Nine Eagles State Park — Attraction in Leon

Not a bad weekend camping trip. But could have been a bit better.

Well we stayed at the non electric camp sites. We had made reservations online. The sites were very narrow and about 50% gravel. This meant I slept on gravel under my tent. There were deep tire ruts in the non graveled areas that kept me putting a tent over the softer earth. They are also under going a water pipe replacement project which meant the poorly maintained shower was locked and we had to drive to the RV area to get water. There was a permanent outhouse. Very interesting as it was a concrete structure like storm proof. Hopefully they will replace the shower house too.

The trees were very nice, a lot of oak. Over where I parked however was widow-maker. In general it looked as thought most folk never ventured into the underbrush. There was almost no naturally available firewood unless you had the tools and time to take dead standing trees.

Fire pits were nice a few of the sites have little pointless ones. The nice ones however were not set into the ground so one have to build tall fires to cook on.

Leaves...leaves...leaves. the ranger needs to come out with a rake or blower and clean out the leaves. Out picnic table alone have about 14" of leaves under it. The trails were covered with them. Which when wet make them slippery and hard to go up and down. Especially since they had no steps or gravel on them. I used my canoe paddle to clean the leaves out a bit from the camp site.

Wildlife was fun. We saw deer, vultures and eagles, and raccoons. The raccoons were overly friendly and had no problem with people. The dumpster needs barred metal to keep them out as they make a hell of a racket all night. I know this has been very wet and the nats and mosquitos intense. I would think they could fog or spray to help reduce. I was very surprised with all the leaves that we didn't have a substantial tic problem.

The lake was very nice. Need some grass carp to keep the water brush in check. We paddled the lake and getting into the bays was tough as the water vegetation just wanted grab the paddles. We tried fishing but no luck. Now in fairness 4 kids fishing off the dock mid day isn't going to get much. The beach was nice. I did not go in the swim area. But the other visitors seemed to be having a good time.

Overall the park can just needs a little TLC and it would raise my opinion of it. Improving and maintaining the tent sites would go a long way. Same with trails. The bones of a great state park are they they just need to make some small...

This review is full of useful info for anyone exploring the state park and are wondering about anything concerning the geography of the park and vicinity.

First of all, Google, get your marker in the right place. (Edit: Hey look they got it right :D) The park is 6 miles southeast on Dale Miller road (Decatur J66) and is clearly marked, you cannot miss it. Some signs in the park are misleading, as you do not need to pay for anything if you are day hiking. Read the signs carefully. Day hikers are allowed to park in the middle of the grass in the camping area free of charge. The multi-use trails that allow horses can be muddy so don't fall. If you are hiking around the lake, there is no trail over or around the spillway, you need to rock hop across the creek, (this is a good thing to incorporate your mind into the hike, you have to think about where you want to step next. Trails were quite muddy but it rained all day the day before. Getting from the north trail to the lake trail at the southwest end is possible but you will have to hop a fairly dry creek, only took me about 30 seconds and 1 6 foot leap in the brush. The redbud trees are beautiful in the spring even though they are few and far between. They give the trail more color. Doing the north trail all along the top of the park and connecting to the lake and hiking along the bottom shore to get to the camping parking lot is just a little over 6 miles. Definitely would recommend if on a road trip and you are looking for a place to stretch your legs for about an hour as its only 10...

About this this park. Great shade in the non electric tent sites. Price is reasonable and on par with other parks in the state. The sites are partially graveled. There are 3 ft. Fire rings with grill and picnic table at each site. It is easy enough to either find dead fall or buy firewood not far from the park. Site 39 at the end of the park is reservable and is by a trail and slightly slanted with two places for a tent...the stakes go in the ground easily. There are gravel pads for parking but it's all paved into the park. The trails will tax the glutes and calves as they are poorly maintained but passable. Showers are older and separate from the rest rooms I would call them old modern. At night this park is quiet except around holidays. The birds sing in the mornings and only a slight highway sound now n then echos through distantly. The DNR and conservation officers are very present and friendly . There are trails to a nicely maintained beach area with beach showers and restroom. As well as a covered picnic area and boat dock. There is access to cleaning station and...