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Current Closures of DNR Sites and Areas

This page lists current closures of DNR Sites and Areas, by geographic region.

Notices are updated on a continuous basis, so please check before you start your trip.

NOTICE: During hunting season, many sites are closed or partially closed to the public. Public should contact the site directly for closure updates and/or winter hours before going to site.

Find a Park by Region North West Region 1North East Region 2East Central Region 3West central region 4South Region 5

Region 1 - Northwestern Illinois

Last updated: 2/1/24

  • Apple River Canyon - Apple River Canyon Salem/Thompson Units, Hanover Bluff SNA, Rall Woods SNA, Tapley Woods, Winston Tunnel SNA, Witkowsky SFWA are closed to non-hunters until 1:00 pm on March 30-31, April 6-7, April 15 - May 16, 2024. 
  • Anderson Lake - Camping at the South Camp is available, but on a limited basis due to flooding.
  • Argyle Lake - The road around the lake has been closed for the season effective November 16 of each year and will reopen March 15 of each year, weather permitting.
  • Castle Rock State Park - open year round except for deer firearm hunting seasons; the park will be closed to all activities for the following 2023/24 Deer Firearm season dates: Nov. 17-19, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 8-10, 28-31, and Jan. 12-14. The South end trails are closed until 1pm daily April 10 - May 11 for 2023 Spring Turkey seasons. The river access canoe campground is open May 1 - Oct. 31. River conditions may result in temporary closure of the campground, call the park at 815/732-7329 for current river / campground conditions.
  • Franklin Creek State Natural Area - Construction is set to begin on a new ADA accessible path to the mill spring on July 10, 2023.  During construction, access will be closed to the mill spring from the Mill Spring Day Use Area (trail marker zero - trail marker 1).  Access to the fishing pier will also be closed.  We expect the area to re-open August 7, 2023.
  • French Bluff State Natural Area - will be closed for the 2023-2024 firearm deer hunting season Nov 17-19, Nov 30 - Dec. 3, Dec 8 - 10, Dec 28 - 31, and Jan 12-14, 2024.
  • Henderson County
  • Henderson Creek Access Area -
  • Hennepin Canal Closures - The wells at Lock 21 and Lock 22 are not working pending repairs and water tests. Lock 24 has water available but is closed seasonally. Potable wate is available year round at the Visitor's Center.
  • Illini State Park - Sunrise Council, Wildcat Bog, and Ancient Oaks day use areas are closed until further notice. Whitetail campground is closed yearly November 1 through April 30. Great Falls Campground is open year around, with shower building close Nov. 01 – Apr. 30
  • Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area - Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Kaskaskia hiking trails are currently closed. Lakeshore Loop is closed for the season and will re-open May 1, 2022. The campground shower building and water hydrants are closed for the season and will re-open May 1, 2022.
  • Jubilee College SP - The Equestrian Campground and Trails are closed November 15th through April 15th.
  • Kishwaukee River SFWA - will be closed to all but permitted archery hunters and site-specific permit shotgun hunters starting Oct. 1.
  • Lake Le-Aqua-Na - Equestrian area is closed November 15th through April 15th. The park will be closed to all but Site Specific Firearm Deer Hunting Permit Holders November 22, 23, and 24, 2024. The park will re-open Monday, November 25th, 2024.
