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Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 586 Google reviews · Running trail in Kewanee, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Recreational spot featuring many campsites along with a lake for fishing and hiking.
What runners say about Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
“The park was peaceful and quiet and overall very clean to include nice restroom facilities.”
“The bonfire pit was a bit on the small side, and we wished we could’ve parked closer to the site, but those were minor trade-offs for such a beautiful setting.”
“What a wonderful calm place in a hundred year old pine plantation and in the middle of the green grass of the campground.”
Really lovely and quiet place to walk around with your camera. There is a variety of wildlife, pole fishing, rustic camping and a small cabin. There were probably less than 50 people throughout the entire park during my visit.
Best Park ever! So many things to do. The lake drive is awesome! Check out Ryan's round barn. Fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking, dog friendly, and hunting in season.
We camped at Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area during the Hennepin 100 weekend, and it was the perfect base for the adventure. I was pacing the final quarter of the race for a friend, and the campground’s proximity to the aid station made logistics super easy—just a few minutes away!
We stayed two nights in a primitive tent camping site. Unfortunately, the park still did not have running water. They did have outhouses available for the bathroom. Friday night the campground was pretty quiet but a few more people did come in on Saturday.
Trail conditions & character
“The park was peaceful and quiet and overall very clean to include nice restroom facilities.”
“The bonfire pit was a bit on the small side, and we wished we could’ve parked closer to the site, but those were minor trade-offs for such a beautiful setting.”
“The park was peaceful and quiet and overall very clean to include nice restroom facilities.”
“The trails were a highlight—perfect for walking my dog and soaking in the scenery.”
“Very nice campground with potable water fountain, and bathroom facility.”
Plan your run at Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone+1 309-853-2425
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Kewanee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Windmont Park
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Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
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Towpath along a century-old commercial waterway, popular for hiking, cycling & horseback riding.
Phipps Prairie Park
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Open, grassy area surrounded by woodlands, offering nature trails, picnic shelter & a playground.
Millennium Park
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New and clean playground, as well as swings at this cozy park with picnic tables and slides.