Farmer City the Gateway to Clinton Lake
On your next trip to Clinton Lake stop by Farmer City to get your supplies for your day on the lake. Come in to one of our gas stations, covenant stores or restaurants. If you need to take a break from driving, check out our many other stores that we have such as Antiques, Arts, Crafts or a wide variety of other shops located in Farmer City.
Clinton Lake is a state recreation area, owned by Exelon. Clinton Lake is a scenic 20 mile drive west of Farmer City. Clinton Lake has over 14,300 acres of fresh water and wooded areas, where you can boat, fish, swim, hike or just relax by the lake.
History
The area where Clinton Lake is located, was the area that the Kickapoo tribe resided until the 1820’s. The first settlers came up from Kentucky and Tennessee, where they farmed the area. Construction of the lake began in the 1970’s for the power plant.
Fishing
Clinton Lake has over 5,000 acres of amazing fishing opportunities. Some of the great species located at Clinton Lake are:
Catfish; Crappie; Bass: White, Large and Small Mouth; Walleye; Bluegill
Check rules on size and creel limits.
Accessible fishing piers are located at:
Mascoulin, Valley Mill and Spillway areas.
Boating
There are six public boat ramps and one canoe launch available at North Fork. Sailboats, Motored and Canoes are allowed.
Swimming
A thousand feet of white sand beach available to swimmers and sun blathers. The beach area has picnic tables, cooking pits and changing facilities that include showers and restrooms. There is no lifeguard on duty, swimmers most stay within the buoyed areas. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No alcohol, glass, or sharp areas are allowed in the beach area.
Hiking
Clinton Lake houses three hiking trails.
Houseboat Cove Trail: 4.7 miles with a rating of difficulty. Located north of the beach.
Scenery includes beach woods on the return trip.
Northfork Trail: 11 miles one way with a rating of challenging
A 10 mile equestrian, hiking, cross-country, ski trail. Located along the north side of the lake and east of the Parnell access area. Horse trailer parking is available. The path is closed to horses from October 1 to end of archery deer season.
Camping
There are 17 Class AA campsites, 277 Class A campsites and 14 Class B/S campsites at Clinton Lake. Showers are available and most sites are adaptable to tents, trailers or motor homes. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Reservations can be made online at the Reserve America website. Camping loops H, I, J and K are alcohol-free. The wooded area along the lake provides the perfect setting to turn in after a long day of fun. Camp Quest group camp area for adults or youth groups has room for 75. It provides a secluded wooded setting and has a large shelter with electricity, three RV pads with electrical hookups, toilets, tables, grills and water. No shower facilities are present at the group camp area. Portions of the Class AA, A and B/S and the group camp are handicapped accessible. The shower buildings are closed by November 1st (may be earlier if bad weather) and reopen May 1st (may be earlier – weather depending).
Picnic Areas
(Peninsula day use area and lane day use area are closed indefinitely)
Several day use picnic areas are located around the lake these areas include tables, water, fire grills, restrooms and playground equipment. Shelters are available at lane, Mascoutin, Peninsula, Weldon accesses. Peninsula and Weldon have electricity. Mascoutin is within walking of the beach. All areas, except Lane Shelter, are accessible by lake and can be reserved for a fee.
Directions
I-74 to Farmer City; exit onto Rt. 54 west (South at stop sign at end of exit ramp). Take Rt. 54 through Farmer City (you’ll go through two – 4 way stops) and proceed approximately 10 miles to DeWitt. Brown informational sign at DeWitt will read “Mascoutin State Recreation Area”. Turn left at corner of Rt. 54 and Randolph St. Go through DeWitt and proceed approximately 1 mile, park is on the right side of road. Park office is first left after entering park
Remember to stop by Farmer City on your next trip to Clinton Lake to see all the great things that Farmer City has to offer!
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