  • The LaSalle Lake - LaSalle Lake closes for the season every year at sunset October 15 and opens March 15 from 6AM to sunset daily.
  • Lowden Miller Forest - is open year round except for deer firearm seasons; the Forest will be closed to all activities for the following 2023/2024 Deer Firearm season dates: Nov. 17-19, 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 28-31, Jan. 12-14. The Forest is closed  until 1 pm daily April 10-May 11 for 2023 Spring Turkey seasons. The equestrian trails are open starting at 1 pm during Spring Turkey seasons, and sunrise through sunset May 12- Oct 31. Equestrian trails may be temporarily closed due to weather/trail conditions, contact the Castle Rock State Park office at 815-732-7329 for current trail conditions.
  • Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area -  Due to the Illinois National Guard's training needs, Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area will be closed to hunting Friday, Saturday, and Sundays throughout the months of September and October of each year.
  • Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area - will be closed to the general public during the first and second firearm deer hunting seasons.
  • Matthiessen State Park - Horseback trails and the equestrian campground are closed November 1st - March 31st weather depending. 
  • Mississippi Palisades State Park - will be closed (except the campground) for the 2023 - 2024 firearm deer hunting season Nov 17-19, Nov 30-Dec 3, Dec 28-31, and Jan 12-14, 2024.
  • Morrison Rockwood State Park - The equestrian trails and the equestrian campground are closed November 1st - April 30th  weather depending.
  • Pekin Lake – is closed to all vehicle access due to road deterioration, walk-in access is allowed.
  • Powerton Lake
  • Prophetstown SP - The campground is closed November 1st - April 30th.
  • Rice Lake SFWA - All of Rice Lake Campgrounds are closed as of 1/26/24 due to flooding and river forecast.
  • Rock Cut - Park closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the second week in November for Deer Hunt for Disabled Hunters.
  • Shabbona Lake State Park - Oct. 1 - Jan. 20 annually all hiking trails except Arrowhead and Touch the Earth are closed for hunting season. Nov. 1- April 30, the shower building is closed, as are Merganser Loop and Teal Bay Loop in the campground. Canvasback Cove Loop remains open as first-come, first-serve, self-registration.
  • Starved Rock - The main parking lot and boat ramp area located off of the west entrance to Starved Rock State Park (route 178) is currently closed until further notice due to flooding from the Illinois River. Visitors to the park are asked to use the south entrance into the park off of route 71 and park at the gravel overflow parking lot of the lodge to gain access to the park trails. All bulidng are open at the park. There are no current trail closures due to flooding. Owl Canyon Overlook, Tonti Canyon, and the brown bluff trail above French Canyon are closed.  
  • White Pines Forest State Park - All Trails, day use areas, shelters and campgrounds are closed during the site's firearm deer season, November 14, 15, 16, 28, 29 & 30, 2022. The Lodge, gift shop, cabins and restaurant, as well as, the immediate lodge/cabin yard will be open. All campgrounds will also be closed on the 13th and 27th. Occasionally due to water levels, the fords must be closed. The day use area between the first two fords and the campgrounds can be accessed by vehicle using the entrance road near the southwest corner of the park.
  • Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area - Camping is closed from Oct 1 - March 31 annually.

