Agencies
Services
Park Activities
- While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
- At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
- Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
- Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
Located in southwestern Illinois' Jackson County, Kinkaid Lake is approximately 5 miles north of Murphysboro and 100 miles southeast of St. Louis.
Built in 1968, the lake encompasses 2,750 acres. Ownership of the surrounding land is divided among the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which manages approximately 4,000 acres, the U.S. Forest Service, which administers 5,000 acres, and Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, which oversees 300 acres.
Natural Features
Topography varies from sandstone bluff formations to rolling hills surrounding the lake where oaks and hickories predominate. Numerous flat contours are planted with prairie grasses, cool-season grasses and wildlife food plots.
Directions
Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is located in Jackson County on the north side of Rt. 149, approximately 2 miles west of Murphysboro. From Rt. 13, 127, and 149 junction, take Rt. 149 west 2 miles to the entrance of Lake Murphysboro State Park/Kinkaid Lake. From Rt. 3, take 149 east approximately 5 miles to the entrance of Lake Murphysboro State Park/Kinkaid Lake.
Southern Illinois
52 Cinder Hill Drive
Murphysboro
62966
37.776
-89.379
