Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
(multi-unit management area; including Jenkins Marsh)

Woodford County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
 40.879684, -89.456619

524 Conservation Ln
Low Point, IL 61545

 Official Website
https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.woodford.html
https://huntillinois.org/sites/woodford-sfwa/​

Activities: 
Trails (seasonal hiking January 1 - October 1)
Camping (tent, RV; seasonal April 1 - September 30)
Water (paddle, fish); stop on Greater Peoria Canoe and Kayak Trail)​
Snow (snowshoe, cross-country ski)
Other (hunt*, view wildlife, picnic)
*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.
 
Season/Hours:  seasonal
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (leashed)
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  https://ngrrec-hunt-illinois-wordpress-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/17131309/WoodfordHunterMap.pdf
On Site:   none found
 
Parking:  parking lots
 
Amenities:  dependent on unit; camping area includes shelter, picnic tables
 
Restrooms: pit toilets (also dependent on unit) 
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  no
 
Cost:  free admission, fee for other activities                
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access: 
forest, prairie, open grass space
wetland view & access, river view & access
 
General Description:  a multiple unit and multi-use 2900-acre (including 2462-acres of water) wildlife refuge; campground located on east side of Illinois River; stop on Miles C. Hauter Interpretive (Vehicular) Trail

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  ​  The campground area is a beautiful area with a stand of magnificent baldy cypress trees. There are multiple units managed as part of Woodford SFWA including Gomo (Resting Fish) Island near the McCluggage Bridge.  
​Subject to Illinois River flooding. Know before you go.  Check Illinois River levels here.
​

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Woodford SFWA Hunter Map (PDF)
Woodford SFWA Brochure & Trail Map from pic (PDF)

More Information:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L342097?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec

https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/history/2023/05/18/man-made-island-near-mcclugage-bridge-peoria-illinois-refuge-for-fish-birds-wildlife/70160221007/

https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/lacon/nature-outdoor-recreation/woodford-state-fish-wildlife-area/

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/woodford-state-fish-and-wildlife-area?gclid=CjwKCAiAi4fwBRBxEiwAEO8_HizlGPY7XNd_bCw4bRUhYyMqewbBOoVkHPW_VkmIfwzHlK3GL0G3rxoCIf4QAvD_BwE
​
​https://www.ducks.org/illinois/du-project-helps-improve-water-quality-in-illinois-river

https://www.ducks.org/conservation/glar/illinois/illinois-river-wetlands-restored-protected
​

Managed by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
236 State Route 26
Lacon, IL 61540
309-246-8351 

*Prior to visiting, ALL prospective visitors should check hunting information on the IL DNR website
https://huntillinois.org/​ .
​Some sites may have signs indicating “Hunting in Progress” in place at the parking lots.  Some will have NO indication of hunting.
Be AWARE ~ Be SAFE.