Walnut Point

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.

Hiking

Hikers, joggers and nature-study enthusiasts can utilize over 5 miles of trails:

Whispering Pines Trail weaves through the nature preserve and is 1.75 miles long.

WoodpeckerTrail meanders beside the lake and is 1 mile in length, with .5 mile being handicapped accessible.This trail is also a self-guiding, tree identification, interpretive trail.

The Observatory Trail starts from the Whispering Pines Trail and provides the best access and views to the Embarras River bottomlands.The total round-trip is 2.35 miles.

Also, hikers and joggers can create a 3 mile exercise loop by using the main park road and the Gray Squirrel-toTwin Points connecting trail.

Fishing

With its many fingerlike coves, Walnut Point Lake provides a beautiful setting for an angler to enjoy a quality fishing 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. Anglers are restricted to pole-and-line fishing only.

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. The shower buildings are closed by November 1st (may be earlier if bad weather) and reopen May 1st (may be earlier - weather depending).

Currently, all Class "A and C" campsites are available for reservation. Reservations can be made through the ExploreMoreIL™ website. Please contact the park office for current information and specific details or view the Reservations website. The group camping area and two large picnic shelters are also reservable.

PLEASE NOTE: Fox Tent, Gray Tent and Group Camp are "Alcohol Free" camping areas.

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.

Hunting

Archery deer, squirrel and limited raccoon hunting are permitted. Hunters can contact the park office for current information or review the online Hunter Fact Sheets for Walnut Point, Willow Creek, and Hindsboro Pheasant Habitat Area: Hunter Information