Lake Murphysboro State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Spread out over a vast 1,022 acres, Lake Murphysboro State Park is a wonderful destination for a camping trip that offers fun activities, sightseeing, and more. The rolling hills and star-shaped lake come together to provide visitors with a charming experience that is worth every minute. The park offers fast-paced endeavors like archery as well as more leisurely pursuits like picnicking and camping. Whether you are looking to get out on the water or enjoy a hike, you will find something to suit your tastes should you travel to Lake Murphysboro State Park. Carbondale, Herrin, and Marion are three Illinois cities near the park you can travel to for your specific needs as you make your way along your journey.
Spring 39-77 F
Summer 66-89 F
Fall 39-81 F
Winter 26-46 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Murphysboro State Park
State parks can be amazing places to camp and share experiences with loved ones. In addition, RVing provides the convenience and mobility you need to take your trip to the next level. If you find yourself looking for a rental, RVshare is a fantastic resource you can use to find the right deal. The website offers an interactive map that shows you the RV parks and campgrounds nearest your destination.
Little Grassy Lake Campground & Marina
Conveniently located near Lake Murphysboro, Little Grassy Lake Campground & Marina is a great option to consider staying at. It is located inside Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and offers exciting opportunities to go boating and fishing. Amenities include 24/7 security, a general store with RV supplies, ice, firewood, and an on-site canoe and kayak rental. Rates on Little Grassy Lake's campsites are $25 per night for sites with water and electricity and $30 per night for sites with full hookups.
Marion Campground & RV Park
Another quality RV campground in the area is Marion Campground & RV Park. This spot is located in the heart of Southern Illinois and stays open throughout the year. Marion is equipped with new facilities with private showers, a large pavilion for social gatherings, and a dog walking area. The rate on campsites here stays constant at $38.70 per night.
What to Do at
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Inside Lake Murphysboro State Park
Once you enter the state park, you will find that there are numerous activities to indulge in. Bank fishing is a very popular hobby in Lake Murphysboro State Park, and available fish include bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. As the state park offers a designated 3-mile trail with wildlife to sightsee along the way, hiking is also a popular activity at Lake Murphysboro. Moreover, there are a variety of shaded picnic areas you can make your way to for a relaxing afternoon in nature.
Outside Lake Murphysboro State Park
After wrapping up your stay inside the park, you should explore the surrounding areas to get the most out of your experience. Murphysboro and its outskirts are full of quality dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities. The region's antique shops and historical destinations come together to give it a unique charm. Whether you are looking for a delicious meal or you're just trying to enjoy the sights, you are sure to find what you are seeking.
Restaurants
17th Street BBQ
One popular spot for a barbecue meal in Murphysboro is 17th Street BBQ. Head to this restaurant for quality wings and smoked brisket.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 32 N 17th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Mi Patio Mexican Grill
If you are in the mood for Mexican, Mi Patio Mexican Grill might be your spot. The place offers freshly made tacos, enchiladas, and a pleasant atmosphere.
Type: Mexican
Location: 13693 IL-149, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza
For a delectable slice of pizza, head on over to Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza. This spot is popular for its deep-dish cooking style and variety of toppings.
Type: Pizza
Location: 218 W Freeman St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Harbaugh’s Cafe
Harbaugh’s Cafe is a great location for American food with a local feel. Here, you can get classics like burgers or club sandwiches.
Type: American
Location: 901 S Illinois Ave, # B, Carbondale, IL 62901
Cummare’s Italian Ristorante
For Italian food, Cummare’s Italian Ristorante is one of the most popular locations in town. Check this spot out for a delicious veal parmesan sandwich or calzone.
Type: Italian
Location: 1023 Chestnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Shopping
Sis's Memories
Head over to Sis's Memories for reasonably priced antiques that capture the vibe of the area and give you something to remember your trip by.
Location: 1300 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
The Apple Tree
The Apple Tree is a small gift shop near the park that has been in business for decades, providing residents and visitors with charming gifts.
Location: 1336 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Roberta's Resale Clothing
Located just a few miles from the state park, Roberta's Resale Clothing is a popular destination for thrift shopping.
Location: 2264 IL-13 BUS, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Think Vintage!
Just a couple of doors down from the Apple Tree, Think Vintage! is an old-fashioned gift and curio shop full of unique offerings.
Location: 1338 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Lette's Shop
With a convenient location near Lake Murphysboro, Lette's Shop is among the best spots in the area when it comes to antiques.
Location: 1218 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Sightseeing
General John A. Logan Museum
For a compelling lesson in history, check out the General John A. Logan Museum to immerse yourself in the culture of the area.
Location: 1613 Edith St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Big Muddy Brewing
Big Muddy Brewing is a great place to stop by for a look into the local brewing of Murphysboro, Illinois.
Location: 1430 N 7th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Murphysboro Apple Festival
You can check out the Murphysboro Apple Festival for a great time and more insight into the region’s culture.
Location: 110 S 14th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Riverside Park Band Shell
Built all the way back in the 1930s, the Riverside Park Band Shell is a popular tourist attraction near the park you will not want to miss.
Location: 2610 W Riverside Park Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Owl Creek Vineyard
If you are interested in wine, make your way to Owl Creek Vineyard for pleasant sightseeing and the area's most defining wine offerings.
Location: 1600 Cobden School Rd, Cobden, IL 62920
How to Get to
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Lake Murphysboro State Park is located in Southern Illinois at 52 Cinder Hill Dr, Murphysboro, IL 62966. Coming from the north, you will want to take I-64 until you can merge onto I-57. From here, just head southward until you reach your exit. If you are coming from the south, I-55 is your best option and will take you all the way northward to your destination. I-55 is also the best highway to take for those who are traveling from the west. Finally, coming from the east, I-24 offers the most efficient route to Lake Murphysboro State Park.
Entering Lake Murphysboro State Park
Lake Murphysboro State Park's hours of operation are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. It is required that all campers exit the park at or before 10:00 p.m. and get off the trails by dusk.
Per vehicle : $0
Lake Murphysboro State Park is an amazing place for a camping trip packed full of exciting opportunities. When you are looking for an RV rental, keep in mind that RVshare is one of the best available resources to assist you. Moreover, you will want to make your memories at Lake Murphysboro last, so remember to take lots of photos and tag RVshare on social media. You can also send your photos to [email protected] to show the world just how beautiful the state park truly is.