Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Reserve Your Campsite

The Chief Keokuk Campground features 70 pads with electrical hook-ups for campers or tents (Class A camping), plus 25 non-electrical, 'tent only' sites (Class C camping) that are not accessible by vehicle. A shower building and a sanitary dump station in the camping area and all water are open May 1 and close November 1. The park does not provide water November 1 - May 1; however, the campground is open during these winter months for electric or non-electric 'dry' camping. In addition, "Blackhawk Group Area" on Lakeshore Loop Road is available for organized youth/adult group camping May 1 - November 1. ExploreMoreIL™ reservations are available for the Chief Keokuk Campground, Cabin, and Black Hawk Group Camp from May 1 through October 31. ExploreMoreIL™.

Trails

Johnson-Sauk Trail has 4 miles of trails, ranging from one-quarter mile to 1 mile in length and from easy to moderate, taking hikers along the lake or through land ranging from rolling prairie to pine plantations and bottomland hardwood forests. Even the pickiest of hikers should find a trail to his or her liking. If additional miles are desired, the trails have been designed to connect, so hikers can link one to another, providing up to an 8-mile loop around Lake Johnson.

Boating

Johnson-Sauk Trail Lake's boat launch is adjacent to the marina near the dam.

Fishing

The 58-acre lake at Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA has a maximum depth of 21 feet and features excellent populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and bullhead. Numerous fish cribs and attractors have been installed to enhance fishing. In addition, muskie and northern pike have been released in recent years, providing visitors with an exciting new fishing opportunity. Fishing is permitted by boat and along the shoreline. Fishing hours are the same as regular park hours. Night fishing is not allowed. The park is open only to campers after park hours.

​Physical Accessibility at Johnson-Sauk Trail

• Parking - The parking lots at the campground, marina, Round Barn, and picnic areas are asphalt with at least one accessible parking spot with a ramp to the sidewalk. The majority of the parking lot at the park office is gravel, but there is a wheelchair ramp.
• Ryan's Round Barn - The upper and lower levels of the barn are accessible with a concrete ramp.
• Showers and restrooms - The shower building in the campground has accessible toilets and showers. The shower building is open from May 1 to October 31. There are accessible restrooms in the restaurant, but they are only open during normal business hours. The park also has vault toilets with concrete walkways throughout the park.
• Camping - There are four accessible campsites that have concrete pads. Two are reservable. To make a reservation please visit ExploreMoreIL™
• Fishing - There is an accessible fishing spot along the concrete wall directly in front of the marina/restaurant.
• Shelter/Picnicking - The Senachwine shelter has a concrete walkway from the parking lot with accessible picnic tables and a grill for cooking.
• Hunting - The park hosts the Disabled Outdoor Opportunity shotgun hunt each November. Proof of P2A status is required. For more information or to register, please call the park office at 309-853-2425.
• Service animals are welcome in the park, and there are water hydrants throughout the campground if needed.