State Parks Near Highland, Illinois
18 state park units lie within 50 miles of Highland, including 5 parks across the line in Missouri. The closest is Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, about 21 mi east of town. 4 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area21 mi east
- Within 25 miles
- 4of 18 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 72 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 1pets allowed
State parks near Highland, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Highland; driving distance is usually longer.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Its trail network totals roughly 9 miles, according to the park. There are also lodge rooms for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area →Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County)
Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) is a park in Madison County, in Pontoon Beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) →Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park
The park supports fishing and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park →Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a 536-acre recreation area in Montgomery County, about 9 miles south of Hillsboro.
Hours, fees and rules for Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area →Frank Holten State Park
In St. Clair County, about 2 miles southeast of East St. Louis, Frank Holten State Park covers about 1,047 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Frank Holten State Park →Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
Popular activities here are historic sites and ranger programs.
Hours, fees and rules for Scott Joplin House State Historic Site →Peabody River King
Peabody River King is a state fish and wildlife area in St. Clair County, in New Athens.
Hours, fees and rules for Peabody River King →Beaver Dam State Park
The official site lists about 8 miles of trails.
Hours, fees and rules for Beaver Dam State Park →Carlyle Lake SFWA
Carlyle Lake SFWA is a state fish and wildlife area in Fayette County, in Vandalia.
Hours, fees and rules for Carlyle Lake SFWA →Washington County State Recreation Area
Washington County State Recreation Area is a 1,465-acre recreation area in Washington County, about 5 miles south of Nashville.
Hours, fees and rules for Washington County State Recreation Area →World Shooting and Recreational Complex
World Shooting and Recreational Complex is a park unit in Randolph County, about 4 miles north of Sparta.
Hours, fees and rules for World Shooting and Recreational Complex →Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area is a 1,759-acre recreation area in Fayette County, about 13 miles north of Vandalia.
Hours, fees and rules for Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area →First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
Popular activities here are mountain biking, historic sites, ranger programs, biking, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site →Illinois Caverns State Natural Area
Illinois Caverns State Natural Area is a natural area in Monroe County, about 8 miles south of Waterloo.
Hours, fees and rules for Illinois Caverns State Natural Area →Mississippi River SFWA
Mississippi River SFWA is a state fish and wildlife area in Jersey County, about 12 miles north of St. Charles.
Hours, fees and rules for Mississippi River SFWA →Mastodon State Historic Site
Popular activities here are ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Mastodon State Historic Site →Pere Marquette State Park
Its trail network totals roughly 12 miles, according to the park. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Pere Marquette State Park →Castlewood State Park
The park supports mountain biking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Castlewood State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Highland
- Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area 21 mi east · Campground listed
- Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) 21 mi west · Campground listed
- Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area 25 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Beaver Dam State Park 34 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Washington County State Recreation Area 38 mi southeast · Campground listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Highland
- Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area 21 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Pere Marquette State Park 48 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Highland
- Pere Marquette State Park 48 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
Hiking near Highland
- Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park 24 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site 43 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Mastodon State Historic Site 47 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Castlewood State Park 49 mi west · Hiking trails listed
Fishing near Highland
- Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park 24 mi west · Fishing listed
- Castlewood State Park 49 mi west · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Highland
What is the closest state park to Highland?
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is the closest, about 21 miles east of Highland in a straight line. Next are Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) and Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park.
How many state parks are near Highland?
18 state park units are within 50 miles, and 4 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Highland have camping?
7 parks list camping, the nearest being Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) and Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Highland?
Yes, at 1 park, including Pere Marquette State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Highland?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Edwardsville, IL16 mi west
- Near Belleville, IL24 mi southwest
- Near St. Louis, MO32 mi west
- Near Centralia, IL35 mi southeast
- Near Arnold, MO44 mi southwest
- Near St. Charles, MO45 mi west
- Near Mount Vernon, IL52 mi southeast
- Near Festus, MO55 mi southwest
Or see all Illinois state parks, Missouri state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.