Middle Fork River Forest Preserve — Attraction in Paxton

So I went here mainly during the weekdays, I do believe it gets a lot busier during the weekend.

They have pamphlets at the front entrance.

The park is open from dawn to dusk every day.

It's a nature preserve and campground. They have several ponds, a volleyball court, public restrooms, a jungle gym for the kiddos, and hiking trails.

They have five trails as of now in the main campground area. I took the South Loop trail and the views were very nice. I do wish they would maintain the trails a bit better, as a lot of it was overgrown with grass, which combined with the morning dew, makes for wet socks. I didn't mind too much but my wife was less than thrilled. The SL trail connects with the Oak Burl trail so you can continue the loop for a total of 4.4 miles, or you can go east and the trail will terminate at the Western part of the campground area.

The trails are teeming with wildlife, which was awesome. I saw a few deer both on and off the trail, unfortunately I was too loud and failed to get a good picture. There are also a ton of little frogs hanging out on the trail.

The SL trails gives you a great view of the river, a meadow, and the forest. Really nice hike minus the wet feet. It's super easy and kids would be fine throughout. There is plenty of parking and there is a Ranger station where you can buy ice and firewood, and it also has a poster with astronomical events so you don't miss anything.

I wanted to come for the night sky viewing but didn't make it unfortunately, but this is a international dark sky and campground certified area, which is cool.

I also visited the North Waterfowl Management Area, which is very beautiful. Less parking there and it's easy to miss if you're moving east-west.

Highly recommend if you're in the area, bring water proof...

We decided to check this place out because the website said you can see the night sky so beautifully here. Unfortunately there was a full moon so we didn’t get to see the sky as we had wanted to but it was still very stunningly beautiful at night as the moon illuminated the forest beneath it. The trails were ok, one of them was nearly impossible to walk as it had not been cleared out or walked in in years. But stopping at the creek right before heading back to camp was amazing. We walked through the water and found so many beautiful quartz crystals in all different shades of oranges, pinks, yellows and smoky tones. We were disappointed that the beach was closed, that was not mentioned in the website nor when we called. The camp space was the first row lot 5, we were right in front with easy access to the bathrooms and showers. Hated the showers guessing it’s well water because it just felt slimy all over my skin. But the facilities were in good condition, not trashed at all. Minus the water it was ok, I’d definitely recommend this camping location it felt so cozy can’t wait to come back on a CLEAR night to star gaze. And the price was excellent for a...

I literally had the most peaceful soul furfilling nights I've had in a long time on my short visit. I wish I woulda got a camping spot and stayed longer. Next week I just might!

Thank you for respecting this preserve!

To the family by the second pond playing spanish music on 1000% throwing m80s in the pond at 11pm... I'm glad you enjoyed your night too, even though your kids were screami g at the top of their lungs clearly bothered, but next time, take your family to a normal camp ground and not a preserve that clearly says in English not to do that here.

It's preserved and protected for a reason. Respect it or don't go. It's not to much to ask.

It's a beautiful place we need to share. And I get it. You didn't mean any harm, but there's literally signs up for a reason.

No mas explosión en la reserva, por favor,...