. These campsites have electrical hookups. A dump station and water are nearby.
Reservations are not available, and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Camping costs about $20 per night.
Pets are allowed in many areas of the park. Owners must keep their pets on a leash and clean up after them.