About Sam Dale Lake

Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area sits on gently rolling terrain northwest of Johnsonville in Wayne County. The centerpiece is a 194-acre lake with 5 miles of shoreline trails. The park offers camping, fishing, hunting, and picnicking across 1,310 acres of timber and brushy fields.

Wildlife sightings include quail, rabbit, dove, squirrel, deer, muskrat, fox, raccoon, owls, turkey, hawk, woodcock, and beaver. Several smaller ponds beyond the main lake are home to additional fish and wildlife.

Campsites

The park has 93 total campsites. 68 are trailer-capable with a maximum vehicle length of 64 feet. Most are back-in sites with one pull-through available. Facilities include fire pits, picnic areas, a dump station, restrooms, drinking water, and a playground.

Group camping is available with 4 designated group sites. These work well for scout troops and family reunions. Verify current group pricing and vehicle limits through the reservation system.

Fishing

Sam Dale Lake is a popular fishing destination. The 194-acre main lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. Bank fishing is accessible from multiple points along the 5-mile shoreline trail. Boats with electric motors are permitted. Several smaller ponds on the property offer additional fishing opportunities in a quieter setting.

Trails and activities

The park has 45 mapped trail segments along the lake shoreline and through wooded areas. Hiking is the primary trail activity, with routes ranging from easy lakeside walks to moderate woodland paths. Hunting is permitted in season for deer, turkey, quail, and dove.

Getting there

Sam Dale Lake is located at 620 County Road, 1910 North, Johnsonville, IL 62850. The park is in Wayne County, roughly 5 hours south of Chicago and 2 hours east of St. Louis. The nearest town with services is Flora, about 15 miles north.