Anderson Lake SFWA
RV Guide

Introduction

Sitting in a picturesque bottomland setting decorated with timber species dominated by lush plant growth and towering silver maple, willow and cottonwood, Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a great place for RV campers to enjoy vacations. Located along Route 100, about 11 miles north of Browning, Astoria, Illinois, this area is the perfect for RV camping activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, hunting, birding, and picnicking.

Facilities and amenities at Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area include two campgrounds with a total of 100 RV campsites, as well as picnic areas, water, shelter and day use areas, sanitary dump station, and a park office. All the campsites in the park are available on first-come first-served basis.

Anderson Lake in the park is a floodplain lake that frequently receives overflow waters from the Illinois River. The lake has 1,134 surface acres with a maximum depth of six feet and an average depth of four feet. Carlson Lake is a waterfowl management area of 230 surface acres, with a maximum depth of five feet and an average depth of three feet.

In the early 1900s, Anderson Lake was a private shooting ground for one of the many once-famous duck clubs dotting the Illinois River valley. Since the first land purchases by the state in 1947, the site has been operated as a public hunting and fishing area.

RV Rentals in Anderson Lake SFWA

Transportation

Driving

Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is located along Route 100, about 11 miles north of Browning, and is hence a simple drive-in park easily accessible for RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. Local paved roads in the park connect all the areas of interest and the campgrounds, making navigation within the park easy. There are no driving restrictions within Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Parking

There are two parking areas for RVs, trailers, and cars in Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. These parking lots are located around the boat launching areas by Anderson Lake. Overnight parking is available for RV campers at the campsites in the park.

Public Transportation

There are no public transportation facilities available at Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Campgrounds and parking in Anderson Lake SFWA

Campsites in Anderson Lake SFWA

First-come first-served

North Campground

North Campground in Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area sits on the west bank of Anderson Lake and features pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents. The campsites in North Campground are not equipped with electric and water hookups for RVs, however, sewer hookups are available for RVs. RV length limit at the North Campground is 64 feet. Campsites in the North Campground are equipped with tables, grill, water, and toilets, and also features waterfront access.

South Campground

South Campground in Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area sits alongside the smaller Carlson Lake and also features pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents. The campsites in South Campground are not equipped with electric and water hookups for RVs, however, sewer hookups are available for RVs. RV length limit at the South Campground is 64 feet. Campsites in the South Campground are equipped with tables, grill, water, and toilets, and also features waterfront access.

Seasonal activities in Anderson Lake SFWA

In-Season

Wildlife Viewing

Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area consists of varieties of wildlife for RV campers and visitors to see while at the park. Some of the animals and wildlife available in the park include turkey, squirrel, dove, quail, rabbit, deer, raccoon, opossum, and crow. There are also woodcock, snipe, coyote, gray/red fox, duck, goose, and teal. All RV campers enjoy plenty of opportunities to view these animals while enjoying their stay in the area.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity at Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, and RV campers love the park for the variety of fish species present in the lake and the amazing fishing opportunities these fish species offer them. Examples of the fish species in the park include crappie, bluegill, bullhead, bass and channel cat fish. In winter month, RV campers also enjoy ice fishing for crappie and bluegill in the park.

Boating

Thanks to the presence of boat docks and two public boat ramps in Anderson Lake State and Fish Wildlife Area, RV campers and vacationers at the park are presented amazing opportunities to enjoy boating activities on the 1,134-acre Anderson Lake. As a result, RV campers never miss out on the fun on the lake while on vacation at the park.

Off-Season

Hunting

Anderson Lake State and Fish Wildlife Area is popular for the hunting opportunities it offers to RV campers and visitors. As the area features abundant wood ducks and mallards, it provides blind sites for waterfowl hunting in the fall months. Upland game such as rabbit, quail and squirrel are also available for hunting. Dove hunting is available on agricultural fields planted in sunflowers and wheat when the river levels permit. Deer may be taken by bow and arrow.

Birding

For bird enthusiasts that visit Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, there are large numbers of bald eagles that are seen in winter months at the park. As a result, RV campers visit the site in winter with their binoculars to ensure they catch the sight of these lovely birds. Moreover, white pelicans are usually seen in the park in spring as they migrate north.

Picnicking

Picnicking is an activity that all RV campers and even visitors at Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area love to do because of the several picnic areas and two picnic shelter equipped with picnic tables and drinking water.