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Sam Dale Lake State Fish Wildlife Area
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SAM DALE LAKE STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
SAM DALE LAKE STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
R.R. 1
Johnsonville, Illinois   62850

Phone: 618-835-2292
Reservations: 618-835-2292
Email: park email button icon
Gently rolling terrain, lush woods and a beautiful lake make the Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area the perfect spot for a family outing. Located northwest of Johnsonville in Wayne County, this area has something for everyone: fishing, hunting, picnicking, camping and swimming. Visitors may see quail, rabbit, dove, squirrel, deer, muskrat, fox, raccoon, owls, turkey, hawk, woodstock, or beaver as they roam the timber or brushy fields of the park. The highlight of a visit here will be Sam Dale Lake, a beautiful 194 acre lake with eight and a half miles of shoreline to hike around, swim in, or just sit beside and enjoy. In addition, several smaller ponds are home to fish and wildlife.
History of the Area
The initial 40-acre piece of land was purchased in 1959. Since then, additional land has been added totaling 1,302 acres in the State Fish & Wildlife Area. The site was named for Sam O. Dale, an eight-term state representative who also served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools in Hamilton County.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
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. There are also tent and group camping areas, including a handicapped pad in one campground.fall trees by the lake
Swimming
A buoy-marked swimming area is available on the west side of the lake with a large beach area for sun-bathers. This is a "swim at your own risk" beach; no lifeguards are present. Swimmers under 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The swimming area is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. No alcohol is allowed.


Location
Sam Dale Lake State Fish Wildlife Area is located near Mount Vernon, Salem

Picnicking
The tall, shady trees and plentiful flowers and greenery beckon many nature-lovers to the picnic areas at Sam Dale Lake. One of the picnic areas has shelter. Several picnic areas are available with tables, drinking fountains, and outdoor stoves. Playground equipment is nearby. A concession stand offers sandwiches and cold drinks.
Trails
Hikers will delight at the sights and sounds along the 3.2 mile nature trail. It winds through the wooded area in a circular pattern with three major loops to follow. 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.

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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
Enjoy a getaway to nearby Southern Illinois with Shawnee National Forest Cabins. Rustic log cabin rentals with modern comforts such as hot tubs, Wifi and satellite TV located near Garden of the God in the Shawnee National Forest.
63.3 miles from park*
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Directions
Sam Dale Lake is located in northwestern Wayne County. Coming North or South on I-57, take exit #109, turn East on Rt 161, travel approx. 22 miles, look for a large sign on the left for the entrance to Sam Dale Lake. If traveling from the East on Rt 50, turn South on Rt 45 to Cisne, turn West and travel approx. 8 mi. to site entrance sign. From the West on Rt 161, travel 22 miles east of Rt 37 to park entrance.

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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