State: Illinois
Address 1: 14548 Beaver Dam Lane
City: Plainview
Zip: 62685
Phone: 217-854-8020
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Camp URL: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R4/beaver.htm#Camping
Full Hook: Yes
Located in Macoupin County 7 miles southwest of Carlinville and situated in an oak/hickory woodland, Beaver Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities on its 750 acres. Fishing, picnicking, hiking, and tent and trailer camping are among the most popular activities. Although the beaver is virtually gone from this area, the park is named for a beaver dam that created its lake.
Camping
The trailer camping area has electricity at each pad and a sanitary dump station. A shower building with flush toilets is located in the center of the trailer camping area. Water is available in the area, but there are no water hookups at each site. All campsites are first come first serve. Tent camping is in a separate area, with nearby rest rooms and water. A designated area for youth-group camping, such as Boy or Girl Scouts, features rest rooms, water, fire pads and picnic tables. When youth groups plan to use the area, the site superintendents office should be notified in advance by calling (217) 854-8020 to make a reservation for the group camping area. All camping is situated in wooded areas with large oak and hickory trees, which provide shade throughout most of the day. Located next to the shower house is a new Rent A Cabin available for reservation by calling the park office. Only the Rent-A-Cabin is available for reservation, all campsites are first come first serve. The park does not rent tents.
Picnicking
There is one large section of the park available for picnicking. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are provided, or picnickers may bring their own grills. Four pavilions are located in the picnic area and can be reserved, contact the site for reservation forms.
Concession
The concession stand on the lake is open from April through mid-October each year. Food, picnic supplies, live bait, tackle, boat rentals and fishing licenses are available. Please call 217-854-6688 for more information.
Fishing
The park contains a 59-acre lake, which has a maximum depth of 10 feet and 1.7 miles of shoreline. Over the years the lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish. A free boat launch and docks are available for public use. No gasoline engines are allowed, only electric trolling motors. Check the information display for daily catch and size limits.
Hiking Trails
Approximately 8 miles of hiking trails are found in the park. These trails encircle the lake, lead past the marsh, and extend through various wooded areas in the park.
Playground Equipment
One set of playground equipment is located in the picnic area.
Archery Range
An archery range is located across from the concession and may be used free of charge. Archers must bring their own bow and arrows. Broadhead Points are not allowed. All archers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Winter Activities
When conditions are suitable, ice fishing and ice skating are permitted. Adequate snow cover permits cross-country skiing and sledding.
Hunting
Spring Turkey, Archery Deer, Furbearer Trapping, and Squirrel hunting is available at Beaver Dam during the regulated seasons. For more information please review our