Region 2 - Northeastern Illinois

Last updated: 8/10/2023

  • Chain O'Lakes State Park - Equestrian Trails are closed until 1:00 P.M., April 15th - May 16th, 2024, except to permitted turkey hunters.  Park is closed from October 31st (or first day of hunting season) until December 26th. Camping resumes January 1st annually. Contact the park for additional questions
  • Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
  • Goose Lake Prairie – Goose Lake Prairie will be closed to the public during all firearm deer hunting seasons. The Visitor Center is closed indefinitely.
  • Heidecke Lake - If wind speeds are forecast to be 25mph or above at any time during the day, Heidecke Lake access to boat fishing will be closed. Bank fishing will still be available at the Heidecke Lake Bank Fishing Area off E. Collins Rd. Wind speeds are checked daily by using the NOAA wind forecast at the Morris Muni-James R Washburn Field Airport here.
  • I&M Canal - 
    • The section of trail from Gebhard Woods in Morris heading east 1/4 mile to Calhoun St. is closed to all visitors.
  • Kankakee River - 
    • The bike trail remains open, but users should STAY ON THE TRAIL.
    • The Chippewa Campground is closed for the 2021 season until further notice. Boat launches may intermittently be closed due to high water.
    • Some of the restrooms may be closed due to maintenance issues. The main park closes at 8:00 PM. Reservations on ExploreMoreIL™ are highly recommended.
  • Mazonia - Braidwood SFWA - Bullhead Lake is open to paddle vessels but is closed to larger boats due to ramp issues.
  • McHenry Dam - Site will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
  • Momence Wetlands - The area is closed to mushroom hunters and all users except MW permitted turkey hunters until 1pm daily from April 10th through May 11th for Spring Turkey Hunting Season.
  • Moraine Hills - TEMPORARY SITE RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY DUE TO WINTER WEATHER CREATING UNSAFE ROAD AND SIDEWALK CONDITIONS.  Site is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
  • Silver Springs - 
    • The archery and trap ranges will open back up seven days a week September 6th – November 2nd. Starting November 3rd, they will be open Monday – Thursday, then closed Friday – Sunday until the end of pheasant season January 14th.  January 15th – February 29th both ranges will be closed completely for coyote season.  
    • The equestrian trail is closed annually September 1st – 30th for dove season.
    • The equestrian trail will be open October 1st – November 2nd, then closed November 3rd – April 14th.  April 15th, it reopens until Fall 2024.
    • December 1 – April 1 the West entrance of the park closes for winter.
    • The Youth Area Campground is currently closed.
  • Region II Office (Bartlett) - Closed to the public.
  • Volo Bog - TEMPORARY SITE RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY DUE TO WINTER WEATHER CREATING UNSAFE ROAD AND SIDEWALK CONDITIONS.  Site is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
  • William Powers - Effective March 29th 2021 thru June 29th 2021, Double boat ramp at William Powers SFWA will be closed due to construction upgrades of ramp and parking, also access to the 133rd and Ave K parking will close due to construction of a new boat ramp and parking lot.

