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.
Region 1 - Northwestern Illinois
Last updated: 4/23/2025
- 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 2025/2026 Deer Firearm season dates: Nov. 21-23, Dec. 4-7, and Dec. 12-14. April 14 - May 15 the south end trails are closed daily until 1 pm for 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-All trails and day use areas will be closed on the following days for the site’s 2025/2026 firearm deer hunts: November 21-23, December 4-7, January 1-4 & 16-18.
- 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 - Saturday, September 21st will be the last day for tours at Ryan's Round Barn for the 2024 season. Lakeshore Loop will close for the season November 1st, 2024 and re-open May 1st, 2025. Johnson-Sauk Trail will be closed to the public Wednesday, November 6th at 3:30 p.m. - Friday, November 8th due to our Disabled Outdoor Opportunity shotgun deer hunt. The park will re-open to the public Saturday, November 9th, 2024. Additionally, the campground will close to the public at 12:00 noon on Monday, November 4th in preparation for the hunt. All camping units must vacate the campground by 12:00 noon on 11/04. The park will be closed to archery hunting on Wednesday, November 6th. Jack's Place restaurant will close for the season Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Ottawa, Kaskaskia, and Potawatomi Trails will be closed until 1:00 pm on May 15, 2025.
- 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 21, 22, and 23, of 2025. The park will re-open Monday, November 24th, 2025.
- 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 2025/2026 Deer Firearm season dates: Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7. April 14 - May 15 the Forest is closed daily unitl 1 pm for Spring turkey seasons. Equestrian trails are open and will close for the season Oct. 31st. Equestrian trail use during Spring turkey season is only allowed after 1 pm. Equestrian trials may be temporarily closed due to weather/trail condions, 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 - April 30th. Trails may be closed depending on weather May 1 - Octover 31st.
- 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.
- Rock Cut - Park closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday prior to the first statewide firearm deer season in November for a Deer Hunt for Disabled Hunters.
- Shabbona Lake State Park - NOTICE: The campground will be closed completely November 1, 2025 - April 30, 2025 for our vault toilet replacement project. September 1 - 30 annually, the west side of the Snowmobile trail is closed for dove season. Oct. 1 - Jan. 20 annually all hiking trails except Arrowhead and Touch the Earth are closed for hunting season.
- Starved Rock - There are no current trail closures due to flooding. Owl Canyon Overlook, Tonti Canyon, and the brown bluff trail above French Canyon are closed. Trail from the boat ramp south to west entrance park road closed until further notice.
- White Pines Forest State Park - All campgrounds, day use areas and trails will be closed on the following days for the site’s 2025 firearm deer hunts: November 17th, 18th and 19th as well as December 1st, 2nd and 3rd, those days are all either a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The campgrounds will close the day before each season segment, meaning there will be no camping on the nights of Sunday, November 16th or Sunday, November 30th. The lodge, restaurant and cabins, as well as the immediate lodge and cabin lawns will remain open.
- Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area - Camping is closed from Oct 1 - March 31 annually.
Region 2 - Northeastern Illinois
Last updated: 3/24/25
- Chain O'Lakes State Park - Camping will resume on March 1st, annually. Campground closes for the season 10/19/25. Contact the park for additional questions.
- 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 Illinois & Michigan Canal snowmobile trail is closed.
- Kankakee River -
- The bike trail remains open, but users should STAY ON THE TRAIL.
- Some of the restrooms may be closed due to maintenance issues.
- The main park closes at Sunset.
- Reservations on ExploreMoreIL™ are highly recommended.
- Mazonia - Braidwood SFWA - Eagle Lake and Ponderosa Lake at Mazonia/Braidwood SFWA is closed effective September 11, 2024, for a CDB construction project. There is no public access allowed in this area. Fishermen can use Monster Lake which is a half mile west of this area on 5000 road. 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. Seasonal snow events and icy conditions may cause delayed or limited openings.
- Moraine Hills - Site will be closed For the state-wide Deer Firearm Season the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before Thanksgiving weekend, and the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving weekend. Site is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Seasonal snow events and icy conditions may cause delayed or limited openings.
