KINKAID LAKE STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
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. The 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.
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.
Camping is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, and at Johnson Creek Recreation Area at Kinkaid Village Marina who can be reached at: 618-687-4914. Camping is not allowed on DNR property.
Four boat ramps are available to the public with a full-service marina also available. No horsepower restrictions apply, although numerous no-wake areas exist on the lake.
For more details about Kinkaid Lake, contact nearby Lake Murphysboro State Park, 52 Cinder Hill Drive, Murphysboro, IL 62966, phone (618) 684-2867 or fax (618) 687-1220.
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