Home › Illinois › Oakwood › Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 153 Google reviews · Running trail in Oakwood, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Kickapoo 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.
State park featuring picnic and barbecue areas, as well as a playground, camping, and kayaking.
What runners say about Kickapoo State Recreation Area
“A scenic, accessible, and well maintained park with a variety of trails, picnic areas, and camping.”
“Winter camping isn’t for everyone, but for those who appreciate solitude, crisp air, and the quiet beauty of nature, it is a great experience.”
This place is amazing! Great rugged hiking trails, cool lakes, and tons of mountain biking trails. Kayaks can be rented on the lake or river and float trips are also cool if the water level is high enough.
A scenic, accessible, and well maintained park with a variety of trails, picnic areas, and camping.
I love that most of their sites are shaded, roomy, & spaced out, giving you that forestry feeling when you're camping. And don't get me started on the wildlife... there are so many deer & turkey roaming throughout the park that you feel like you're one worth nature!
The campground checkstation attendant isn't friendly and lacks knowledge on future scheduling. The forestry staff works hard to keep the park maintained and the grass is always trimmed neatly. They have many trails that are debris free. Kickapoo adventures is the primary activity of this park.
Trail conditions & character
“Winter camping isn’t for everyone, but for those who appreciate solitude, crisp air, and the quiet beauty of nature, it is a great experience.”
“A scenic, accessible, and well maintained park with a variety of trails, picnic areas, and camping.”
“There are 2 single person restrooms attached to kickapoo adventures/bar&grill that are actual toliets.”
“A scenic, accessible, and well maintained park with a variety of trails, picnic areas, and camping.”
Plan your run at Kickapoo State Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(217) 442-4915
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Oakwood
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Middle Fork Woods Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Kickapoo Rail Trail Trestle Bridge
4.9 ★★★★★ 21 reviews
Kennekuk Cove County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 179 reviews
Park with a public restroom offering trails, fishing, wildlife, and picnic areas.
Ellsworth Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 380 reviews
Park with fishing on the Vermilion River, sports fields & courts, picnic areas & a playground.