Region 3 - East Central Illinois

Last updated: 03/06/2024

  • Clinton Lake State Recreation Area – The campground is open.  Whitetail Prairie shower building and water facilities will open for the season April 1.  Ringneck Ridge shower building will remain closed due to pending repairs.  The Waterfowl Refuge Area from DeWitt Bridge to Route 48 Bridge is closed to boating/fishing/hunting from October 10 through March 31. All fish cleaning stations at Clinton Lake are closed indefinitely. The loading dock at West Side Boat Access Area is closed due to pending repairs; the ramp itself remains open.
  • Eagle Creek State Recreation Area – The campground and amenities are open. The boat ramp and fish cleaning station are open. All trails are available and shelters are open for groups of 50 or less. The golf course is open.
  • Fox Ridge State Park – North Canoe Access Road is OPEN.
  • Hidden Springs – Hickory Ridge Pond is open. Big Tree Trail is closed indefinitely due to a large fallen tree from storm damage. Oak Ridge Hiking trail is closed indefinitely due to a bridge washout. Sassafras pond is open for fishing. Water hydrants and class C camping are open for the season.
  • Kickapoo - The area south of the Middle Fork river boat ramp to 200 yards downstream of the Kickapoo Park Road bridge at Clear Pond is closed during bridge construction. The low water crossing on 1180 E is closed to foot and bike traffic when wet due to slick conditions. Sportsman's Lake Road, I-74 Loop, and the road to Inland Sea will be closed at upon the first snowfall until spring. Fox, Erie, and Redear campgrounds will close November 1st. Areas open to deer hunting will be closed to all activities except to hunters in possession of a site-specific permit during firearms and muzzleloader deer season. Areas open to spring turkey hunting will be closed to all activities until 1:00 PM except hunters in possession of a site-specific permit during turkey hunting hours. Periodic trail closures may occur for prescribed fire. Mountain bike trails are closed from the Monday before shotgun deer season until the Monday following muzzleloader deer season. Mushroom hunting is prohibited in nature preserves and land and water reserves. Areas posted notifying of a prescribed burn are closed on the day of the burn.
  • Lincoln Trail Homestead - Outdoor pavilion reservations can currently be made for 4/16/23 through 10/15/23. Prior to 4/16 and between 10/16 until the winter closure period, the pavilions may be used on a "first come, first served bases". Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL™. As of 12/20/22 the park gates are closed, park will re-open 4/1/23. Thanks for another great season.
  • Lincoln Trail State Park - As of 11/01//2023, Lakeside Campground will be closed to prepare for the prescribed fire season, as well as winterization.  The showerhouse will be closed except for the family shower units on the front of the building. 
  • Middle Fork SFWA – Middle Fork SFWA – 2250 N Road will close upon the first snowfall of the winter until spring. The Middle Fork campgrounds will close November 1st. Areas open to deer hunting will be closed to all activities except to hunters in possession of a site-specific permit during firearms and muzzleloader deer season. Areas open to spring turkey hunting will be closed to all activities except hunters in possession of a site-specific permit during turkey hunting hours. Periodic trail closures may occur for prescribed fire. Trap shooting range is closed indefinitely. Mushroom hunting is prohibited in nature preserves and land and water reserves.  Areas posted notifying of a prescribed burn are closed on the day of the burn. Horse trails are closed from the Monday before shotgun deer season until the Monday following muzzleloader deer season.  
  • Moraine View State Recreation Area – Dam is still closed on both sides of Dawson Lake Road due to an ongoing road project.
  • Shelbyville State Fish & Wildlife Area - All areas are currently open. Throughout the winter some parking lots and access roads will be temporarily closed due to weather conditions.
  • Spitler Woods - All outdoor pavilions, trails, and playgrounds are open for use. Pavilions are first come, first served throughout the off season (10/16/22 - 4/15/23) all outdoor pavilions will open for reservations beginning on April 16, 2023, and remain available for reservation until 10/15/23. Currently, outdoor pavilions have returned to previous capacity levels (100 based on parking availability), the site will continually update capacity parameters as notified by IDPH. All flush restrooms are currently closed for the season and will remain so until 4/16/23. The new vault toilet building near Long Creek will remain open throughout the winter. The indoor pavilion (Ida B. Spitler) is closed for the season, this building will re-open on April 1st, 2023 and may be reserved through October 31st 2023. The site will update the status of the indoor/outdoor pavilion capacities based on Regional COVID-19 parameters as provided by IDPH. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL
  • Walnut Point State Park – The concession, camping and shower building are now open for the season.  Cardinal Drive is closed due to a water line connection project.
  • Weldon Springs State Park – The campground is open for the season.  The shower building and water facilities will reopen for the season on April 1.  Union School Interpretive Center will be open on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.  The boat rental and concession is currently closed. 
  • Wolf Creek State Park – Due to campsite and road work, the Sand Creek Camping Section will be closed from Monday, Oct. 19th until at least Thursday, Oct. 22nd. The Lick Creek Section will have rolling closures for the remainder of the month, which may impact reservations. Campsites will be available, but site specificity can’t be guaranteed. The boat ramp and fish cleaning stations are open. Wolf Creek beach is closed for the season. All trails including the equestrian trail are open and shelters are open to groups of 50 or less.

