Explore the star-shaped shoreline of the lake and go hiking, camping, fishing and boating with a backdrop of tree-covered hills.
Lake Murphysboro State Park is centered on an idyllic 145-acre (58.7-hectare) lake. Constructed in 1950, Lake Murphysboro is a tributary of Indian Creek and renowned for its high stocks of fish. With 1,022 acres (413.6 hectares) of preserved parkland, Lake Murphysboro State Park is a tranquil spot to discover Southern Illinois’ great outdoors.
Enter the expansive state park and make your way around the picturesque road that loops the lake. Pick from a range of walking trails and crisscross the park’s wooded hillsides.
Murphysboro Lake has 7.5 miles (12.1 kilometers) of shoreline framed by pretty beaches and bluffs lined with oak and hickory trees. The lake’s gentle hills make it ideal for bank fishing. Try angling for largemouth bass, blue gill, channel catfish, redear sunfish and crappie. The lake has boat access from its fishing pier and the boat transfer station. Bring your own boat or rent a watercraft from the operator near the boat launch. Spend some time exploring the lake’s niched waterways and relax as you wait for the fish to bite.
Bring a grill to cook your catch at one of the shaded picnic spots located around the lakeside. There are also two large shelter houses, one of which has running water and a playground for children to explore. Both shelter houses have restrooms and parking space.
Try your hand at the archery range, located on the northwestern end of the park. Nearby is Little Lake, another popular spot for fishing. Motorized boats are not permitted on this lake, however.
Stay overnight in the park’s picturesque campgrounds or trailer sites and wake up to a new day of pretty lakeside vistas from your shaded site.
Lake Murphysboro State Park is situated 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) to the northwest of the town of Murphysboro in Southern Illinois. The park is free to enter. Purchase a permit from the site office if you intend to stay overnight.
