Fay Pickering MTB Trailhead | Informal Campsite

March 25th, 2024 by zippididou

Not free anymore. When we arrived on Sunday there was 3 others cars/pickups, no campers : Mountain bikers and people with dogs. Toilets were closed, water was not on yet. Nice trails by the lake. Later, the guys were playing music full blast but they left early and the night was quiet except from the noise from highway.

April 13th, 2023 by nelldld

Camping is now allowed but for a fee through Campspot.com or by calling 217-889-3601.

June 2nd, 2022 by bmiesse54

Very nice overnight stop! clean, well maintained, large gravel lot, clean flush toilet, pavilion, a couple picnic tables, nice view of lake. sign on pavilion says " primitive camping only". Also no ground fires. A little convoluted getting here from EB I-70, but Google maps easy to follow.

January 12th, 2022 by cameronsturgess

Nice place with great mtn biking trails. Some cool history along the trails. Trailforks has good maps. It clearly states you can camp but must register and pay via campspot.com.

September 15th, 2021 by van1ife420

Pulled in here last night about 1am, very peaceful, they have a water spigot just need a hose. There is picnic tables and a pavilion. Restrooms and trash cans available for your use. There are bike trails I assume they are nice. There is a map of the trails on side of pavilion. This is a gravel parking lot over looking the lake. Extremely Beautiful. No signs indicating no overnight parking. Great for vans, buses, and Rv’s. It is not too far from the i70 exit in Marshall. Easy to find. I will be staying here again.

September 14th, 2021 by ben.g.greiner

A somewhat aggressive local guy is upset that people are using this to park overnight, and will likely come to chase you away. There are no signs indicating that this public county park closes at dusk, but he is convinced it does. People who built the trails are aware and trying to reconcile with him. Really nice spot otherwise.

September 3rd, 2021 by coxklosek.com

Locals rousted us out 5 minutes after arrival at 8pm. Not happy with campers at all.

June 7th, 2021 by hartleyhooligans

10-12 miles off I-70 — worth the drive. We had no trouble staying the night last night. Parked in a fairly large gravel lot. Bathroom on site, tho not sure they’re open at night. Picnic tables and trash cans. This is a mountain bike trail and also a hiking trail next to a gorgeous lake. Very peaceful. Saw a wild turkey this morning! Definitely check out the trails before you go. So picturesque and dreamy. There are 10 miles of bike trails to explore — supposedly the best in all of IL for mountain biking! No electricity or hookups of any kind. Just a trailhead — only for parking. We just stayed overnight and left in the morning. Beautiful stop. We will stay here again for sure!!

November 10th, 2020 by instagram.com/roaminginavan

Mountain bike trailhead off the beaten path. Very quiet - perfect spot for spending a night while driving i70. No signs prohibiting overnight parking. Google says this place is open 24 hrs. Ideal for a van or small camper. Trash cans available. Restrooms are locked but there's a threaded water spigot for filling up water.