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Lincoln Trail
Overview
Lincoln Trail State Park offers a serene escape into the rolling hills of east-central Illinois. Located just south of Marshall, this 1,023-acre park is named after the route Abraham Lincoln traveled when his family moved from Indiana to Illinois in 1830. The park is characterized by its deep valleys and lush forests, providing a peaceful backdrop for RV travelers looking to connect with nature and midwestern history in a quiet, well-preserved setting.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Clark County, the park is easily accessible via Highway 1 and sits within a short drive of the Indiana border. The landscape is unique for the region, featuring American Beech trees that are native to the area but rare elsewhere in the state. The centerpiece of the park is the 146-acre Lincoln Trail Lake, a man-made reservoir that provides a stunning focal point for the surrounding glacial topography and diverse local wildlife.
Amenities & Park Features
RVers will find comfortable and well-maintained accommodations at the Plainview and Lakeside campgrounds. The park features Class A campsites equipped with electricity, while water hydrants and a convenient dump station are located nearby for easy maintenance. During the warmer months, visitors have access to modern shower buildings and a seasonal concession stand. The park also provides multiple picnic areas with tables and grills, making it easy to enjoy outdoor meals with a view of the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can spend their days fishing for bass and bluegill or exploring the extensive hiking trails, including the popular Beech Tree Trail which showcases the park unique flora. Just a short drive away, the town of Marshall offers a glimpse into the past with the historic Archer House and vibrant local murals. Boating is also a major draw; the lake features a boat launch and seasonal rentals, though it maintains a 10-horsepower limit to preserve the tranquil environment.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature-focused families and solo travelers who prefer a rustic, quiet atmosphere over a busy commercial resort. It is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy birdwatching and photography, as the dense canopy and lakeside vistas provide ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. If you value historical context, easy access to water, and a slower pace of life, this state park fits your RV travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Justin Brueggemann
TLDR: This is one of our current favorite campgrounds, and has become an annual visit that we look forward to every year. Pretty sure this was our 8th consecutive year camping at Lincoln Trail State Park. Aside from our very first visit, we have always stayed on the Lakeside loop, and always at the end overlooking the lake. This has become an annual trip with our friends from Indianapolis (it's about the half way point between us), and has steadily grown to 4 or 5 families each year. We almost always stay here after Labor Day, so the campground is never busy. The park is well maintained. The paved road around the lake makes for a nice car or bike ride (if you're up to it!), there are multiple well-maintained hiking trails, and the lake itself is awesome to take a canoe ride on (we always bring one). Water is available at the dump station on the way in, and also spread throughout the campground. The dump station itself has two lanes, non-potable water for cleanout, and this trip they even had sewer hoses connected & ready to go. The Lakeside campground has only pit toilets, but Plainview has a nice bathroom/shower house. Hosts area always friendly, and leave you alone unless you need something. The wooden stairs and railings around many of the sites are showing their age, but you can see new repairs throughout as they keep them maintained. The gravel sites (at least on Lakeside) are a blessing and a curse; they're mostly level, dry, and comfortable walking, but you'll be sweeping it out of your camper or tent all weekend! There is a small playground in the Lakeside area, and I believe a slightly larger one and basketball court in Plainview. As of this review (2025), the restaurant & bait shop are no longer open. You are still able to fish, but make sure your license is up to date as we have been checked by Conservation Police (this is a positive thing in my opinion).
Dennis Viers
This is a great campground, nice shaded spots, just seems to have a good vibe. Some spots are smaller. Nice shower house. Road in is narrow, slow down and pull over, its a squeeze if two campers have to pass.
Bob Hospadaruk
We stayed there in early April, one of only maybe a half a dozen campers. It seemed like a really nice campground and we enjoyed our overnight stay. The restrooms in showers were clean and useful. And there is a beautiful little lake to explore. The town of Marshall is nearby with a couple of restaurants and bars.
Passionate Patriot
We loved this campground and the hosts were simply amazing. Clean, private showers and restrooms all at a very affordable price. There is water available throughout the campground and there are plenty of sites with power . There is also a water fill plus dump station within the campground. The kids can enjoy the playground and the basketball court as well as a beautiful nature trail. Pets are welcome too!
Daniel Craig
This was a great place to visit for the total solar eclipse last week. The campground lawn could have been mowed as the grass was really tall. Otherwise, we had a great experience and look forward to going back there someday as it is only 2.5 hrs from home.