Red Hills State Park Guide

Red Hills State Park in Southern Illinois is a fun park that offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, lake activities, and dining.

This might be a state park that many in the southernmost counties have heard of. However, it’s well worth visiting for everything this park has to offer. We really enjoyed our visit to the park and hope to return for camping and other activities.

In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about visiting Red Hills State Park in Southern Illinois.

Information and History About Red Hills State Park

Red Hills State Park is located in a very historical area of Southern Illinois.

It’s in the westernmost edge of the first Illinois land that was surrounded by Native Americans to the United States. A treaty was made in 1795 in which Native Americans relinquished all land to the northwest of the Ohio River, along a line commonly known as the Vincennes Tract. This area was bisected by the Old Cahokia Trace, which is commonly referred to as “Trace Road,” which ran east and west just north of U.S. Route 50.

A dam was constructed across Muddy Creek in 1953, creating the 40-acre Red Hills Lake, which has 2.5 acres of shoreline and a maximum depth of 30 feet.

Today, Red Hills State Park attracts many people who enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you want to hike, bike, ride horses, camp, or enjoy the lake, the state park has something for you. A restaurant is also located in the park for your use, with a pretty view of the lake.

How to Reach Red Hills State Park

Red Hills State Park is in the upper Southern Illinois County of Lawrence.

The closest towns to this park are Sumner, Bridgeport, and Lawrenceville.

To reach this state park from Marion, Illinois, use this Google Maps Link.

Change the starting point to where you need to start from.

NOTE: The equestrian trails are on the south side of the park (southern of US-50), and the hiking trails are on the north side of the park (north of US-50).

All roads leading to this state park are paved and accessible to all vehicles.

Please use caution during wintry weather and flooding conditions.

What You Will See at Red Hills State Park

There is a lot to do when you visit Red Hills State Park in Southern Illinois.

There are multiple picnicking areas throughout the park. Most of these areas include outdoor restrooms and playgrounds. These picnic areas offer shade and ample parking for visitors.

There are 8 miles of trails in the park. On the north side of the park, you can enjoy 3 miles of hiking trail with scenic views, rolling hills, and a nice walk in the woods. On the south side of the park, there are 5 miles of equestrian and biking trails when trail conditions allow. Please remember to share the trail and yield to horseback riders.

There is also a campground with 100 Class-A campsites, some having 50-amp sites. The campsites have vehicle access, electricity, water, dumping stations, and restrooms with showers. A Class-C equestrian campground is also provided.

Fishing, boating, and kayaking/canoes are allowed on the lake. The lake prohibits the use of a gas-powered boat motor and is classified as a no-wake lake. The lake is known for its largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill.

During the winter months, if the lake has enough ice, the park allows ice fishing and ice skating.

Hunting is allowed during hunting season.

A restaurant in Red Hills State Park, known as Harry Lee’s. A wide variety of menu items includes fish, chicken, burgers, and more. The pricing isn’t bad according to their online menu, and they have decent reviews.

The state park has a very nice accessibility rate. There are accessible campsites, restrooms, parking areas, and access to the lake. Those with mobility issues or those who are handicap shouldn’t have many issues, enjoying most of what the park has to offer.

There truly is a lot to do at Red Hills State Park near Sumner, Illinois.

Special Guidelines and Safety Information

Campground and picnic shelter reservations can be made online.

Those fishing at Red Hills Lake must have a valid Illinois Fishing License and follow all regulations for fishing in Illinois. Boats may not use gas-powered motors or create wake.

Those hunting at Red Hills State Park must do so during hunting season. A valid Illinois hunting permit will be required. An Illinois FOID card is required for anyone who uses a firearm in Illinois.

Picnic sites, trails, and the lake are for day-use only.

The campground has quiet hours, and rules will be enforced.

Lodging, Dining, Shopping, and Sightseeing Nearby

For lodging, consider staying at the park’s campgrounds (Class A for regular campers and Class C for equestrian campers). Other lodging and hotels are located in nearby Olney, Illinois.

For dining, Harry’s Lee’s in the state park has a good menu, fair prices, and decent reviews. Check out The Shack and Dairy Dee in Sumner nearby. Bridgeport and Lawrenceville also have many dining options.

Check out Sumner, Bridgeport, and Lawrenceville for all your fuel, grocery, and shopping needs.

For other hiking, biking, equestrian, and lake activities, check out Newton Lake Conservation Area northwest of Red Hills State Park. We also enjoyed hiking the equestrian trails when we visited there.

Final Advice About Red Hills State Park

Red Hills State Park is located in the northern part of Southern Illinois.

I think many of us down here forget about places like this park. It’s really worth checking out and enjoying for yourself. I highly recommend getting out to visit this and other state parks in the region, as many of them have a lot to offer.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!

Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

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