State Park Location Maps:
(click here to zoom and navigate local map)
(click here to zoom and navigate regional map)
View TOPO Maps!
Get directions to this park:
State Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open
State Park Link:
Walnut Point State Park
Nearby Parks:
Walnut Point State Park Lake Dam
Walnut Point State Park Lake
|
| State Park Contact Information: |
 |
Walnut Point State Park
2331 E. County Road 370 N
Oakland, Illinois 61943
Phone: 217-346-3336
Reservations: 217-346-3336
Email: rshafer@dnrmail.state.il.us
|
| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
|
Photography: add your photos
|
|
| State Park Overview: |
| With its woods, water and wildlife, Walnut Point State Park in east-central Illinois has it all - from fishing, hunting and camping to hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing. Conveniently located within a few miles of Interstate 57, U.S. Highway 36 and Illinois Route 133, the 631-acre site is 20 miles northeast of Charleston. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Although Walnut Point has numberous, developed recreational facilities, it sill maintains many of its orignal natural features and attributes. Ash, oak, hickory, maple, walnut, locust and sassafras trees dominat the prk's extensive wooded acres. The park features tow winding and scenic tree-lined drives for motor vehicles. The roadsides are especially beautiful in the Spring when the redbuds and wildflowers bloom, while fall foliage colors are varied and spectuacular. In addition, the park is home to a prairie restoration plot and a 65-acre nature preserve, Upper Embarras Woods.
Within the park are many mamals, amphibians and reptiles. Bird watchers will find good viewing for several different species of songbirds, owls and raptors. Wood ducks, herons and Canada geese also can be seen on and along the lake. Because of its natural diversity and viewing opportunities, Walnut Point is among the sites featured in the "Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide."
The Lake
The 59-acre, multi-fingered Walnut Point Lake is the focal point of the park. It is stream fed and formed by an earthen dam located on the lake's Southern shore. The lake has a maximum average depth of 12.5 feet and 6.3 miles of shoreline.
Except for electric trolling motors, boat motors are not allowed. Swimming is not permitted. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
|
|
A great place to camp.
My husband and I spent the Memorial day weekend there and we were highly impressed with the sites and the ammenities. The concession stand food is excellent and there is plenty to do. Boating, hiking, fishing and plenty of relaxation. The staff was extra nice and very helpful.
Written by Tina Stover
7-Jun-2008
| |
|
Beautiful Camping Spot
Written by Kenneth Miller
19-Jul-2008
| |
|
|
| Camping: |
| Several types of camping are offered at Walnut Point State Park. "Class A" camping areas offer campers use of electric hook-ups and a shower building with flush toilets. In addition, "Class C" walk-in tent camping areas and a group camping area (youth and adult) are available. Drinking water and a sanitary dump station are provided. During cold weather, camp facilities are subject to closure. Campers are reminded they are required to have their primary camping unit with them before they can occupy a site and obtain a permit.
Currently, all Class "A and C" campsites are available for reservation. The group camping area and two large picnic shelters are also reservable. Please contact the park office for current information and specific details. |
| Trails: |
| Hiking and nature-study enthusiasts will find 2.25 miles of trails weaving through the timber. By using the main park road and the Gray Squirrel-Twin Points connection trail, walkers and joggers can complete a 3-mile exercise loop. All trails are restricted to foot traffic only. The Lakeside Nature Trail (.5 mile) is handicapped accessible. |
| Picnicking: |
| Eight wooded picnic areas bordering the lake offer picnic tables, outdoor grills and privies with designated parking areas close by. There are 5 large shelters for groups, eight large tables with protective roofs, 2 sets of playground equipment and 3 horseshoe pits. Drinking water is available. Firewood is not provided but is available at the concession. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing:
With its many fingerlike coves, Walnut Point Lake provides a beautiful setting for an angler to enjoy a quality fising experience.
Anglers can try their luck either on the lake - which supports largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill and brown bullhead - or along the banks of the Embarras River. Floating docks, fixed piers and two single-lane boat launches are provided for lake access. Angles are restricted to pole-and-line fishing only.
Hunting:
Archery deer, squirrel and limited raccoon hunting are permitted. Hunters can contact the park office for current information or review the on-line Hunter Fact Sheets. |
| History of the Area: |
| Walnut Point was named for Douglas County's first pioneer settlement. No longer in existence, the community was established in the 1830's about 2 miles from the park site. The park opened in 1968 and is managed by the Department of Natural Resources. |
| |
| |
| | Advertise your park related business
on stateparks.com
...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
|
| Related Links: |
| Campground Review - Walnut Point State Park, Oakland, Illinois - Campground Review - Walnut Point State Park, Oakland, Illinois ... > Free Credit Report Campground Review Walnut Point State Park, Oakland, Illinois Submitted by Dinah. This is a quiet campground ... | | DNR - DNR ... Parks & Recreation Publications Research/Surveys State Museums Search DNR Illinois [IL Search Tips] Walnut Point - State Park East-Central Region 2331 E. County Road 370 N. R.R. #2, Box 250 ... | | The Osage Inn - Charleston, Illinois - BBOnline.com / Introduction - Charleston, Illinois Bed and Breakfast: The Osage Inn is an 1860's hewn log house that Diane and ... south of Charleston, great trails & picnicking Walnut Point State Park - within 30 minute drive ... |
| Nature Programs: |
| Programs designed to help visitors better appreciate the site's natural resources are provided on a seasonal basis. Contact the park office for more information and specific details.
|
| Area Attractions: |
| Winter Sports
Ice fishing and ice skating, both "at your own risk" activities, are permitted on the lake when the ice is thick enough. Ample area also is available for cross-country skiing.
The Surrounding Area
Other attractions in the surrounding area of Walnut Point would be the Norton Knolls Golf Course in Oakland appoximately 3 miles from the park; the Olde Barn Sporting Clays in Oakland, appoximately 5 miles from park; and the Oakland Community Swimming Pool, appoximatley 3 miles from the park. |
| Directions: |
| Walnut Point State Park is located 20 miles northeast of Charleston and 3 miles north of Oakland. Interstate 57, US route 36, and state route 133 are three major access highways in close proximity to the park. |
|
|
| |
|
USA
