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Illinois State Parks

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Illinois
Central Region
Sangchris Lake State Park
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It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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SANGCHRIS LAKE STATE PARK
SANGCHRIS LAKE STATE PARK
9898 Cascade Road
Rochester, Illinois   62563

Phone: 217-498-9208
Reservations: 217-498-9208
Email: park email button icon
Located minutes east of Springfield and its Lincoln attractions, Sangchris Lake serves as a perfect home base for enjoying outdoor activities in central Illinois. Whether you're interested in fishing, boating, camping, hunting or family gatherings, Sangchris Lake provides an abundance of recreational opportunities amid native forests of oak, maple, butternut and persimmon.

Totaling 3,022 acres and offering 120 miles of shoreline, Sangchris Lake is so named because it extends into both Sangamon and Christian counties. It was formed in 1964 when Commonwealth Edison built a 50-foot earthen dam across Clear Creek to create a cooling lake for a power plant it was constructing near Sicily.

In 1969, ComEd deeded 1,414 acres of land around the lake to the state, along with easement rights for boating and fishing. In August of 1997, the Department of Natural Resources purchased 1,180 acres along the west shoreline from ComEd. Today, ongoing developments and improvements have transformed the Sangchris Lake State Park into a popular outdoor retreat.

For day visitors, there are eight picnic areas around the lake, as well as several picnic shelters. Also, there are several gravel parking lots nearby and areas contain tables, grills, water facilities and pit toilets. Please inquire at site office for shelter reservation information.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
For longer stays, the Deer Run Campground on the north end of the lake contains 80 Class A (electricity, showers and vehicle access), 40 Class B/S (vehicle access with showers), and 5 Class C (tent camping, walk-in or backpack; no vehicle; with showers) campsites and 5 additional Class C equestrian campsites. A sanitary dump station is provided in each campground.

Hickory Point Campground, near the east boat dock area, contains 55 Class A, 10 Class C, and two cabin sites. Playground equipment, showers and a restroom with flush toilets are nearby. Handicapped sites are located in both campgrounds. Water facilities will be closed the Monday prior to Thanksgiving through March 31 (Including the shower building). Both campgrounds will be closed the second week in January - March 31.

Group camping is available in the wilderness area near the office and service buildings.
Boating
A two-slip launching ramp and dock are located on both the east and west sides of the lake for rowboats, canoes and boats with motors of 25 horsepower or less. Strawkas Point launching ramp and dock is located off of Route 104. Sailing is prohibited.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 3,022-acre reservoir known for its bass population. Other species include catfish, bluegill and crappie. There are two full-service boat ramps available.

In the cooler months, try your luck at catching walleye or muskie. Shoreline fishing is also an option here.

For those who prefer to fish from boats, there's ample space with no horsepower limit on motors.

Fishing tournaments occur throughout the year providing competitive fun for anglers of all skill levels.


Location
Sangchris Lake State Park is located near Chatham, Springfield and Taylorville
Nearby Parks

Picnicking
1. Sangchris Lake State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. There are three reservable shelters for larger gatherings.
3. Picnic sites offer beautiful lake views, perfect for a relaxing meal outdoors.
4. Some picnic spots have playgrounds nearby to entertain children while adults relax.
5. The park also provides restroom facilities near the picnicking locations.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 11 miles of scenic trails, suitable for all skill levels. Be cautious about wildlife encounters.

The Deer Run Campground Loop is a popular choice among cyclists but requires careful navigation due to its hilly terrain.

For those seeking an easy ride, the Hickory Point Campground offers flat and well-maintained paths ideal for families with children or novice bikers.

Remember that biking on hiking-only trails isn't allowed; always stick to designated bike routes in order not to disturb local flora and fauna.

During wet conditions, some tracks may become muddy making cycling challenging - it's best avoided until they dry out again.

Ensure you carry enough water as there are limited refill stations along the trail network.

Always wear helmets while riding bikes within park boundaries - safety should be your top priority at all times!

Lastly, keep in mind that no night-time bicycling is permitted here so plan accordingly during daylight hours only.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities, with over 200 species recorded. It's a hotspot for waterfowl and shorebirds during migration seasons. Raptors are also commonly sighted here in winter months while songbirds can be seen throughout the year.

Birdwatchers may explore various habitats including woodland, prairie restoration areas, wetlands and lake shores to spot different birds.

There is an annual Christmas Bird Count event where enthusiasts participate in counting local avian population.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 16 Wish Deer Run Had a Shower House by mike
park review stars; one to five We have been camping at Deer Run for a couple of years. The campground is very nice, neat and clean, but it would make a world of difference if the campground had a shower house. Brett is a great host and makes you feel very comfortable.
July 7 FAVORITE STATE PARK
park review stars; one to five STAYED AT THE Hickory Point Campground FOR 2 DAYS.VERY QUITE,VERY CLEAN. PLAN TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR AT THIS TIME & RENT A CABIN.
June 6 nice campsites, nasty bathrooms
park review stars; one to five we camped at hickory point for 2 weeks and have never camped anywhere where the bathrooms were so nasty. The out-houses were even worse and went for days without toilet paper (until we asked the hosts to fill them) What are our camping fees paying for?
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Area Campgrounds
Double J Campground
9638 Palm Road
Chatham, IL
217-483-9998
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Traveling from the south, Northbound I 55 North to Exit 82 (Route 104). Route 104 east 6.1 miles through Pawnee and turn left, north, at Sangchris Lake sign. Travel 4.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn right at Sangchris Lake sign and travel 3 more miles.

Traveling from the north, southbound I 55 South to exit 96A (Route 29). Route 29 to Rochester, IL. Turn right at the 2nd stoplight, Walnut Street, at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.

Traveling from the west, Eastbound I 72 East to Springfield, then I 55 North to Exit 96A, Route 29. Route 29 to Rochester turn right at the 2nd stoplight, Walnut Street, at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.

Traveling from the east, Westbound I 72 West to Springfield, then I 55 south to Exit 96A Route 29. Route 29 to Rochester turn right at the 2nd stoplight, Walnut Street at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.
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