Pyramid State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
Illinois
Pyramid State Recreation Area
near Pinckneyville, Illinois, is the largest Illinois Department of Natural Resources-managed site in the state. The 19,701-acre site contains more than 500 acres of water, including the 276-acre Summer Lake. Anglers looking for solitude often head here because many of the lakes are only accessible after a short hike. Canoers often use the boat ramps on the larger lakes to launch their crafts. This park is divided into two units, with deer and upland game hunting under managed conditions in the Arch Mineral part. This park is located 73 miles southeast of East St. Louis, 44 miles southwest of Mt. Vernon and 20 miles southeast of Sparta, Illinois.
Spring 46-67 F
Summer 65-87 F
Fall 52-75 F
Winter 26-43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pyramid State Recreation Area
The scenery in this part of the state is gorgeous, so you will want to bring your RV and enjoy the great outdoors. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com.
Lake Camp-a-Lot Campground
Fish in the lake at the 100-acre Lake Camp-a-Lot Campground, participate in special holiday programming and enjoy outdoor games. Rates start at $10 per night at this campground in Perkins, Illinois.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Fishing lake, hiking trails, outdoor games
Old Bates Campground
Old Bates Campground near Rend Lake offers year-round camping with many special and discounted rates available. Basic camping starts at $27 per day.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Fire rings
What to Do at
Pyramid State Recreation Area
Inside Pyramid State Recreation Area
If you are looking for a spot to go fishing in solitude, then head to Pyramid State Recreation Area, where you often have to hike a mile or so to reach excellent bass fishing lakes. These same lakes make great places to launch a canoe. A special area at this park is managed for seasonal deer hunting.
Outside Pyramid State Recreation Area
This park’s isolated location means that you may have to drive a short way to dine out or go shopping. You can also find other exciting things to do in the surrounding area as there are some great attractions you will want to visit.
Restaurants
Grecian Steak and Seafood House
Choose from the extensive buffet at Grecian Steak and Seafood House, where items vary depending on the day of the week. Possible choices include fried chicken, steak, chicken strips, lasagna and more. Dine in their spacious dining room or on the patio or get your meal to go.
Type: American
Location: 502 S Main St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Dixie's Cup Café
Stop at the friendly Dixie's Cup Café for breakfast all daylong. Find outstanding lunch and dinner specials like pulled pork sandwiches and stuffed bell peppers when you stop at this café.
Type: American
Location: 705 S Main St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta has delighted customers with their pizza, sandwiches and salads for over 47 years.
Type: Italian
Location: 112 W Water St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
The Twisted Vine
Get an appetizer to share or one of their fresh creative salads served with flatbread when you stop at The Twisted Vine. They also offer a wide assortment of wine, beer in bottles, and alcoholic slushies.
Type: American
Location: 10 N Walnut St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
St. Nicholas Brewing Company
Grab your favorite pub foods at St. Nicholas Brewing Company located inside the historic St. Nicholas Hotel. They also make all their own seasonal brews. You can enjoy your meal or drink inside or out.
Type: Pub
Location: 12 S Oak St, DuQuoin, IL 62832
Shopping
Kellerman's Feed & Supply
Find a wide assortment of merchandise at Kellerman's Feed & Supply, including sporting goods, pet supplies, hardware, housewares, and more.
Location: 1031 S Main St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
L3 Boutique
Women can look and feel fabulous regardless of size with a new outfit from L3 Boutique. Shoppers can also find fashion accessories, kids' clothes, and some home décor.
Location: 16 S Walnut, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
The White Rabbit
Select from a wide assortment of seasonal merchandise for your home at The White Rabbit. You will love their wall hangings, wooden signs, candles, and more for use inside your home, camper, or office.
Location: 109 S Walnut, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Perry Country Market Place
Stop for every last supply for your cookout at this home-owned grocery store.
Location: 412 S Main St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Fuzzy Jay & Zack’s Aces & Eights
Find your favorite bait at Fuzzy Jay & Zack’s Aces & Eights. Test your luck on the video gaming machines at this store located at the edge of Pyramid State Recreation Area.
Location: 1507 Old State Rt 13/127, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Sightseeing
Perry County Jail Museum
See a variety of photos, historical documents, and other artifacts at the two-story Perry County Jail Museum that served as the county jail. The building was constructed in 1871 for $750, and the county used it until 1994.
Location: 412 S Main St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Illinois Rural Heritage Museum
Stop at the 17,000-square-foot Illinois Rural Heritage Museum to learn about life on a farm starting in 1870 and moving forward through time. Learn about how your ancestors lived or dig into your family's history.
Location: 187 Fairground Rd, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Pinckneyville Reservoir
Fish for largemouth bass and channel catfish in the Pinckneyville Reservoir, where tournaments are often held in the summer.
Location: Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Red Hawk Golf Club
Play a friendly game of golf at the 6,156-yard, 18-hole Red Hawk Golf Club. They also have a grill, so it may be a great spot to meet up with your golfing friends.
Location: 6204 IL-154, Tamaroa, IL 62888
Jake Bender Municipal Pool
Cool off with a swim at the Jake Bender Municipal Pool, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pool parties can also be planned here in the evenings.
Location: Fairgrounds Rd, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
How to Get to
Pyramid State Recreation Area
If you are in Pinckneyville, then head south on Illinois 127 South and turn right on Cottontail Road, which is also County Road 700. In about 2 miles, turn right on Galum Church Road and then left on Pyramid Park Road. Look up, and you are at the park.
Entering Pyramid State Recreation Area
While some activities may have restricted hours, this park never closes.
Per passenger vehicle : $0
If you have visited Pyramid State Recreation Area, post your photos and stories to your social media accounts. Your friends will love knowing the fun you had at this state park, and you might even discover that many of them have also visited this park or know about a secret fishing spot that is worth investigating. Be sure to tag RVshare in your posts so that the site can read what you have to say about the great fishing opportunities at this location near Pinckneyville, Illinois. You may also want to tell the site about your experiences in this area or point out any great restaurants or shops that might have been missed. You can also send an email with your contributions and photos to [email protected]