Fort Defiance State Park, an Illinois State Park

FORT DEFIANCE STATE PARK

Camping

Fort Defiance State Park has 16 campsites. The camping area is non-modern. No flush toilets or showers are present. However, electrical hookups are available at eight sites. All camping permits are obtained through self-registration at the campground. Camping Fees can be paid at the site.

Swimming

Several trails take you around the park and through the hills and woodlands that make up Fort Defiance. Equestrian use is allowed on three of the trails. During winter months the park is a popular place for snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Fort Defiance State Park's 191 acres of rugged woodland provide a beautiful contrast to the gently rolling surrounding farmlands. The park's trails, picnic areas and scenic overlooks provide a great place to relax. Its lush cover of vegetation includes hawthorn, plum, locust and many species of the state tree - the oak. In the spring, the slopes are speckled with trillium, bloodroot, hepatica and violets. A small prairie with native grasses and flowers, including the endangered prairie bush clover, thrives on a secluded knoll.

Location

Fort Defiance State Park is

Nearby Parks

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site

Columbus-Belmont State Park

Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

West Kentucky State Wildlife Management Area

Picnicking

A lodge constructed in the style of an old army outpost is an excellent place for group gatherings such as reunions and wedding receptions. It is available for rent by reservation through the park manager.

An open shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis at no fee.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

February 16 So Sad

I remember my parents stopping to show this park to us when my brother and I were young. A couple of years ago, I took my own family back to show them. As others have mentioned, the park is insane shape. The bugs were terrible. Granted, it is in the river bottoms, but as the first state park encountered upon entering the state, definitely a huge disappointment.

January 22 Great site of the Ohio meeting the Missi by icelady

The camping description is incorrect. There are no electric hook ups.

September 4

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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)

Shawnee Forest Cabins - HEROD, IL

Cottages and Cabins

Enjoy a getaway to nearby Southern Illinois with Shawnee National Forest Cabins. Rustic log cabin rentals with modern comforts such as hot tubs, Wifi and satellite TV located near Garden of the God in the Shawnee National Forest.

WEBSITE |

DIRECTIONS

59.9 miles from park*

Pinnon Lake Cabins - Buncombe, IL

Cottages and Cabins

Tucked away in the picturesque rolling hills of Southern Illinois, our location rests on the highly acclaimed Southern Illinois Wine Trail. Pinnon Lake cabins are ten tranquil minutes from the edge of Shawnee National Forest. Moments from anywhere yet feels like miles from it all.

WEBSITE |

DIRECTIONS

36.6 miles from park*

Nearby Hotels

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