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Established Camping

Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground, near Murphysboro, Illinois, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without too much fuss. It offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it suitable for various camping styles.

The campground is equipped with essential amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, which campers appreciate. Many visitors have noted the laid-back vibe, with one saying it’s “very quiet and peaceful,” especially if you can snag a spot away from the busier areas. There’s also a group camping area that’s been praised for its spaciousness and privacy, perfect for larger gatherings.

For those who enjoy fishing or canoeing, the nearby lake is a highlight, and there’s plenty of firewood available for cozy campfires. While some facilities, like the pit toilets, could use a little TLC, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Plus, if you’re up for a short drive, the local wineries are worth checking out.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground has what you need. Just be prepared for a few quirks, and you’ll likely leave with some great memories.

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Location

Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located in Jackson County on the north side of Rt. 149, approximately 2 miles west of Murphysboro. From Rt. 13, 127, and 149 junction, take Rt. 149 west 2 miles to the entrance of Lake Murphysboro State Park/Kinkaid Lake. From Rt. 3, take 149 east approximately 5 miles to the entrance of Lake Murphysboro State Park/Kinkaid Lake.

Address

52 Cinder Hill Drive
Murphysboro, IL 62966

Coordinates

37.77771054 N
89.38854475 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2025

State park with beautiful view

We stayed in rv campground. The spot we chose had a beautiful view! The layout is a bit strange as some firepits are next to power source. Some sights are on top of one another. The

Site009
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground by Mark C., June 5, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2021

In need of attention. Illinois needs to invest in parks

State park...really not much to do if you do not fish.  Pit toilets that need attention shower house by the boat ramp ( outside of campground) that were filthy.  They are used by everyone...not just campers so the abuse was evident.  Many large groups camped together which was cool....but the drinking and loud parties after hours was disappointing,

Wineries in the area are worth visiting...but would find a different place to stay/

Site131
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2019

It's your average state campground

Electric only, no water or sewer hookups. Pit toilets. Nice and clean. People kept cutting through our campsite on their way to the playground, which is whatever, but some people are bothered by that kind of thing. Very laid back place overall.

  • Review photo of Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground by Chelsea D., October 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground by Chelsea D., October 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground by Chelsea D., October 6, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2019

Peace & Quiet

A group of 15 of us stayed here a few years ago. Very quiet and peaceful. We were the only people in the campground and I don't remember even seeing a ranger or anyone at all. We had pit toilets, but had to drive elsewhere for showers. I would come back again.

  • Review photo of Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground by Lindsay J., April 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground by Lindsay J., April 21, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Good fishing and caoening

I’ve camped here several times with family and also with Boy Scouts. The regular campground is ok. Regular state park stuff. The group camping area was very nice. It is a large, separate area. We had the whole area to ourselves each time we took the scouts. There were pit toilets, but the guys didn’t care. Also lots of free fire wood, hiking, fishing and canoeing!

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Murphy lake

Camper area is well cared for but tent camping needed to be mowed desperately. Lots of bug spray required. the area is very hilly and narrow to drive through. Over all very nice place to camp!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Lake Murphysboro Campground?

Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground offers electric hookups for RVs, but no water or sewer connections. The campground has pit toilets throughout the camping areas, with shower facilities located near the boat ramp outside the main campground. The park features a playground for children, though it's worth noting some campers report the restroom facilities can be inconsistently maintained. The campground layout includes fire pits at each site, though their placement varies relative to the power sources.

Are there any reviews of Lake Murphysboro State Park worth reading before visiting?

Lake Murphysboro State Park receives mixed feedback about visitor experiences. Points worth noting include the varied campsite quality (some with beautiful views, others close together), inconsistent maintenance of facilities (particularly restrooms and shower buildings), and the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the quiet, peaceful environment, especially in the group camping area. Some mention the narrow, hilly roads can be challenging to navigate. Overall, most visitors find it offers a basic state park camping experience with some maintenance issues to be aware of.

What activities can I enjoy at Lake Murphysboro State Park?

Fishing is the primary activity at Lake Murphysboro State Park. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, with visitors reporting sightings of deer and even armadillos. There's a playground for children within the campground. While specific trail information isn't detailed, the park's natural setting provides opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. The lake likely offers additional recreation possibilities, though visitors note that if you're not interested in fishing, activity options may be somewhat limited.

What are the camping options and fees at Lake Murphysboro?

Lake Murphysboro offers both RV and tent camping options. The RV campground provides electric-only sites (no water or sewer hookups). There's also a separate group camping area that's particularly spacious and often allows groups to have the entire section to themselves. This group area features pit toilets. The regular campground has a somewhat unusual layout with some sites positioned very close together while others offer more privacy and scenic views. For exact fees, contact the park directly as this information may change seasonally. Tent campers should note that site maintenance can vary, with occasional reports of unmowed areas.