Kaskaskia River

Camping/Picnicking: Toilets, drinking water, and picnic facilities are available on the site. Primitive camping is permitted on lands adjacent to the Kaskaskia River. Please check with the site superintendent for locations and access information.

Trails

A 12-mile trail system exists on the site and is used by hunters, hikers, bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Trails are closed to vehicular traffic. Contact the site office for a trail brochure.

Boating-Kaskaskia River

Concrete launch ramps are provided on the Kaskaskia River at Fayetteville; New Athens, on Highway 154 west of Baldwin; and Evansville. "No-wake" zones exist near the ramps, industrial sites, and at all of the oxbows. Boaters must operate their watercraft accordingly in these areas.

Weekends and holidays throughout the summer receive the most boat usage, and boaters are urged to be extra safety conscious during this time. Boaters also should be aware of barge traffic on the river and at the lock and dam site at the mouth of the river.

Boating Baldwin Lake

A two-lane launching ramp, boat docks, and parking lot are provided. Motors of 50 horsepower or less are allowed. Sailboating, swimming, and waterskiing are prohibited. Due to the open nature of the lake, boat and water safety are urged, particularly on windy days.

​Fishing- Kaskaskia River

Fishing is the most popular activity on the Kaskaskia River. The area contains 36 miles of channelized river, plus additional oxbows, creeks, and river bottom lakes for the anglers to enjoy.

Fishing for channel and flathead catfish is especially popular and offers both day and night angling opportunities. Other species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and freshwater drum. All exist in good numbers and provide excellent fishing throughout the year. Fishing tournaments must be scheduled through the site office.

Fishing- Baldwin Lake

Excellent fishing opportunities exist for both the boat and bank angler. Posted site-specific regulations for largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and crappie are enforced. For safety and management purposes, restricted areas are posted and enforced on the lake and along the shoreline. While no concession is present on the site, bait, tackle, and food services are available nearby. All fishing tournaments must be scheduled through the site office.

​Accessibility at Kaskaskia River:

• Hunting - There is an ADA deer and turkey blind at the Wood Duck Marina boat ramp parking lot. There is a concrete sidewalk leading to the blind. There are also two ADA duck blinds in the Doza Creek Waterfowl Management Area that can be placed on reservation; or if not filled on reservation, they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.