Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area is a 1,759-acre recreation area in Fayette County, about 13 miles north of Vandalia.

Reserve Your Campsite Campers have many sites from which to choose to pitch a tent or park a trailer. The area includes 90 campsites available, with a sanitary disposal station, electricity, and a flush toilet and shower building. Another 24 sites are available with electricity for organized groups. Hickory Grove is the choice for those needing only picnic tables, fire pads, and privies. Hickory Grove also has 45 sites available in a densely wooded area with unequalled views of shady trees and natural beauty. Water hydrants are conveniently placed throughout the campgrounds. A special site is available for organized youth groups. Reservations are available for portions of the campgrounds. Campsites can be reserved through the Reserve America website at ExploreMoreIL™.

Trails A 1-mile trail winds through the park. Visitors also often use the unmarked fire lanes which make good paths for easy walking. A 13-mile horse trail is located in the north end of the area along with a small campground for horse enthusiasts. This area is 1 mile north of the park entrance.

Boating A launching ramp and boat dock are conveniently located on Ramsey Lake. Gas motors are not allowed, but electric trolling motors are permitted. Fishing is allowed on several ponds located at the site, as well as on Ramsey Lake.

Fishing Fishing is a favorite pastime for Ramsey Lake visitors. To maintain a desirable fish population, the lake is managed by draw-downs and stocking. Some of the species include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie. Fishing supplies are available at the concession stand.

A state fishing license is usually required.

​Accessibility Features at Ramsey Lake • Parking - There are asphalt parking lots with attached access to concrete sidewalks. • There is a wheelchai-accessiblee fishing dock located in the boat launch parking lot. It is 15' from the parking lot. • Shelters - There are three shelters with accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, and concrete sidewalks. • Camping - White Oak Campground offers two accessible campsites, sites 42 and 85. They are both close to the shower house. Camping fees are $20 Friday - Sunday nights and $15 Monday - Thursday. Hickory Grove Campground has one accessible primitive campsite, number 103, and camping is free all week for this campsite. Our equestrian campground has an accessible primitive site, number 4, and camping is free all week for this campsite. Accessible restrooms are available in our campgrounds. • Service animals are welcome, but there is no access to water in the park.