Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area in Illinois, USA

Research checked: 2026-10-23. Check linked official notices before travel.

Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area near Astoria, Illinois, is an Illinois River backwater managed for fishing, hunting and wildlife habitat. It also has picnic areas and camping. Plan around current restrictions: flooding limits South Camp, and the regular waterfowl season closes the lake to ordinary boating and boat fishing.

A working waterfowl landscape beside the Illinois River

Seasonal birdwatching: bottomland forest and managed waterfowl habitat attract birds at different times of year.
Fishing access: two public boat ramps and docks serve the lake when boating access is open.
West-bank camping: tent and trailer camping provides an overnight option, subject to flood conditions.

Check river conditions and the hunting calendar

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Topic	Details
Entry and camping charges	IDNR does not charge an entrance fee for its state-owned or operated land. Camping has separate charges. Ask the site office for the current Class C camping rate and available services.
Flood-related camping limits	South Camp is available only on a limited basis because of flooding. Check current IDNR closures and call before setting out.
Boating and boat-fishing season limits	The lake closes to boating and boat fishing seven days before and throughout the regular waterfowl season, except for legal waterfowl hunting. Confirm the applicable season dates before planning a launch.
Future camping plans	Illinois changes its camping classifications and fees on January 1, 2027. The state has suspended 2027 camping reservations during its September–December 2026 system transition. Confirm arrangements for your selected date with the site office.

Treat high water as an access constraint

River overflow and severe weather can close roads or other parts of the site. Follow posted closures and ask staff which access areas remain usable. Do not interpret a boat ramp on a map as permission to launch during the seasonal lake closure.

Protect the habitat and follow site rules

Keep pets on a leash. Leave plants and trees intact and put litter in the provided containers. Hunting is regulated by species, season and area. Read the site-specific hunting rules before taking part. Hunters must check in and out at the check station.

Arrange camping and larger visits with the office

Call 309-759-4484 to confirm which campground areas are operating, how to register and what the stay will cost. Review the 2027 camping changes for a future stay. Groups of 25 or more must register with the site office in advance. Each group of 15 minors needs at least one responsible adult.

Find the entrance on Illinois Route 100

The site address is 647 North State Highway 100, Astoria, Illinois 61501. The entrance is on the east side of Route 100, about 9 miles south of its junction with Route 136. Use the official brochure and map to distinguish Anderson Lake, Carlson Lake and the north and south camping areas.

Other state areas for a regional drive

Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area: a separate site reached through the Chandlerville area, with its office on County Road 200 North. Check its refuge restrictions before a visit.
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area: an inland option near Chandlerville, at 10149 County Highway 11.

Choose an activity that fits the season

Fishing is one of the site's main uses. IDNR lists crappie, bluegill, bullhead, bass and channel catfish among the lake's fish. Choose bank or boat access only after checking the current restrictions; a camping stay does not override a lake closure.

Picnic areas offer another way to use the site. Watch for birds along the floodplain and woodland edges.

Plan for Class C camping and lakeshore access

The Class C campgrounds on the west bank accommodate tents and trailers. A sanitary dump station is listed. Picnic facilities include two shelters, tables and drinking water. Confirm service availability for the operating area, especially after flooding or in cold weather.

IDNR identifies accessible restrooms and shelter picnic tables with accessible parking. Some roadside shoreline fishing locations have usable wheelchair access, but IDNR states that these fishing areas are not ADA compliant. Call to discuss the specific route and facilities you need.

About the floodplain and its management

From private duck grounds to public recreation

The lake was used by a private duck club in the early 1900s. Illinois began acquiring land in 1947, and the property became a public hunting and fishing area.

Bottomland forest and managed waterfowl habitat

Silver maple, cottonwood and willow characterize the woodland. Carlson Lake is managed for waterfowl, with summer drainage and planting followed by fall flooding. IDNR notes bald eagles in winter and migrating white pelicans in spring. These seasonal patterns do not guarantee sightings.

Anderson Lake site information

Call 309-759-4484 for flood conditions, camping and activity access. Use the official IDNR site page for visitor information.

	Temp max	Temp min	Rain	Snow
Jan	2 °C 36 °F	-6 °C 21 °F	32 mm 1.3 in	14 mm 0.6 in
Feb	3 °C 37 °F	-6 °C 21 °F	37 mm 1.5 in	17 mm 0.7 in
Mar	11 °C 52 °F	1 °C 34 °F	81 mm 3.2 in	6 mm 0.2 in
Apr	17 °C 63 °F	7 °C 45 °F	112 mm 4.4 in	2 mm 0.1 in
May	23 °C 73 °F	14 °C 57 °F	135 mm 5.3 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Jun	28 °C 82 °F	19 °C 66 °F	122 mm 4.8 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Jul	30 °C 86 °F	21 °C 70 °F	81 mm 3.2 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Aug	29 °C 84 °F	20 °C 68 °F	78 mm 3.1 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Sep	26 °C 79 °F	17 °C 63 °F	67 mm 2.6 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Oct	18 °C 64 °F	10 °C 50 °F	89 mm 3.5 in	1 mm 0.0 in
Nov	10 °C 50 °F	2 °C 36 °F	55 mm 2.2 in	4 mm 0.2 in
Dec	5 °C 41 °F	-2 °C 28 °F	50 mm 2.0 in	6 mm 0.2 in

Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area in Illinois, USA - map and visitor information