- Silver Springs -
- Annual Closures
- The West Entrance of the park is closed December 1 - March 31.
- The youth area is closed.
- 2024 - 2025 Updates
- The trap range wil be closed September 1 - 5. It will open open seven days a week September 6 – November 6. Starting November 7, the archery and trap ranges will be open Monday – Wednesday, then closed Thursday – Sunday until the end of pheasant season. January 19 – February 298 both ranges will be closed completely for coyote season. Starting March 1st, 2025, the trap range is open 7 days a week 7am to sunset, until Sept.1, 2025.
- The equestrian trail will open April 1st, 2025.
- October 1 - October 18, 2024 and March 15th - April 4th, 2025 Loon Lake is closed to fishing.
- Annual Closures
- Region II Office (Bartlett) - Closed to the public.
- Volo Bog - Site is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Seasonal snow events and icy conditions may cause delayed or limited openings.
Region 3 - East Central Illinois
Last updated: 6/24/2024
- Clinton Lake State Recreation Area – Both shower buildings are open and water is on for the season. North Fork trail and the equestrian trial will be closed until 1 PM Daily during Statewide Spring Turkey season. WEST SIDE BOAT ACCESS AREA WILL BE CLOSED (UNDER CONSTRUCTION) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE BEGINNING MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025. Mascoutin Beach is open the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. All Fish cleaning stations at Clinton Lake are closed indefinitely. The campground is open year-round except for the week of November 10-15 in order to host our annual disabled firearm deer hunt.
- Hidden Springs – 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. Hidden Springs is doing pond renovation to Hickory Ridge and Sassafras ponds. Pond dams have been removed.
- Kickapoo - 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 (including mushroom foraging) 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. Mountain bike trails will be closed after a rainfall or during the spring thaw until trails become dry. 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 from 4/16 through 10/15 (annually). During the off season 10/16 to 4/15 (annually), the pavilions may be used on a "first come, first served bases" as weather permits. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL™. The front half of the park and kayak launch areas remain open year round to parking while the back half of the facility is closed to vehicular traffic December 1st through March 1st, annually.
- Lincoln Trail State Park - Outdoor pavilion reservations can currently be made from 4/16 through 10/15 (annually). During the off season 10/16 to 4/15 (annually), the pavilions may be used on a "first come, first served bases" as weather permits. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL™. The staircases to the lower river trail are temporarily closed for replacement - this project is scheduled for substantial completion by 8/31/24, sorry for any inconvenience this closure causes. The lower river trail can still be accessed via the kayak launch trail.
- 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 (including mushroom foraging) 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 to horses from the Monday before shotgun deer season until the Monday following muzzleloader deer season.
- Moraine View State Recreation Area – Shower house in Gander Bay Campground is open and back in service.
- Shelbyville State Fish & Wildlife Area - 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 - 4/15 (annually), all outdoor pavilions will open for reservations beginning on April 16, and remain available for reservation until 10/15 (annually). All flush restrooms will open for the season on 4/16 and will remain so until first frost. The vault toilet building near the Long Creek pavilion will remain open year round. The indoor pavilion (Ida B. Spitler) is open for reservations beginning April 1st (annually), and may be reserved through October 31st (annually). The site will update the status of the indoor pavilion capacities based on Regional COVID-19 parameters as provided by IDPH. Current capacity levels are at one hundred percent which is 80 occupants. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL™
- Walnut Point State Park – The campground is open for the season and the shower building and water are available. Restaurant and bait shop are closed until further notice.
- Weldon Springs - The campground is open for the season and the shower building and water are available. The concession and boat rental operation is projected to open Memorial Day weekend. Union School Interpretive Center will open for the season on May 23.
Region 4 - West Central Illinois
Last updated: 4/21/2025
- Baldwin Lake - park hours are 6am - 9pm
- Beaver Dam State Park - the restaurant will open Monday the 21st of April 2025. They are overseeing boat, kayak, paddle boats and the selling of firewood for the park.
