State: Illinois
Address 1: 7982 South Park Rd.
City: Manito
Zip: 61546
Phone: 309-968-7135
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 70
Camp URL: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/r1/spl.htm
Full Hook: Yes
Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area is located in Tazewell county, 25 miles southwest of Peoria on the east side of the Illinois River. Overlooked by a large sandstone bluff, Spring Lake is a long, narrow lake created by a meander of the Illinois River. The lake covers and area of 1,285 acres, has a maximum depth of 10 feet and has 18 miles of shoreline.
Fishing and Boating
The lake is divided into two separate lakes. North lake has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullheads, and carp. The south lake has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike and sunfish.
There are two gravel and one concrete launching ramps on the north lake. South Lake has one concrete boat launching ramp. Boat motors are limited to 25 horsepower and there are creel and length limits on most species. Ice fishing is permitted, but caution should be used due to underwater springs, which can weaken ice.
Hiking
Hikers can enjoy five trails within the park. The Stage Coach Road hiking trail is 2 1/2 miles long, Deer Run hiking trail is 1/2 mile long, and the Whispering Pine hiking trail is divided into three separate trails of 1/2, 1 1/2 miles, and 2 1/2 miles.
Hunting
Waterfowl, squirrel and deer archery hunting are allowed at Spring Lake. Please check with site personnel concerning site regulations, season dates, limits, and designated hunting areas.
Facilities
There are five day use/picnic areas at Spring Lake. Three of these areas – two in the south park and one in the north park – provide shelters with pedestal grills. All five areas have tables and outdoor stoves. A concessionaire, located near the south boat ramp, provides boat rentals. There is a concessionaire located at the Causeway Day Use Area providing bait, tackle, sandwiches and drinks.
Camping
Pine Campground and Oak Campground, located in the north park, are Class C campgrounds (no showers or electric sites). Seventy sites provide tent and/or trailer camping. A trailer disposal station is available. A Class D, walk-in campground is located in the south park for tent camping only. Group camping is permitted in this campground.
