State: Illinois
Address 1: 52 Cinder Hill Drive
City: Murphysboro
Zip: 62966
Phone: 618-684-2867
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 74
Electric: 54
Camp URL: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/r5/murphysb.htm
Full Hook: Yes
Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround star-shaped Lake Murphysboro and provide a wonderful backdrop for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Located in Jackson County about one mile west of Murphysboro off Route 149, the 1,022-acre state park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
Natural Features
Patches of native wild orchids may be found in the wooded areas of the park. Yellow ladys slipper, showy, purple fringeless, twayblade, puttyroot, coralroot and ladies tresses are just some of the varieties to watch for. The variety of orchids makes it possible to find blooming plants throughout the year.
The wooded hills include groves of majestic oak and hickory trees, as well as most other types of trees.
Archery
An archery range is located in the northwest section of the park.
Picnicking
Whether you visit Lake Murphysboro State Park to fish, hike or especially for a picnic, you will enjoy the shaded picnic areas located in convenient locations around the lake.
For larger groups there are two shelter houses, one with drinking water and playground equipment.
Fishing and Boating
With its gentle hills and shady shores, Lake Murphysboro is a popular retreat for bank fishing. No matter what form of fishing one prefers, anglers will appreciate the variety of fish available: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie.Boaters can bring their own boat or rent one near the boat launch.
Hiking
A three-mile designated trail offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy the plant, animal and bird life of the park up close. For those who prefer to explore nature on their own, several paths criss-cross through the hills and woods of the park.
