Ramsey Lake State Park is a popular recreation park in Ramsey, Illinois. Surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, and a pretty lake and beach, the campground is an RV camping favorite for nature lovers.
Formerly known as the Old Fox Chase Grounds because of its opportunities for fox and raccoon hunting, Ramsey Lake State Park consists of over 1,900 acres of scenic parklands. Campers can look forward to a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking during the summer months. In the winter season, guests visit the park to enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Ramsey Lake State Park is perfect for family-style camping with electric campsites for tents and RVs, as well as a children’s playground, a lake with a boat launch area, picnic areas, and a variety of hiking trails.
Ramsey Lake State Park is located off Highway 51, two miles north of Ramsey, Illinois. There are no driving restrictions within the park so you should not have any trouble getting around whether you’re in a car or an RV. There are many paved roads available for hiking and biking, as well as a 13 kilometer equestrian trail. Parking is available at the park entrance and along the various hiking trail heads
There are a total of 91 campsites available for tents and trailers at Ramsey Lake State Park, two thirds of which can be reserved ahead of time. One rental cabin is available for those who prefer not to camp. Campers share one restroom and shower facility, but water hydrants are available throughout. Each campsite has electricity, a picnic table and fire pit as well as access to two dump stations near the park entrance.
There are also 24 more campsites available for groups. Hickory Grove has 45 more sites with no electricity in a forested area.
Ramsey Lake State Park is a hiking and biking playground. A one-mile trail winds throughout the park and there are also unmarked fire lanes for nature walks. Bring your own bicycles and enjoy a leisurely cycle around the lake road or take a ride to the golf course half a mile down the road. A 13-mile horse riding trail can be found in the northern end of Ramsey Lake State Park. There is also a small campground available here for horses, one mile north of the entrance to the park.
Ramsey Lake State Park is a great spot for water activities in the summer months. Set around Ramsey Lake, campers can launch their own watercraft here as well as rent boats on-site. Ramsey Lake offers both a boat launch area and boat docks. Please note that only electric motors are allowed on the lake.
Ramsey Lake State Park is a popular spot for anglers who enjoy fishing in various ponds located around the park, as well as in Ramsey Lake itself. Fish that can be found here includes largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish, and black crappie. Fishing supplies are available at the park concession stand.
Both day visitors and campers can enjoy picnicking at various picnic spots throughout Ramsey Lake State Park. The Shady Grove and Lakeview picnic areas are best for large groups and offer picnic shelters, water, picnic tables, fire pits and toilets. Shady Grove also has a children’s playground. Fox Knoll, Blackberry Fork, and Coon Ridge are suitable for people looking for a quieter alternative. They offer picnic tables and fire pits overlooking the lake.
Ramsey Lake State Park has long been a decent hunting spot. Hunters will find all sorts of game, including squirrels, quail, pheasant, and dove which can all be hunted with a shotgun. Deer can be hunted with a bow and arrow only. During hunting season, pheasant and quail hunting is controlled, while other game can be hunted at other times of the year.
Ramsey Lake State Park is not just a spot for summertime fun. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of exciting winter sports, such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating within the park. The 13-mile groomed snowmobile trail is not to be missed!
