Located near the southern tip of Illinois, Kinkaid Lake is a man-made reservoir that was built in 1968. Since then, it’s been a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, and other water activities. Whether you need a vacation spot or just a place to spend a pleasant afternoon, it’s worth checking out this gem.
With four public boat ramps, there’s plenty of easy access to the water for fishing or water sports. There’s no horsepower restriction on the lake, although there is a 50mph speed limit. That should give you plenty of speed for all your favorite water sports. If you’d rather leave your boat at the lake, there are 122 permanent boat slips, which are largely used by houseboats.
Kinkaid Lake is also a prime fishing spot. Bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish are abundant, and huge specimens of each species can be caught here. Still, Kinkaid Lake may be more famous for another fish, one which isn’t usually found this far south.
The mukellunge, or muskie, is a massive predatory fish native to the cold waters of Canada. It’s famous for its elusiveness and its incredible fighting prowess. These monster fish have gaping jaws full of sharp teeth and long, muscular bodies that give them a remarkable combination of speed and strength that’s unusual in freshwater fish.
Two separate recreation areas on the shores of the lake provide ample space for camping and picnics. There are fire pits and grills for public use. These areas are perfect for families who want to go camping but maybe don’t want the full wilderness experience, because they have public restrooms available.
There’s even parking for up to 28 RVs at the lake. Each parking space is covered and has its own grill and picnic table, so it’s a perfect place to spend a weekend or stop for a rest on a long road trip. These spaces also have water, sewer, and electric connections.
There are also over 100 campsites to choose from. In addition to restrooms (with hot showers!), there’s a small store, a restaurant, free boat docks, boat sales, and boat rentals. There’s no better place to spend a weekend on the lake.
Kinkaid Lake is ideal for families looking for a quick, affordable getaway. There’s something for everyone to do, and with the camp store on site, if you forget to pack something, you won’t have to worry about it. If you get tired of eating camp food, or just don’t feel like cooking, the Moody Muskie Boat Bar and Grill has you covered. There’s even temporary boat parking available so if you’re camped across the lake from the restaurant, just boat on over.
With beautiful scenery, tranquil water, trophy fish, and endless amenities, it’s hard to imagine a better place to vacation than Kinkaid Lake. Whether you prefer fishing, boating, swimming, or just sitting and enjoying the water, you’ll be sure to have a great time.