Did you know that Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park encompasses 3,300 acres of pristine Illinois wilderness with three-quarters of its boundary surrounded by the stunning Rend Lake? This hidden gem in Southern Illinois offers one of the state’s most diverse outdoor experiences, with nearly 2,000 acres dedicated to recreational activities and another 1,000 acres preserved as wildlife habitat. Named after a state representative who championed the construction of Rend Lake, this park has become a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking everything from world-class fishing to scenic hiking trails.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is located near Benton, Illinois, approximately 1.5 hours east of St. Louis, Missouri. The closest major airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about 145 km (90 miles) away. Visitors can also fly into Southern Illinois Airport (MDH) near Carbondale, which is roughly 64 km (40 miles) from the park.
The park is easily accessible via Interstate 57 and local highways. If approaching from the south on IL-154, you’ll cross over Rend Lake on a bridge offering spectacular views, though this route may be narrow for larger recreational vehicles. Most park destinations are accessible from one main road, making navigation straightforward once you arrive.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Recommended Seasons
- Late Spring (May-June): Ideal temperatures around 21-27°C (70-80°F) with blooming wildflowers and active wildlife.
- Early Fall (September-October): Comfortable 18-24°C (65-75°F) temperatures with stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June-August): Perfect for water activities with temperatures averaging 27-32°C (80-90°F), though humidity can be high.
Seasons to Avoid
- Winter (December-February): Temperatures often drop below freezing, with limited services and activities.
- Late Summer: July and August can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 35°C (95°F).
- Early Spring: March and early April can be unpredictably rainy with muddy conditions on trails.
The bridle trail encircling the wildlife area closes from mid-September to mid-April during hunting season. Check the park’s seasonal schedule before planning horseback riding activities.
Getting Around Locally
The park’s layout makes it easy to navigate with one main road connecting most attractions. If you’re staying overnight, the most convenient approach is to park your vehicle or RV at your campsite and use alternative transportation to explore the park.
Transportation Options
- Biking: A 4-mile hiking/biking trail connects day-use areas, campgrounds, and Rend Lake Resort.
- Walking: Well-maintained trails make walking between nearby attractions pleasant and scenic.
- Personal Vehicle: Convenient parking lots are located throughout the park near major attractions.
Rental Options
- E-Bikes: Available for rent at the lake, offering a fun way to explore the park’s trails.
- Boats & Kayaks: Rentals available for exploring Rend Lake’s expansive waters.
- Horseback Riding: While you’ll need to bring your own horse, the 9-mile bridle trail offers excellent riding opportunities.
Where to Stay
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park offers diverse accommodation options to suit every outdoor enthusiast’s preferences, from primitive camping to comfortable resort lodging.
Camping
The park features 243 modern RV campsites with electrical hookups and 40 primitive tent sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit, and fire ring or grill. RVs and trailers up to 13.4 m (44 feet) can be accommodated. Camping fees are $20 per night for electric sites and $6 for primitive sites.
Campground areas include Shady Rest, Lookout Point, Lake View, Hickmans Point, and Bay Area, many offering waterfront views. While most sites are first-come, first-served, 33 sites in the Bay Area can be reserved in advance.
Rend Lake Resort
For those seeking more comfort, Rend Lake Resort offers 105 rooms and cabins with lakefront views, full baths, TVs, and telephones. Select accommodations feature fireplaces, sleeping lofts, and spas. While cabins don’t have cooking facilities, they do include refrigerators.
The resort also provides amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, playground, convenience store, gift shop, boat gas station, and courtesy boat docking.
Nearby Accommodations
If the park’s accommodations are full, several options are available nearby:
- Archway RV Park (Mount Vernon)
- Whittington Woods Campground
- Benton KOA
For hotel accommodations, the towns of Benton, Mount Vernon, and West Frankfort offer additional lodging options within a short drive of the park.
Dining & Local Cuisine
While Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is primarily known for its outdoor activities, visitors have several dining options both within and near the park.
In-Park Dining
Windows Restaurant at Rend Lake is the primary dining establishment within the park, located at the Rend Lake Resort. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on regional specialties.
