“bask in nature's beauty”
Providing a stop-over area for migrating waterfowl, Rice Lake and the surrounding areas provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife observation. Because of an extensive habitat management program, this Fulton County backwater wetland area is used by thousands of ducks and geese as they move through central Illinois during the changing seasons. Visitors may also sight he American bald eagle, which uses the bottomland timber for roosting. Fishing is a favorite pastime at the area with catches of largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead buffalo and carp. However, with seasonal fluctuations of the water levels, fishing may be limited during certain times of the year. Duck hunting and archery deer hunting also provide opportunities for the outdoor sportsman. The initial purchase of land, for Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area along the Illinois River was in 1945. These original 2,370 acres were designated as a refuge for migratory waterfowl with a portion to serve the hunters who contributed largely toward the land purchase. Camping facilities were added and renovated in 1970. The Department of Conservation purchased two of the neighboring waterfowl clubs, consisting of 2,952 acres, to provide increased mid-migration habitat. This current 5,660-acre area includes Big Lake, Slim Lake, Goose Lake, Pond Lily Lake, Lock Pond and the Copperas Creek Management Unit. Because the area is subject to extensive flooding, water management projects have been established to provide water control. Each year the lake is drawn down and aerially seeded with high quality moist soil plants to provide food to attract migrating waterfowl.
Reviews of Rice Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
4 people have reviewed this location
Ratings Summary
Cell Coverage
Verizon 4G/5G
Confirmed by 3 users | Last reported on April 19, 2024AT&T 5G
Confirmed by 1 users | Last reported on November 10, 2023When I drive in to the park I was very underwhelmed... the sites were small and close together... the site we picked was level all the way around Not sure what site we use was... there was quite a bit of road noise from the highway that was not to far away... there was only one other person in the campground in a tent so it was quiet from other campers... the host was not there but the 5th wheel was and they took up both handicapped sites which was not cool bc my wife prefers them since she has a handicapped parking pass I woild not camp here unless the host took up less room... the grass was not mowed ans things just seamed run down...
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
For what I do I loved this place. I dont mind cleaning up some trash and getting a really nice place to stay. One bar with Verizon but works.
Nightly Rate: $0.00
Days Stayed: 5
Site Number: -
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 5G
I liked this place the moment we drove in. It probably looked a bit messy since all the leaves had fallen, but it seemed well kept. There were some electric posts with no guts but we had a nice, level spot with electric. There were 3 other sites occupied and two with trailers, unoccupied. Quiet night sleep even with the highway. Woke up to A LOT of vehicles and activity in the parking lot so I had to walk over to see what was going on. Should have known it was duck season!
Nightly Rate: $0.00
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: 15
Cell Coverage Rating
AT&T 5G
The camp site is not free. There is a pay box next to the camp host site. I paid 18 a night, but all so got a military veterans discount.
Nightly Rate: $18.00
Days Stayed: 7
Site Number: -
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 5G
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Rice Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
Hours
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Affiliation
- Other public land (TVA, DOD, county parks with campgrounds)
- Back In RV Sites Count
- 12
- Last Nightly Rate
- 18.0
- Longest Vehicle Length Reported
- 35.0
- Lowest Nightly Rate
- 0.0
- Max Stay
- 14
- Sites Count
- 32
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Paved Sites
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Fifty Amp
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Full Hookup
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Rec Facilities
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Pull Through
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Tent Sites
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Dump Station
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Big Rigs
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Open Seasonally
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Age Restricted
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Back In RV Sites
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Boondock
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Cabin Sites
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Dispersed Sites
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Firewood
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Fulltime Residents
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Group Tent Sites
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Laundry
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Mobile Homes
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Permit Required
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Propane
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Public Water
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Pull Through RV Sites
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Reservations
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Sewer Hookup
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Showers
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Sites
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Standard Tent Sites
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Vehicle Wash Permitted
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Water Hookup
Campground, Restrooms
Nearby Hotels
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