Lake Murphysboro Camping

For Illinois locals seeking a refreshing escape into nature, Lake Murphysboro Camping, nestled in Murphysboro, IL, truly stands out as a "diamond in the rough." This beloved state park campground offers a peaceful retreat for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation and recreation. While every camping experience can have its quirks, Lake Murphysboro is widely appreciated for its beautiful lake, various amenities, and a unique microclimate that often keeps it cooler than surrounding areas during those warm Illinois summers.

Lake Murphysboro Camping is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a destination where you can reconnect with family, cast a line into the tranquil waters, or simply unwind amidst the natural beauty of Southern Illinois. While the lake doesn't permit swimming, it's a haven for paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats, making it ideal for those who love to be on the water. The campground also features a playground for the kids, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors. Despite isolated incidents that some campers might encounter with reservations or facility access, the enduring popularity of Lake Murphysboro over time, and its consistent positive reviews from many, highlight its overall appeal and suitability for a local Illinois getaway. It’s a place where the simple joys of camping and outdoor living truly come to life.

Lake Murphysboro Camping is conveniently located at 2-110 Big Oak, Murphysboro, IL 62966, USA. This address places it directly within Lake Murphysboro State Park, a scenic area in Southern Illinois known for its beautiful 145-acre star-shaped lake and surrounding wooded hills. The campground is easily accessible for Illinois residents, situated approximately one mile west of Murphysboro off Route 149. From the junction of Routes 13, 127, and 149, you can take Route 149 west for about two miles to reach the park entrance. This straightforward navigation makes it a convenient drive for campers from various parts of Illinois, allowing for more time enjoying the outdoors and less time on the road. Its location provides a perfect balance of being immersed in nature while still being relatively close to the town of Murphysboro for any necessary supplies or local exploration.

Lake Murphysboro Camping offers a range of services designed to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable, catering to both RV and tent campers.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground features 54 trailer sites equipped with electricity (either 30 or 50 amp connections). These are ideal for RVs and trailers, though it's noted that most sites are back-in, with only a few pull-throughs.
• Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, there are 20 designated tent sites available.
• Restrooms and Shower Houses: The campground includes shower houses with flush toilets and hot showers, which are a significant amenity for campers, offering comfort after a day of outdoor activities. While there might be occasional issues with timing or maintenance, these facilities are generally available.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is accessible via water pumps or faucets within the campground, although some may require a walk from specific sites.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available on-site for RV users, making waste disposal convenient.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Playground: A playground area is available for children, making the campground a family-friendly destination.
• Boat Launch: The campground offers a boat launch area and fishing pier, providing easy access to Lake Murphysboro for various water activities.
• Reservation System: Campsites can be reserved in advance through the ExploreMoreIL™ website, typically up to six months out. A non-refundable reservation fee applies, and specific holiday weekends may require minimum stays.
• ADA Accessible Sites: There are three Class A handicapped accessible campsites (sites 41, 47, and 51) with concrete pads, accessible picnic tables, and grills. Accessible flush toilets are also available in the shower house and concession areas.

Lake Murphysboro Camping boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Illinois locals seeking an outdoor adventure.

• Unique Cooler Microclimate: A standout feature often mentioned by visitors is that the campground feels "cooler here than any other places when it's hot outside." This provides a welcome respite during the warmer months, making it particularly comfortable for camping.
• Beautiful Lake Access for Boating and Fishing: While swimming is not permitted in the lake, it's a fantastic spot for paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats. Anglers will appreciate the opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie.
• Family-Friendly Playground: The presence of a playground makes it an ideal spot for families with children, ensuring kids have a dedicated area for fun and activity.
• Scenic Views and Natural Beauty: The campground is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and woods, offering picturesque views and a serene natural backdrop for camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.
• Hiking Trails: A designated two-mile trail within the state park allows hikers to explore the diverse plant, animal, and bird life. Numerous other paths crisscross the park's wooded hillsides.
• Archery Range: For enthusiasts, an archery range is located in the northwest section of the park, adding another recreational option.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash, making it a great option for those who want to bring their furry companions along.
• Proximity to Murphysboro: Being just a short drive from Murphysboro, campers have easy access to local amenities, shops, and restaurants, including the popular "Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off" and local wineries.

For more information, to inquire about specific site availability, or to make a reservation at Lake Murphysboro Camping (part of Lake Murphysboro State Park), please use the following contact details:

Address: 2-110 Big Oak, Murphysboro, IL 62966, USA

Phone: (618) 684-2867 (Lake Murphysboro State Park Office)

Phone: (618) 625-6115 (Number provided in original prompt, potentially direct line for campground office)

For online reservations, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' ExploreMoreIL™ website, or call their central reservation line at (866) 716-6550.

Lake Murphysboro Camping is a truly suitable destination for Illinois locals for its blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and accessibility. For residents seeking a break from the heat, the campground's reputation for cooler temperatures offers a refreshing advantage. The ability to engage in various water activities like fishing, paddle boating, and kayaking on the scenic Lake Murphysboro provides a classic Illinois outdoor experience. Families will appreciate the on-site playground and the overall peaceful atmosphere, making it a safe and enjoyable environment for children. While it offers a state park experience with fundamental amenities like shower houses and electric hookups for RVs, it maintains enough natural charm to feel like a true escape. For those living in Illinois, especially in the southern regions, Lake Murphysboro Camping provides an accessible, affordable, and consistently enjoyable option for weekend getaways or longer vacations, fostering a deeper connection with the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer.

Lake Murphysboro Camping

2-110 Big Oak, Murphysboro, IL 62966, USA