Ferne Clyffe State Park
Rt. 37 South, P.O. Box 10
Goreville, IL 62939
618/995-2411
FAQ’s
GENERAL
1. Directions to your park from I-57?
Take exit 40, go east 5 miles, at stop sign (Il. Rt. 37) go south 1 mile, park entrance on your right.
2. Directions to your park from I-24?
Take exit 7, go west 2 miles, at stop sign (Il. Rt. 37) go south 1/2 mile, park entrance on your right.
3. How big is the park and what are the most outstanding features?
The park is 2,430 acres. The most outstanding features are geologic formations such as the waterfall, Hawk’s Cave and Round Bluff Nature Preserve. Marked trails lead to all of these areas.
4. What time does your park open and close?
8 a.m. - 10 p.m. - campers may enter at any hour, except campers needing access to the horseback campground should call ahead so staff can open gate. Campers using backpack area - need to secure a camping permit prior to hiking to campground.
5. Can I bring my dogs?
Yes, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet.
6. Where can we find gas, groceries, ice, firewood, restaurants, repair, fishing/hunting licenses, etc.?
Goreville
7. Can we have a fire - where can we collect firewood?
Fires are allowed only in fire grills provided by the park. Only dead wood, unattached from the tree may be collected for fires. Wood may not be collected from Round Bluff Nature Preserve. Chain saws are not allowed.
8. Do you have horses and when could I ride?
No, but if you bring your own, our horse trails are open from May 1st through October 31st.
9. Can I ride my bicycle or ATV on your trails?
Bicycles and ATV’s are prohibited on park trails. Check out Tunnel Hill State Trail for bicycle riding.
10. Are alcoholic beverages allowed at Ferne Clyffe?
Yes, all state liquor laws apply.
1. Can I make a camping reservation?
All Ferne Clyffe camping is first-come, first-serve, reservations are not accepted.
2. Do you have showers?
Yes, in the Deer Ridge Campground from April 1 - until the Monday before Thanksgiving.
3. What does your Class A campground provide?
56 sites plus (3) handicap accessible sites, electric, dump station with potable water hydrant, grills, picnic tables, play ground, shower building open from April 1 - until the Monday before Thanksgiving.
4. How many people per campsite?
One family or 4 unrelated adults in Class A, B, C or D campgrounds.
5. What does your horse campground provide?
Picket posts, (campers should bring their own picket rope), primitive camp (privies, grills, picnic tables, water, showers available seasonally at the Deer Ridge Campground). Make advanced arrangements throught the park office for use of this campground.
6. How much does camping cost?
Class A - Deer Ridge Campground - $20.00/night. IL Seniors 62 & older and/or IL disabled w/class 2 or 2A card (Mon-Thurs) $15.00/night. Fri, Sat. & Sun. $20.00/night. Disabled Vet’s and Pow’s $10.00/night
(please note: An additional $10 holiday surcharge is effective on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights of the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends; and, on the night of July 2, 3 and 4th (unless July 4th falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then the increase is effective for the four night period beginning Friday of the July 4th weekend). For a full description of campground fees at DNR-managed camping facilities, please refer to our website.
Class B - Deer Ridge Campground - $18.00/night (when shower building is closed). IL Seniors 62 & older and/or IL Disabled w/Class 2 or 2A card (Mon-Thurs) $14.00/night. Fri, Sat & Sun $18.00/night. Disabled Vet’s and Pow’s $10.00/night.
Class C - Turkey Ridge Primitive Campground - $8.00/night. IL Seniors 62 & older and/or IL Disabled w/Class 2 or 2A card (Mon-Thurs) $0.00/night. Fri., Sat & Sun. $8.00 seniors, $0.00 disabled. Disabled Vet’s and Pow’s $0.00/night.
Class C - Horseback Campground - same as Turkey Ridge Campground.
Class D - Turkey Ridge Primitive Campground - $6.00/night (when shower building is closed). IL Senior 62 & older and/or IL Disabled w/Class 2 or 2A card (Mon-Thurs) $0.00/night. Fri., Sat & Sun $6.00 seniors, $0.00 disabled. Disabled Vet’s and Pow’s $0.00/night
Youth Group Camping - $2.00/person/night (minimum daily fee of $20.00)
Adult Group Camping - $4.00/person/night (minimum daily fee of $40.00) IL Seniors 62 & older and/or IL disabled w/Class 2 or 2A card (Mon - Thurs) $2.00/night (minimum daily fee of $20.00) Fri, Sat & Sun. $4.00/night (minimum daily fee of $40.00), Disabled Vet’s and Pow’s $0.00/night.
Campers can set up on vacant sites. Permits can be obtained from the Campground Host or staff will write your permit at the site.
7. Can I backpack camp?
Yes, but you must secure a camping permit, prior to hiking to site. Make advanced arrangement through the park office for us of this campground.
1. How big is Ferne Clyffe Lake and what kind of fish are in it?
The lake is approximately 16 acres and 22 feet at the deepest spot. The lake has good populations of bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Other fish include crappie and redear. Rainbow trout are stocked twice each year.
2. When is trout season open?
Anytime - except the 3 weeks prior to the 3rd Saturday in October, and the 3 weeks prior to the 1st Saturday in April. Trout season opens at 5 a.m. on these two Saturdays.
3. Can I put in a boat or go swimming on Ferne Clyffe Lake?
Boating and swimming are prohibited. This small lake is open to bank fishing only. Ferne Clyffe Lake trail provides good fishing access to the lake bank.
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