Picture yourself on the banks of a beautiful lake, surrounded by shady oaks and rolling hills. The presence of a graceful heron on the water, or deer or even a wild turkey in the nearby brush may be visible. A tug on the fishing line brings you back to the task at hand -- reeling in the first or your limit of largemouth bass, bluegill or crappie. As the sun comes up, take a swim at sandy Rocky Point Beach. The rest of the day offers many options, from hiking on the nature trails, to softball or volleyball at the Circle Drive Picnic Area to water skiing. Or, you may want to spend the night at the Oak Ridge Campground. All of this, and more, awaits visitors to Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.

History

The Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area, located 15 miles northeast of Salem in Marion County, was originally only 20 acres with a two-acre pond being the only water available. Since that time in 1959, additions have been made which bring the total current park area to 3,103 acres. Of this total, 1,150 acres are forests of oak and hickory which surround a large lake. The lake was completed in 1963 and has 18 miles of shoreline. The area is named for natural scientist, Stephen Alfred Forbes, whose contributions in the field of biology, make him world renowned. His prolific scientific publications, over 400 titles, are still used extensively in the study of aquatic biology, ornithology, ichthyology, and ecology.

Picnicking

Very popular with day visitors are the many shady, picnic areas. Choose from Lookout Point, Stage Coach Trail, Black Oak, Sassafras, White Oak, Whippoorwill or Circle Drive areas. Picnic tables, pit toilets, and park grills are available at all sites. Circle Drive Picnic Area provides a more open setting and has an area for softball, volleyball or other games requiring an open grass area. Playground equipment is also available here, and at Sassafras Picnic area as well. Rustic park shelters enhance the areas at Whippoorwill, Sassafras, Stage Coach Trail and, Circle Drive Picnic Areas.Shelters at Circle Drive, Sassafras, and Stagecoach Trail can be reserved through ReserveAmerica.com.

Fishing

The 585-acre lake provides ample opportunities to the sport fisherman. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, crappie, channel catfish, hybrid-striped bass, and walleye sauger hybrid. Largemouth bass are stocked annually from brood ponds located in the park. This, combined with a 14-inch size limit, has created excellent bass fishery. Trout fishing is popular during the Spring and Fall seasons at Boston Pond, and fishing is also available at Marlow Pond and Wilson Pond.

Boating

Boat ramps provide easy access to the main lake. There is no limit on horsepower, but various sections of the lake are marked by buoys for water skiing and "no wake" speeds. The concession offers fishing boats for rental. Bait, tackle, gas, snacks, and meals are also available. Slips are available to rent for pontoon boats and smaller craft on a daily and seasonal basis.

Swimming Beach

A beautiful 200-foot sand beach is located at Rocky Point where visitors can enjoy swimming or picnicking at the tables provided here. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Rocky Point Area. Swimming is prohibited at all other areas of the lake, and swimming from boats is also prohibited. There is a $2.00 a person per day fee to use the beach facilities.

Concession

The new restaurant and marina opened on April 14th, 2001. This new facility has inside seating for up 40 people in a triangular shaped dinning area overlooking the lake. Additional outdoor seating will be available on two different levels of patios. Other features include a "country store" which provides necessary items for campers along with souvenirs. A tackle and bait shop keeps the angler well stocked. The marina portion of the project includes 80 boat slips for seasonal dockage, a fuel dock, and boat rental. A 220 foot floating walkway connects the the campground with the marina, and provides handicapped fishing access.

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Camping | Equestrian

A recently modernized camping area, Oak Ridge Campground, is a great place to spend an overnight stay. There are 115 shaded campsites with electricity, water and a shower building available. 52 sites can be reserved through ReserveAmerica .com. Two sets of stairways and boat dock provide access to the lake for campers here. A 120-foot floating walkway connects the campground with the marina area as well.

If you have a group, A Rent-A-Camp site is available. The site has a two room cabin with bunkbeds. The site can be reserved through ReserveAmerica. For those preferring a more secluded spot with a scenic view of the lake, 10 walk-in sites are available. A separate Youth Group Camp is available at the and Whippoorwill area.

Trails

Equestrian Trails and Campground

A 15-mile horse trail circles the lake, offering horse and rider a panorama of natural beauty.
Also available for the equestrian is a 21-site campground with electricity, located on mile east of Omega. The horse trail is open from May 1 to November 1.

Hiking

There are four established nature trails for hiking enthusiasts. The Oak Ridge Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail located in the campground. For those preferring shorter walks, the Marlow Pond Trail is half-mile long, the Henneman Trail which guides the hiker to an early settlement cemetery is only a quarter-mile long, or take the Phillips Creek Trail -- a quarter mile with access to the lake.

Hunting

Over 2,000 acres of land are available for the hunter. Dove hunters will find the specially planted sunflower fields to be very helpful in attracting these birds. The heavily wooded areas also provide very good squirrel hunting. Brushy draws and fence rows provide excellent habitat for upland game such as quail and rabbit. Turkey and deer (bow only) hunting is also available.  For additional information see: Stephen Forbes Hunter Fact Sheet | Wildcat Hollow Hunter Fact Sheet

Other

Sam Parr Biological Stations: In 1966, a building especially designed for use as an aquatic research center was completed below the dam. This facility is used by the Illinois Natural History Survey and includes a laboratory, accommodations for graduate students and 26 drainable ponds. A variety of aquatic biology and fisheries experiments are conducted year-round. The lab is open to visitors Monday through Friday. Tours can be arranged by calling the lab at (618) 245-6348

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
• We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
• For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
• Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.