House Specialties:
- Southern Illinois-style pork chops
- Fresh-caught catfish
- Grilled steaks
- Homemade salads and desserts
The restaurant features a lounge and casual outdoor deck dining with beautiful lake views. A children’s menu is also available for younger visitors.
Self-Catering Options
Many visitors choose to self-cater, especially those staying at campsites. Each campsite includes a fire pit with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking.
Supplies & Groceries:
- The resort’s convenience store offers basic groceries and camping supplies.
- Larger grocery stores can be found in nearby Benton and Mount Vernon.
- Local farmers’ markets (seasonal) provide fresh produce and regional specialties.
Picnic areas throughout the park are equipped with tables, making them ideal for family meals in scenic settings.
Tip: Consider bringing your own firewood as it’s not sold on-site. Alternatively, you can purchase it from other local campgrounds in the area.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Water Activities
With three-quarters of the park’s boundary being Rend Lake shoreline, water activities are among the most popular attractions:
- Fishing: The lake is renowned for black and white crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Early spring is particularly excellent for crappie fishing.
- Boating: The expansive 19,000-acre Rend Lake Reservoir offers ample space for pleasure boating and water skiing.
- Swimming: A nice beach area provides a perfect spot for cooling off during hot summer days.
Land Activities
The park’s diverse landscape offers numerous land-based recreational opportunities:
- Hiking: A 4-mile trail near the South picnic area takes you through wetlands and prairie grasslands.
- Biking: The same trail is perfect for cyclists, connecting to the Rend Lake College Bike Trail.
- Horseback Riding: A 9-mile bridle trail encircles the wildlife field, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Picnicking: Over 150 picnic sites throughout the park, many with shelters, tables, and playground equipment.
Seasonal Events
The park hosts various seasonal events throughout the year:
- Fishing Tournaments: Competitive events for anglers of all skill levels.
- Field Trials: Over 25 sporting dog competitions annually, featuring beagles, retrievers, and bird dogs.
- Halloween Events: Special trick-or-treating nights for families camping in the park.
- Wildlife Observation Programs: Guided experiences with park naturalists during peak migration seasons.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park itself focuses primarily on natural attractions, the surrounding area offers several cultural and historical points of interest that make excellent day trips during your stay.
Nearby Cultural Attractions
- Rend Lake Visitors Center: Features exhibits on the lake’s history, construction, and ecological significance.
- Franklin County Mining Museum (Benton): Showcases the region’s rich coal mining heritage with artifacts and historical displays.
- Cedarhurst Center for the Arts (Mount Vernon): Features a sculpture park and rotating art exhibitions approximately 32 km (20 miles) from the park.
Annual Events & Festivals
- Rend Lake Water Festival (May): Celebrates the lake with boat parades, music, and food in nearby Benton.
- Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days (September): One of the largest outdoor recreation events in the region.
- Fall Festival (October): Features pumpkin carving, hayrides, and seasonal activities for families.
“The park was named in honor of Wayne Fitzgerrell, a state representative from nearby Sesser who was an advocate for the construction of Rend Lake. Dedicated in 1975, just five years after the Rend Lake reservoir was constructed, the park preserves the natural and cultural heritage of Southern Illinois.”
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with approximately 1,000 acres dedicated to wildlife habitat. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a rich variety of plant and animal species.
Wildlife Viewing
The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife:
- Birds: Great blue herons, American bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl. The park supports a unique resident population of ring-necked pheasants, rare in southern Illinois.
- Mammals: White-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and turkeys are commonly spotted throughout the park.
- Best Viewing Times: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best opportunities for wildlife observation.
Bring binoculars and a camera to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Natural Features
The park’s landscape includes:
- Oak-Hickory Woodlands: Small pockets of native forest provide habitat for woodland species.
- Prairie Grasslands: Restored areas showcase the region’s original prairie ecosystem.
- Wetlands: Shoreline areas support diverse aquatic plants and animals.
- Rend Lake: The 19,000-acre reservoir creates a unique aquatic ecosystem.