- Edward R Madigan State Park - the vault toilets at the canoe launch are closed until further notice.
- Eldon Hazlet State Park - North End campground sites 227-328 closed until May 1st. Peppenhorst launch area will be closed until water levels recede below 447, which should occur around May 5th.
- 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 - Northview shelter is closed until further notice. Grand Marais Shelter is temporarily closed due to downed trees from the storm.
- 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 open for the season. Illinois Caverns Cave will be closed for the weekend of 4/19/25-4/20/25 due to expectation of large amounts of rain.
- 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.
- Nauvoo State Park - Stevenson Shelter and the shower house have been winterized and closed for the season.
- Pere Marquette State Park - Visitor Center is open 7 days a week except for holidays, 8:00am-3:30pm.
- Sand Ridge State Forest - All seasonal venues are open; however, all trails are closed during firearm season. Green Trail is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions by calling the site office at 309-597-2212 after 9am daily. Office hours are 8am - 4pm, call at 309-597-2212 for more information.
- Sangchris Lake SP - The fish cleaning station is closed and not operable until further notice. All Cabins at Sangchris Lake SP have reopend for the normal camping season as of April 1,2025.
- Siloam Springs SP - site has no concessionaire; therefore, there is no boat/kayak rentals. Hickory, Pine and Oaks Campground is open for the season as well as the Lakeside Cabin and the Shelter House. Whispering Pines campground is closed indefinitely.
- Washington County CA - Got-a-Bite Concession will open on April 1, 8am- 8pm with full menu. 7/18/24 Boat ramp is open for wooden dock, however, a damaged dock remains closed until further notice due to storm damage. TRAIL CLOSURE NOTICE: Please be advised that a portion of the hiking trail at the Washington County SRA site, beginning at the northwest corner of the shower house, will be temporarily closed to the public due to construction on the shower house wastewater system. Closed Section: From the trail entrance at the NW corner of the shower house to approximately 300 yards down the trail of the 2-mile wooded section. The trail section will reopen once construction is complete. The rest of the trail will remain open. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our facilities. Thank you for your cooperation.
- Weinberg King State Park - equestrian trails are open for the season.
Region 5 - Southern Illinois
Last updated: 4/25/2025
- Beall Woods State Park - The following trails are temporarily closed due to flooding: White Oak, and Schneck. Ridgway remains inaccessible due to the collapse of the low water crossing. 4/21/25
- Burning Star FWA - Mine Road through Burning Star is closed due to a culvert needing repaired as of 4/19/25. Island Lake Boat Ramp is temporarily closed due to high water. Tripple Pipe Road is also closed due to flooding. 4/19/25
- Cache River Wetland Center - Beginning Thursday, January 2, 2025 - the Wetland Center will be closed until further notice.
- Fort Defiance State Park - Closed due to flooding until further notice. 4/4/25
- Fort Massac State Park – EFFECTIVE 4/22/25 The boat ramp to the Ohio River and lower riverfront area of the park is closed due to flood waters. Effective 10/28/24 - The back road will be closed due to IDOT working on the bridge over Massac Creek. The inside of the 1802 American Fort will be closed to the public until further notice for public safety.
- Lake Murphysboro State Park - Concession building is currently closed pending a Concessionaire. The walk bridge at the concession area is closed indefinitely. 4/8/25
- Rend Lake SFWA - The following boat ramp is currently closed due to high water: Bonnie South Boat Ramp. 4/16/25
- Sahara Woods FWA - OHV park is closed until May 2, 2025.
- Stephen A. Forbes State Park - Oak Ridge Campground is closed effective September 3, 2024, due to a bridge closure as part of a roadway project.
- Trail of Tears - Phones lines are currently down. 4/3/25
- Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreational Area - Campground is open with the exception of Hickman's Point and Lakeview. Lakeview will re-open on Monday, April 21, 2025. Shelters 4 is closed due to flooding. All IDNR managed bike trails are now open. 4/17/25.