East Mound Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
East Mound Park is a popular destination in the state of Illinois for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is located in Charleston, Illinois, and is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
Some of the top reasons to visit East Mound Park include hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and photography. The park is home to several scenic trails that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the park's stocked pond, which is home to a variety of fish species.
One of the most popular points of interest in East Mound Park is the Mound, a large hill that was created by Native Americans more than a thousand years ago. The Mound is considered a sacred site and is protected by law. Visitors can climb to the top of the Mound and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to the Mound, East Mound Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the park's diverse bird population, which includes bald eagles, ospreys, and several species of songbirds.
The best time of year to visit East Mound Park depends on your interests. Spring and summer are popular times to visit for hiking and fishing, while fall is a great time to see the park's stunning fall foliage. Winter is also a beautiful time to visit, with opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, East Mound Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty and rich wildlife of Illinois.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Faries Park
|
||
ski club campground
|
||
Spitler Group Camp
|
Knights of Columbus Park
Greendell Park
Horace B Garman Park
Boiling Springs Park
Torrence Park