State: Illinois
Address 1: 640 Argyle Park Road
City: Colchester
Zip: 62326
Phone: 309-776-3422
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 159
Electric: 110
Camp URL: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/ARGYLE.HTM#Camping
Full Hook: Yes
Known as a fisherman’s delight, Argyle Lake State Park has a full complement of recreational opportunities. Just 7 miles from Macomb, Argyle Lake also offers picnicking, camping, hiking and boating facilities in a scenic, natural setting.
With its 93-acre lake for boating and fishing, 5 miles of rugged foot trails through luxuriant virgin forests, and full-service campgrounds, this heavily wooded, 1,700-acre site is the ideal place to spend a day, a weekend, or longer.
At Argyle Lake State Park there are 10 shaded picnic areas placed conveniently throughout the area, with tables, grills and water. There’s also a playground located close to the three larger shelters to keep the children busy that features swings and a slide. The shelters are available for people to reserve for family reunions, gatherings, etc.
For longer visits, the park offer a variety of camping opportunities. The Twisted Oak campground contains 86 Class A campsites, the Big Oaks campground contains 24 Class B/E and 18 Class C campsites – featuring vehicle access and restrooms, finally our Twin Oaks campground has 31 Class D (primitive) sites. A disposal station and restrooms with showers are also available. Reservations are also accepted.
Hiking
The 5 miles of foot trails provide unparalleled scenic enjoyment. There are 12 trails and most are classified as difficult to very difficult, but Blackberry and Pitch Pine trails are rated as moderate. Be sure to look for the beaver dams along Shore Trail. There also are more than 200 bird species that call Argyle Lake home.
Boatingand Fishing
The lake is stocked with bluegill, redear, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, tiger muskie and rainbow trout. There is a 10 horsepower motor limit, and a public boat launch and docks are available for boats and pontoons. Canoe and boat rentals also are available.
Equestrian Facilities
For equestrian enthusiasts there is a rugged, 7-mile equestrian trail. An equestrian campground also is available.
Hunting | Hunter Fact Sheet
Upland game hunting is allowed on a limited basis. Please check with the park office for specific dates, species and regulations.
Events | Interpretive Programs
Argyle Lake is the site of the Argyle Antique Gas Engine Show, a festive celebration of times past. It’s a great way to spend Labor Day weekend. You’ll see demonstrations of wheat threshing, hay baling, sawmilling, sorghum making and blacksmithing. You can also watch crafts persons make quilts, whittle and make rugs. In addition, hundreds of antique tractors, cars and gas engines are on display. For bargain hunters, there also is a giant fleamarket.
Winter Sports
Open year-round, Argyle Lake State Park is ideally suited for ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding or just playing in the snow.
