Kinkaid Lake SFWA
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- dnr.illinois.gov(618) 684-2867
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Kinkaid Lake SFWA is a state fish and wildlife area in Jackson County, about 3 miles west of Murphysboro.
Fees and passes
Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.
Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
See the park’s wording
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
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, which can be reached at (618) 687-4914. Camping is not allowed on DNR property.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Boating and paddling
Boating
Four boat ramps and a full-service marina are available. No motor restrictions apply, but 50 M.P.H. daytime and 25 M.P.H. sunset-to-sunrise speed limits are enforced.
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.
Fishing
Fishing
The lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye, and muskie.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Accessibility at Kinkaid Lake:
•
Restrooms - Kinkaid Lake offers accessible restroom facilities at both Paul Ice Recreation Area and the Mt. Joy Marina Boat Area. Most of them can be found at Paul Ice Rec. Area which can be accessed off from Ava Road, just follow the signs to the main entrance of the facility on Paul Ice road.
•
Fishing – Kinkaid Lake provides several docks that are wheelchair accessible. The main dock is located on the South shoreline of the lake at the Mt. Joy Marina Boat Ramp. It is easily accessible from the many accessible parking spots in the main parking lot.
•
Hunting – Kinkaid Lake provides accessible hunting opportunities upon request based on the season. Please call 618-684-2867 and one of our staff will be able to assist you.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 52 Cinder Hill Drive
Murphysboro, IL 62966 - Nearest town
- Murphysboro — about 3 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 37.7760, -89.3790
- Phone
- (618) 684-2867
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Illinois State Parks (IDNR state parks and recreation areas) — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- IDNR All Parks list (AEM content-fragment list JSON) + each unit's landing page for official title, coordinates, address, phone
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology