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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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Illinois
Central Region
Beaver Dam State Park
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Beaver Dam State Park © Wade A Barnes
Beaver Dam State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Beaver Dam State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Beaver Dam State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Beaver Dam State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Beaver Dam State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Beaver Dam State Park © Lisa Hinklin
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BEAVER DAM STATE PARK
BEAVER DAM STATE PARK
14548 Beaver Dam Lane
Plainview, Illinois   62685

Phone: 217-854-8020
Reservations: 217-854-8020
Email: park email button icon
Located in Macoupin County 7 miles southwest of Carlinville and situated in an oak/hickory woodland, Beaver Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities on its 750 acres. Fishing, picnicking, hiking, and tent and trailer camping are among the most popular activities. Although the beaver is virtually gone from this area, the park is named for a beaver dam that created its lake.
Nature of the Area
The combination of upland and bottomland woods, farmland, open fields, a lake and a marsh combine to provide habitat for many kinds of animals. A quiet walker may discover deer, fox, raccoons, grey squirrels, wild turkeys, hawks, owls and woodpeckers. The park is also a home for snakes, frogs and insects. White squirrels, which are not albinos, but rather a white-color phase of the grey squirrel, are periodically seen within the park boundaries. Some different types of songbirds which enrich the natural setting are bluebirds, orioles, finches, cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, chickadees, peewees and cuckoos. Waterfowl and shorebirds are found seasonally in the park. Pileated woodpeckers are also commonly seen.
History of the Area
The lake became a well-known fishing spot when in the early 1890s, 18 men from the Carlinville area formed a Beaver Dam Lake Club. They spent $2,500 to build a dam at each end of the lake and double the water depth. For a number of years the club held summer and fall picnics at the lake. Their families enjoyed fishing and boating throughout the season. The area then became the property of the family of Mrs. Sarah Rhodes, who for some time operated a small hotel which stood on the site of the present ranger residence. One mile northeast of the hotel existed a cluster of houses and a railroad stop known as Macoupin Station. Trails stopping here were met by a large horse-drawn coach which took guests to the hotel. With the advent of the automobile, however, this transit business disappeared and the hotel was closed. The initial land acquisition for Beaver Dam State Park was 425 acres in 1947. Additional land purchases have increased the park to a total of 751 acres.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Park Store
The concession stand on the lake is open from April through mid-October each year. Food, picnic supplies, live bait, tackle, boat rentals and fishing licenses are available. Please call 217-854-6688 for more information.
Camping
The trailer camping area has electricity at each pad and a sanitary dump station. A shower building with flush toilets is located in the center of the trailer camping area. Water is available in the area, but there are no water hookups at each site. All campsites are first come first serve. Tent camping is in a separate area, with nearby rest rooms and water. A designated area for youth-group camping, such as Boy or Girl Scouts, features rest rooms, water, fire pads and picnic tables. When youth groups plan to use the area, the site superintendent?s office should be notified in advance by calling (217) 854-8020 to make a reservation for the group camping area. All camping is situated in wooded areas with large oak and hickory trees, which provide shade throughout most of the day. Located next to the shower house is a new Rent A Cabin available for reservation by calling the park office. Only the Rent-A-Cabin is available for reservation, all campsites are first come first serve. The park does not rent tents.
Boating
The park offers a 59-acre lake where visitors can enjoy boating activities. Only trolling motors are allowed on the water, ensuring a peaceful and serene environment for all guests. Rowboats, paddle boats, and canoes are available to rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day at this location in Illinois.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing in a 59-acre lake, home to largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. There's also an accessible dock for anglers with disabilities. A valid Illinois Fishing License is required for those aged 16 or older.


Location
Beaver Dam State Park is located near Godfrey, Saint Peters

Picnicking
There is one large section of the park available for picnicking. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are provided, or picnickers may bring their own grills. Four pavilions are located in the picnic area and can be reserved, contact the site for reservation forms. One set of playground equipment is located in the picnic area.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore a variety of trails within this natural oasis. However, caution is advised due to varying terrain.

The park offers several miles of biking paths, but please be mindful as some areas may have steep inclines or rocky surfaces.

Mountain bikers should note that the rugged landscape might pose challenges and require advanced skills in certain sections.

While cycling through wooded areas, watch out for wildlife crossing your path unexpectedly - safety first!

Remember: Helmets are strongly recommended on all routes; they're not just for challenging terrains.

During wet conditions, it's advisable to avoid muddy trails which could prove hazardous and damage pathways too.

Nighttime bicycling isn't permitted - plan accordingly so you finish before dusk falls.

Lastly remember to respect nature by sticking only to designated bike-friendly paths throughout the area.
Trails
Approximately 8 miles of hiking trails are found in the park. These trails encircle the lake, lead past the marsh, and extend through various wooded areas in the park.
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. It's home to over 200 types.
Area Attractions
Archery Range

An archery range is located across from the concession and may be used free of charge. Archers must bring their own bow and arrows. Broadhead Points are not allowed. All archers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Winter Activities

When conditions are suitable, ice fishing and ice skating are permitted. Adequate snow cover permits cross-country skiing and sledding.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 15 great park but by jane
park review stars; one to five the restaurant is way over-priced on their dinner menu. Will only go for lunch if we go back.
July 6 Best little park in IL by DAVID
park review stars; one to five Great time camping camping-relaxing. Everything was great ,but I only two things could be improved another playground closer to the campsites and the most important is put those top of the line and best in two states grills at every site!
April 12 Awesome Time... by Chris Webster
park review stars; one to five Me my Daughter and my Wife went camping for the first time in our new pop-up. We decided to try Beaver Dam first. Everybody is so nice and my daughter met alot of new friends. We will be going back and most likely not even trying another camp ground out.
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Directions
Take Rt. 108 west which is located 24 miles south of Springfield on I-55. Go 11 miles west to Carlinville. Travel on 108 west through Carlinville to the Amtrak Station. Turn left (south) and go 7 miles to Beaver Dam.

Take Rt. 16 west located at the Litchfield turn off on I-55. Go to Shipman. On the west side of Shipman take Carlinville Road 7 miles to Beaver Dam.

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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