Your Forest Preserves

Fox River Preserve & Marina

Nestled along a tranquil section of the Fox River, this preserve features trails, a large picnic area, public boat launch, boat slips and open space for outdoor recreation activities.

Marina

The 169-slip marina offers 20, 25 and 30-foot slips, and includes a four-lane launch for boats and personal watercraft. Indoor dry storage is also available. Larger slips provide electric and water access. For more information, download a rate sheet or call 847-381-0669.

Hours and fees:

• Preserve open daily, 6:30 am - sunset.
• Marina & launch currently closed for the season

Trails

Two miles of crushed granite trails wind through woodlands and along the banks of the Fox River. The trail is open to hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers. The trail also extends from the west to the Village of Port Barrington at Center Street, where it meets with the village's pathway system.

Fishing

Fish for bluegill, black crappie, walleye, channel catfish and more from along the shoreline. Fishing is not permitted in the marina area or from the docks.

Youth Group Camping

Scouts and other organized youth groups can apply for a permit to use the group camping area at this site, capacity 50. Site includes water and restrooms. Call 847-367-6640 for details about required permits.

Once a seasonal recreational vehicle campground, the Fox River Preserve and Marina is now one of Lake County’s most beautiful landscapes thanks to extensive land and shoreline restoration and a variety of public access improvements.

Situated along a peaceful stretch of the Fox River, the site’s natural areas include rolling topography, oak savannas and high-quality wetlands that support several native species and offer habitat protection for diverse wildlife.

In some sections of the preserve, the hilly landscape is typical of southern Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine area. Unique to the site are a large rookery, home to great blue herons and egrets, and a fen that supports two state-listed plant species.