Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
- 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) 835-2292
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a recreation area in Wayne County, about 21 miles east of Salem.
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.
Camping
Reserve Your Campsite
Two Class B/E campgrounds provide the overnight visitor with necessary amenities in a shady, secluded section of the park. These campsites have electricity and a sanitary dump station. One has a playground close by for small children. Tent and group camping areas also are available, including a handicapped pad in one campground. Campsite reservations are accepted online through the ExploreMoreIL website.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Trails
There are approximately 8 miles of equestrian trails.
Hiking
Hikers at Sam Dale Lake SFWA will delight at the sights and sounds along the 3.2-mile nature trail as it winds through the wooded area in a circular pattern with three major loops. The trail skirts the lake for an easy side trip to the shore. A 1.6-mile trail from the group campground area to the dam winds along the lake.
Fishing
Fishing
The long, narrow lake at Sam Dale Lake SFWA has many curves and fingers, making it an ideal setting for the avid fisherman. Species available include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, crappie and channel catfish. Two launching ramps, boat docks and several floating fishing docks. The motor limit is 10 HP.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Park or camp store
✓ 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 Sam Dale
•
Parking - The parking lot is paved with accessible parking spaces. There is approximately a 20' distance to the nearest sidewalk.
•
Sidewalks are concrete.
•
There is a wheelchair ramp to the park office.
•
Fishing - There is an accessible wooden fishing pier that is 20' from the parking lot.
•
Restrooms - The park has 10 accessible vault toilets and one accessible flush toilet at the concession stand. The concession is open May to October 31.
•
Camping - There are two electrically accessible campsites.
•
Service animals are welcome, and there are water fountains available.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 620 County Road 1910 North
Johnsonville, IL 62850 - Nearest town
- Salem — about 21 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 38.5360, -88.5850
- Phone
- (618) 835-2292
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