Ferne Clyffe State Park
Key Information
Contact Info
618-995-2411
Location
90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, United States
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Fee
$10.00 - $30.00
Introduction of Ferne Clyffe State Park
For more than a century, Ferne Clyffe State Park has been regarded as a superb natural picturesque location. Numerous ferns, uncommon plant groups, and distinctive geological features all combine to enhance the park’s numerous recreational amenities. Visitors may witness interesting rock formations and stunning landscapes from trails that go through lovely woodlands. Additionally, camping, picnics, hiking, shooting, and fishing are available at Ferne Clyffe.
Ferne Clyffe State Park Camping
There is a campground in Ferne Clyffe for every kind of camper, whether they are equestrian, contemporary, rustic, or part of a youth group. Some campsites give seasonal access to their shower facilities.
A well-shaded Class A campsite, Deer Ridge offers gravel sites with power, picnic tables, and cooking grills. For campers who want a few home amenities with their outdoor experience, the setting is completed with drinking water, showers, flush toilets, and a sanitary waste station.
For campers looking for a peaceful outdoor experience, there is Turkey Ridge. It is a walk-in Class C campsite with camp pads, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. The parking lots are close to restrooms and drinking water.
The Youth Group campsite is great for scout troops, church groups, and other youth organisations. This Class D site has parking, restrooms, picnic tables, cooking grills, and drinking water. There must be proper supervision for minor gatherings, with at least one adult present for every 15 minors.
Backpackers who like their own private time in nature will value the seclusion of the Class C Backpack campground’s unique campsites. These wooded campsites, which are a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge rustic campground’s parking area, offer showers, toilets, and grills. At the Turkey Ridge parking area, there are water and garbage cans. You’re advised to pack out whatever you pack in and to use caution while starting fires.
Ferne Clyffe State Park Activities
Hiking
Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy Ferne Clyffe’s splendour at their own speed on eighteen varied pathways. Please be aware that the park does not permit bicycles or motorised vehicles on the paths. There are several naturally hazardous locations in the park; proceed with knowledge and caution. It is advised that you only trek on approved trails for your safety. To make map reading simple for even the most inexperienced hiker, each path has been given a number in addition to its name.
Historic Sites
On their way to Fort Kaskaskia in 1778, George Rogers Clark and his group are said to have been through or near Ferne Clyffe. The region is said to have been used by the Cherokee as a hunting range during the Trail of Tears march a century later.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riders have the option of driving or riding directly to their own Class C Equestrian Campground on the path. The location, which has picnic tables, drinking water, cooking grills, restrooms, parking, and showers, can accommodate up to 25 riders. You must secure horses to the hitching rails in order to safeguard the campground’s many well-shaded trees. There aren’t any horses for hire. On trails designated for horses, riding is permitted. Horses are not allowed on equestrian paths from November 1 to April 30.
It’s not necessary to make reservations in advance for sites in the Deer Ridge, Turkey Ridge, and Youth Group campsites. However, horseback riders and backpackers should make arrangements in advance with the park office.
Fishing
The lake’s largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and redear numbers will astound bank fishers.
Picnicking
For years, people have enjoyed taking picnics at Ferne Clyffe. There are seven picnic spots, each having a parking lot, restrooms, grills, and tables. A number of locations also include playground equipment, drinking water, and shelters. To prevent the danger of causing damage to the location, cooking fires should only be used on park grills or in individual cookstoves.
Hunting
The 1,750 acres of wooded environment, with healthy deer and squirrel populations, will be appreciated by hunters. Populations of quail and rabbits are average. Every year, food plots are established in open spaces to improve the habitat for upland game animals. Prior to going on your hunt, kindly check in at the hunter check station (maintenance building).
RVing
RV connections are offered at a number of campsites.
Transportation
Driving
Only two hours separate southern Illinois’ Ferne Clyffe State Park from St. Louis, Missouri. The campground is conveniently located on IL-37 in Johnson County, one mile south of Goreville, and is reachable by RVs, trailers, and other types of vehicles. The well-traveled routes entering the park are typically kept up, despite the fact that snow is frequently present in the winter. The park is accessible from April through December. If you do want to travel to the region off-peak, it is usually a good idea to verify the weather and travel conditions first.
Local asphalt roads may transport you everywhere you wish to go after you arrive at the park. Bicycles, RVs, trailers, and motorised vehicles are not allowed on the park’s paths. There are 13 parking lots dotted all across the park. You may bring your campervan, motorhome, or travel trailer wherever inside the park because parking spaces are strategically placed throughout the campgrounds and campsites. It is not difficult to park your horse trailer because there are designated parking areas, such as equestrian parking lots, available.
Parking
Parking is available.
Public Transport
Public Transport is available.