The varied topography of fence rows, abandoned crop fields, and cleared farmsteads interspersed with woodlands creates excellent habitat diversity.
Photography Tip: Visit the shoreline during sunset for breathtaking views as the sun sets over Rend Lake. The golden hour light creates perfect conditions for landscape and wildlife photography.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Park Safety
- Water Safety: Always wear life jackets when boating. Be aware that Rend Lake can develop choppy conditions during windy weather.
- Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals, including raccoons and deer.
- Hunting Seasons: Be aware of hunting seasons (particularly September through April) and wear bright colors when hiking during these periods.
- Weather: Southern Illinois can experience severe thunderstorms in summer. Monitor weather forecasts and seek shelter when necessary.
Park Etiquette
- Camping: Observe quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM) in campgrounds.
- Fires: Use only designated fire rings and never leave fires unattended.
- Waste: Pack out all trash and dispose of it in proper receptacles.
- Trails: Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive habitats.
- Pets: Pets are welcome but must be kept on leashes no longer than 3 m (10 feet) at all times.
The bridle trail encircling the wildlife area is closed from September 15 to April 15 during hunting and field trial seasons. Always check current regulations and trail closures at the park office before planning your activities.
Visitor Comments About Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
“We’ve visited Wayne Fitzgerrell three times now and keep coming back for the incredible fishing and spacious campsites. The points have the best views of the lake, and we’ve seen so much wildlife – deer, turkeys, and even a bald eagle! For $20 a night with electric hookups, it’s one of the best values we’ve found anywhere.”
“The hiking and biking trails here are fantastic! We spent hours exploring the 4-mile trail that winds through wetlands and prairie. The sunset views over Rend Lake were absolutely breathtaking – worth the trip alone. Bring your camera if you visit; you won’t be disappointed with the photo opportunities.”
“We rented kayaks and spent a wonderful day exploring Rend Lake. The water was calm and perfect for beginners. The campground was peaceful with well-spaced sites and clean facilities. We especially enjoyed watching the sunset from the rocks by the water. Will definitely return next summer!”
Additional Nearby Destinations
Rend Lake
While the park borders Rend Lake, exploring other areas of this 19,000-acre reservoir offers additional recreational opportunities. The Corps of Engineers maintains several other access points around the lake with beaches, boat ramps, and picnic areas.
Distance: Adjacent to the park
Shawnee National Forest
This spectacular national forest features unique rock formations, dense woodlands, and miles of hiking trails. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Illinois.
Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles) southeast
Cache River State Natural Area
Home to ancient cypress trees and unique wetland ecosystems, this natural area offers canoe trails through cypress-tupelo swamps that are unlike anything else in Illinois.
Distance: Approximately 96 km (60 miles) south
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring
- Firewood: Not sold on-site, so bring your own or purchase from nearby campgrounds.
- Fishing Gear: While basic supplies are available locally, bringing your preferred equipment is recommended.
- Binoculars: Essential for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
- Water Containers: Campgrounds have water spigots scattered throughout, but not at every site.
- Bug Spray: Particularly important during summer months when mosquitoes are active.
Planning Advice
- Reservations: While most campsites are first-come, first-served, the 33 reservable sites in Bay Area fill quickly during peak season.
- Cell Service: Coverage can be spotty throughout the park; download maps and information in advance.
- Accessibility: Many facilities, including Shelter 4 in the County Line Picnic Area, are handicap accessible.
- Operating Hours: The park is open 24 hours daily, but the office has limited hours.
- Park Address: 11094 Ranger Road, Whittington, IL 62897
Your Southern Illinois Adventure Awaits
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and peaceful relaxation. Whether you’re casting a line for crappie at sunrise, hiking through prairie grasslands, or simply enjoying a sunset over Rend Lake, this 3,300-acre paradise captures the essence of Southern Illinois’ outdoor charm. With affordable camping options, diverse wildlife, and activities for all ages, it’s no wonder visitors return year after year. Pack your gear, bring your sense of adventure, and discover why Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park deserves a spot on your Illinois travel itinerary.
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