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 1 mile west of Murphysboro off Route 149, the 1,022-acre state park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
Activities
Archery
An archery range is located in the northwest section of the park.
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.
An accessible fishing pier and boat transfer station are available.
Boaters can bring their own boat to the boat launch. The outboard motor limit is 10 hp. Bank and boat fishing also are available on Little Lake, but no motors are allowed.
Camping
Well-equipped campsites located in scenic areas of the park provide the perfect opportunity to extend your stay at Lake Murphysboro. Campers who want to truly experience nature will appreciate the 20 tent sites.
Those who love nature, but like the comfort of home, will prefer the 54 trailer sites that are equipped with electricity. Three Class A handicapped sites and one Class B/S handicapped site are available. A sanitary disposal station is located near the trailer area. All campers must obtain a permit from the site office.
Hiking
A 3 mile designated trail offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy the plant, animal and bird life of the park. For those who prefer to explore nature on their own, several paths criss-cross through the park's wooded hills.
Picnicking
Whether you visit Lake Murphysboro State Park to fish, hike or 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. Parking areas are available at both shelters. Handicapped-accessible toilet facilities are located in the concession area and in the Big Oak and Water Lily camping areas. ADA restrooms are available at both shelters.