Region 4 - West Central Illinois

Last updated: 3/11/2024

  • Baldwin Lake - park hours are 6am - 7pm pm daily
  • Beaver Dam State Park - The Beaver Dam concession is closed indefinitely, due to lack of concessionaire.  The fish cleaning station is closed for repairs.
  • Edward R Madigan State Park - the vault toilets at the canoe launch are closed until further notice.  
  • Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area - Due to the sewer plant and shower house CDB projects, campsites 67 - 328 and the three shower houses are closed for the off-season and will re-open in the spring.  Fish cleaning stations are closed along with the Olympic Shelter bathroom.  Camp store off-season hours are 7am- noon and closed on Monday and Tuesdays to coordinate with the controlled pheasant season.  Camp hosts departed the campground for the off season.  Please use caution while driving through the park and respect all construction crews and signage.  Please call office aat 618-594-3015 for updates. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
  • Fall Creek Rest Area - This area is open to foot traffic only. Visitors are reminded to take all litter with them.
  • Frank Holten State Recreation Area - all shelters are closed for the season.
  • Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) - the Bend Road area is closed to vehicle traffic; however, it is open for foot and bike traffic.   The campground is closed for the season.
  • Illinois Caverns - is closed for the season.
  • Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Please call the office for additional trail information at 217-452-7741. Trail information is updated daily after 9am.  Office hours are 7:30am – 3:30pm, Monday through Friday or a time for return will be posted on the door.  Trails are open year around with the following exceptions: trails are closed until 1:00 p.m. during all turkey seasons, closed sunrise to sunset during the deer firearm seasons, and closed Tuesdays and Saturdays during the upland game season. Call the park office before arrival to check for weather related closures.  The Federal Fish and Wildlife Service is starting to reseed some Hill Prairie land.  During this time, Creek Road from Herrmann Pond to Chandlerville, will be closed to thru traffic, periodically, for approximately 3 months.  There will be road closed signs placed on the roadway informing the public of this closure.  Also, the County Highway Dept. will begin working on their bridge on  Hwy 2 Newmansville road, ¼ mile south of the main Site entrance, starting March 25, 2024.  This will mean closure of the road for approximately 6 months. Temporary Road Closure-See details here. 
  • Pere Marquette State Park – Please call the park office (618-786-3323, opton 4) for trail, roads and park updates.   The Visitor Center will be closed on Sundays December 1st - March 31, 2024.  Upper group camps are closed for the season.  Equine Day Use Riders can call 618/786-2311, ext 4 for phone updates as well.   The Large Riverside Shelter, Small Riverside Shelter, Stone Shelter are available for reservations at www.Camp.ExploreMoreIL. The Equestrian concessionaire is open for the season, please contact 618-786-2156.  Equestrian trails east of Graham Hollow Road are closed for the season.  May 17-19th, the site will be hosting an archery event in the park.  Due to this event, the hiking trails North and West of Scenic Drive will be closed to the public.  The public will have access to the trails South and East of Scenic Drive.  For the same event, the equestrian trails East of Graham Hollow Road will be closed to the public.  
  • Sand Ridge State Forest - All seasonal venues are open. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions by calling the site office at 309-597-2212 after 9am daily.
  • Sangchris Lake SP -  The fish cleaning station is closed until further notice.  The West Loop of the Equestrian Trail is closed September 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024.  
  • Siloam Springs SP - site has no concessionaire; therefore, there is no boat/kayak rentals.  Equine camping and trails as well as Oak Ridge and Hickory Hill campgrounds are closed for the season and will re-open April 1, 2024.  The eqine trails/ campground will re-open on April 15, 2024.
  • Washington County CA - the dock near the Ponderosa public shelter and behind the Got-A-Bite concessions is in the process of before removed from use. After inspection and trying to make repairs to the sections of the existing 96' long floating dock, it is decided to remove the entire dock due to the extent of the repairs needed to keep it safe for public use.  The small shelter at Little Bear campground is closed due structural damage caused by recent storms.  The Got-A-Bite concession is closed for the season as is the shower house.
  • Weinberg King State Park - the equine campgrounds are closed for the season and will re-open on April 15, 2024.  The equine trails are currently open for the season.

Region 5 - Southern Illinois

Last updated: 1/22/24

  • Cave In Rock State Park - the shower house is closed for the winter.
  • Ferne Clyffe State Park - The shower house is closed for the season. The campground remains open with access to water, privies and the dump station. Inclement weather may require some park roads to be closed for safety reasons during the winter months.
  • Fort Massac – The inside of the 1802 American Fort will be closed to the public until further notice for public safety.
  • Giant City State Park - Giant City Stables is on winter schedule, please contact 618-529-4110 for details. Giant City Lodge will close for the season for regular daily restaurant and lodging service on December 3rd. The Lodge will re-open on February 2, 2024. Visit https://giantcitylodge.com/ for more information. Giant City Campground is open year-round, but the shower house will be closed from December 4, 2023 through March 31, 2024. In the event of inclement weather (ice, sleet or snow events), Giant City Campground may close intermittently as the road leading to the campground becomes impassable. If winter weater is forecasted, please call ahead of your arrival. 
  • Red Hills State Park - The Trace Inn is currently closed.
  • Sahara Woods - The OHV construction area at Sahara Woods will be closed to all activities until further notice due to ongoing construction. This includes roughly 1400 acres of the northwest part of the park.
  • Trail of Tears - North Forest Road and South Forest Road will close for the season on December 24, 2023 and re-open May 10, 2024.
  • Wayne Fitzgerrell - All campgrounds at Wayne Fitzgerell SRA are closed until April 01, 2024.