Is Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground?

Yes, Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground have?

Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground has 74 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground?

Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground?

Popular activities at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground

3.80

10 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

397 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

ElectricShowers

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

397 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

ElectricShowers

Check Availability

Get Directions

Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations are handled through the state reservation system (ExploreMoreIL). Campers must obtain a camping permit at the site office upon arrival....

No paid fee categories listed.

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Illinois State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground

37.7806, -89.3806

Nearby places

Murphysboro — approximately 1–2 miles east

Nearby supplies

Murphysboro — groceries, fuel and services (approx. 1–2 miles east)

Weather at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground

Summer and fall draw the biggest crowds, and for good reason—warm days are perfect for casting a line or gliding across the calm water, while September and October deliver some of southern Illinois' most stunning fall foliage. Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, ideal for those seeking a quieter experience on the trails and water. Winter camping is possible for the adventurous, though amenities may be limited, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm what's available during the colder months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer draws biggest crowds; warm days ideal for fishing and paddling on the calm lake.

Planning Tips

About Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground

Nestled in the rolling, wooded hills just west of Murphysboro, Lake Murphysboro State Park wraps around a serene 145-acre star-shaped reservoir that feels a world away from everyday life. Whether you're backing your RV into a shaded electric site or pitching a tent steps from the water, you'll find a peaceful lakeside retreat perfect for fishing, paddling, and reconnecting with nature at a slower pace.

Mix of electric RV/trailer sites and basic tent sites; several campgrounds/loops around the lake.

Historical Significance

The park encompasses about 1,022 acres surrounding a 145-acre reservoir that was created in 1950 for recreation and fishing; the lake’s star-shaped shoreline reflects the mid-20th-century impoundment design. The park primarily serves as a post-1950 recreational resource for Murphysboro and surrounding communities.

Weather and SeasonsSummer and fall draw the biggest crowds, and for good reason—warm days are perfect for casting a line or gliding across the calm water, while September and October deliver some of southern Illinois' most stunning fall foliage. Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, ideal for those seeking a quieter experience on the trails and water. Winter camping is possible for the adventurous, though amenities may be limited, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm what's available during the colder months.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's centerpiece is its distinctive 145-acre star-shaped lake, whose 7.5 miles of winding shoreline create hidden coves and quiet inlets waiting to be explored. Forested slopes of oak and hickory rise from the water's edge, their canopy providing dappled shade along the shore and framing views that change with every bend. In spring, wildflowers dot the understory, while autumn transforms the surrounding Shawnee Hills into a painter's palette of reds, oranges, and golds mirrored perfectly in the glassy surface of the no-wake lake.

Geological RegionShawnee Hills transition zone (rolling oak‑hickory hardwood hills, small ravines and gentle ridges)

Scenic ViewsScenic views focus on the star-shaped Lake Murphysboro and wooded hills that meet the shoreline; lakeside and boat-ramp areas provide sunrise and sunset reflections and sheltered water vistas. Fall foliage enhances shoreline views, while paddlers can enjoy varied perspectives from the water.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsExploreMoreIL (UseDirect-based reservation system)

Total Campsites74 campsites

Best CampsitesNo site-by-site favorites are published. General guidance: choose lakeside sites for easiest fishing and water views, or interior/wooded sites for more shade and privacy. Consult the park office or campground map before selecting a site.

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Campground includes a large number of electric RV/trailer sites and a sanitary disposal (dump) station; restrooms and at least one shower house are present according to user reports. Reservations are handled via ExploreMoreIL and campers must obtain a camping permit at the site office. Pets are allowed on a leash.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Typical lake-focused and woodland activities: fishing, boating (restricted), paddling, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing around a 145-acre, tree-lined lake set in rolling wooded hills.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExpect ticks and mosquitoes during warm months. Fishing pressure can be high on popular weekends. The lake is a no-wake, electric-motor-friendly waterbody (not suitable for high-speed powerboating). General wooded-terrain hazards (uneven ground, roots) apply.

Cell CoverageNone of the primary camping databases provide explicit carrier‑by‑carrier reports for Lake Murphysboro itself. Coverage can be reasonably inferred from regional data: Murphysboro is a small city on IL‑149, only a couple of miles east of the park entrance[3]. Southern Illinois around Murphysboro generally has **usable AT&T and Verizon LTE** near town and along IL‑149, with signal sometimes weakening in low spots or heavily wooded areas (inference from regional carrier maps and The Dyrt’s general Murphysboro‑area campground listings, which rarely flag no‑service issues)[9]. Expect: generally **workable voice and text**, and **moderate data** near the campground, but possible drops or slower speeds in the most wooded or lakeside hollows. T‑Mobile tends to be more variable in rural southern Illinois; some data is likely but may be less reliable than AT&T/Verizon (inference). Because no site‑specific measurements are published, treat this as moderate‑confidence guidance and confirm if reliable data is critical to your trip.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lake Murphysboro Camping Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors generally praise the scenic, peaceful, wooded lake setting and good fishing; many reviewers note roomy sites and positive interactions with staff. Reported negatives include site cleanliness issues, occasional reservation mix-ups, and distance or limited hours for shower/bathhouse facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic, tree-lined star-shaped lake; peaceful/quiet setting; good fishing; roomy sites and electric RV hookups; convenient proximity to Murphysboro for supplies; helpful park staff mentioned in...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve ahead using ExploreMoreIL and obtain your camping permit at the site office on arrival. Choose sites close to the lake for easiest fishing access or interior wooded sites for more privacy;...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

“It's quiet and right on the lake.” — “When we arrived, our reserved and paid for site was taken by someone else.” — “The campground was clean and the bathroom was close, ranger was nice and helpful.”

Based on 10 reviews

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