Big River State Forest in Illinois, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big River State Forest in western Illinois is a place for pine-woodland walks, picnics, and forest roads near the Mississippi River. Illinois DNR manages this Henderson County forest partly to demonstrate forestry practices. For a first visit, build a day around the Big Pines trail network and a picnic.

Highlights in the working forest

• Walk the Big Pines network, which links three named trails.
• Explore the contrast between planted pines and prairie-woodland vegetation.
• Choose a picnic stop at Campbell Slough or Putney’s Landing.

Plan your forest visit

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Check hunting and road conditions

Hunting takes place in the forest. Before choosing a walking route, ask about any active hunt or access restriction. Consult the DNR closure notices and follow instructions at the site. A blank listing is not a guarantee that every road or trail is usable.

Share the forest carefully

Keep pets on a leash. Horse riders must use designated trails. Leave plants in place and avoid damaging the forest’s prairie remnants. Organized youth groups need at least one responsible adult for each 15 minors.

Register organized groups

Groups of 25 or more must register in advance with the site office. Arrange this before a gathering rather than assuming a large picnic area will be available on arrival.

Finding the forest north of Oquawka

The office address is 1337 Township Road 2850N, Keithsburg, IL 61443-9609. The official approach from Highway 164 follows the Oquawka–Keithsburg road north for 9 miles. Use the forest’s official directions and brochure to match your route to the office and trail area.

Nearby parks on the local road network

Delabar State Park is a nearby option along the same Oquawka–Keithsburg road, closer to Highway 164. Henderson County Conservation Area is another regional stop, reached from Highway 34 near its junction with Highway 164. Choose the one that fits your onward drive.

Walking, picnicking, and a forest drive

The Big Pines route combines Lincolns, Wilderness, and Big Pines trails for a hike of about 3.5 miles. Start with this defined network before exploring the larger system of firebreaks. Check junctions on a map so that an unplanned turn does not add distance to your outing.

Picnic areas at Campbell Slough and Putney’s Landing offer places to pause. A drive on the forest road network can complement a walk; the official activity guide describes about 15 miles of scenic roadways. Road availability remains subject to current conditions.

Picnic facilities and practical planning

The designated picnic areas include shelters, tables, camp stoves, and drinking water. Confirm current facility conditions if a particular amenity is essential to your visit. Choose your stop from the map before arriving rather than treating every forest access point as a developed picnic area.

About Big River State Forest

A forestry demonstration landscape

The state acquired the Oquawka Refuge in 1925. The Milroy Plantation followed in 1928, with red, white, and jack pines. These plantings help explain why this Mississippi River landscape includes extensive pine woodland.

Wildlife of the river and forest edge

White-tailed deer, quail, squirrels, and rabbits use the forest. Prairie-woodland vegetation adds another layer of interest beyond the pine stands. Watch quietly, and keep your dog close when wildlife is present.

Contact the forest office

Call 309-374-2496 for group registration, current road conditions, and seasonal access questions. Illinois DNR is the managing agency.