Summary
The park covers an area of about 1,022 acres and is situated around the shores of Lake Murphysboro. There are several good reasons to visit this park, including hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking.
One of the main points of interest in Lake Murphysboro State Park is its large lake, which covers an area of about 145 acres. The lake is popular among anglers, as it is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Visitors can rent boats and canoes to explore the lake, or fish from the shore or the fishing pier.
Another interesting feature of Lake Murphysboro State Park is its network of hiking trails. There are several trails in the park, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forest, and visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and squirrels. The park also has several picnic areas, which are perfect for a family outing or a romantic lunch.
Interesting facts about Lake Murphysboro State Park include its history as a coal mining area. The park is located on what was once a coal mine, and visitors can still see remnants of the mining operations, including an old mine entrance.
The best time of year to visit Lake Murphysboro State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming and boating. However, the park is also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change colors and the hiking trails are less crowded.
In conclusion, Lake Murphysboro State Park is a beautiful and peaceful park in southern Illinois, with plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, camp, or simply relax by the lake, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Murphysboro State Park
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Turkey Bayou
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Johnson Creek Campground
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Johnson Creek
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Devils Backbone Park
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