Natural swimming hole
Willow Pond Beach (Middle Fork River Forest Preserve)
River · Illinois
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Willow Pond's 4-acre swimming beach is the only public-access beach in Champaign County, inside the 1,712-acre Middle Fork River Forest Preserve near Penfield. The Forest Preserve District lists swimming among the preserve's activities, and the beach reopened in June 2023 after a full pond renovation. The preserve is also Illinois' first and only International Dark Sky Park. Pair a daytime swim with the campground, trails, and some of the darkest night skies in the state.
Good to know
| Water type | River |
|---|---|
| Amenities | campground, trails, dark-sky viewing |
| County | Champaign County |
| Nearest town | Penfield |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.