ARGYLE LAKE STATE PARK 640 Argyle Park Road Colchester, Illinois 62326
Phone: 309-776-3422 Reservations: 309-776-3422 Email:
Argyle Lake State Park
Argyle Lake State Park
Argyle Lake State Park
Known as a fisherman's delight, Argyle Lake State Park has a full complement of recreational opportunities. Just 7 miles from Macomb, Argyle Lake also offers picnicking, camping, hiking and boating facilities in a scenic, natural setting.
With its 93-acre lake for boating and fishing, 5 miles of rugged foot trails through luxuriant virgin forests, and full-service campgrounds, this heavily wooded, 1,700-acre site is the ideal place to spend a day, a weekend, or longer.
History of the Area
Rich in local history, Argyle Hollow (now occupied by the lake) was once part of the old stage route between Galena and Beardstown. Several times a week the high-wheeled cumbersome coaches with their double teams of horses rumbled through these beautiful hills and valleys.
The region itself long was a source of coal, clay and limestone. In fact, in times past it was common for individuals to open and dig their own "drift mines" to supplement their personal incomes. Several limestone quarries in the general area still are in operation today.
In 1948, the state purchased the land from local farmers and homesteaders, erected the dam which created the lake and dedicated Argyle Lake State Park to the citizens of Illinois.
Today, whether your preference is viewing wildflowers and fresh foliage in the spring, picnicking, fishing and boating in the summer, appreciating the brilliant fall colors or sledding and snowmobiling in the winter, Argyle Lake State Park is a great place to visit.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
CampingElectric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
For longer visits, the park contains 86 Class A campsites, 24 Class B, 18 Class C, sites, featuring vehicle access and restrooms, and 31 Class D (primitive) sites. Electrical hookups, a disposal station and restrooms with showers are also available.
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
How long has it been since you've packed a picnic lunch and headed for a park? At Argyle Lake State Park there are 10 shaded picnic areas placed conveniently throughout the area, with tables, grills and water. There's also a playground located close to the three larger shelters to keep the children busy that features swings and a slide. The shelters are available for people to reserve for family reunions, gatherings, etc.
Trails
The 5 miles of foot trails provide unparalleled scenic enjoyment. There are 12 trails and most are classified as difficult to very difficult, but Blackberry and Pitch Pine trails are rated as moderate. Be sure to look for the beaver dams along Shore Trail. There also are more than 200 bird species that call Argyle Lake home.
Area Attractions
Argyle Lake is the site of the Argyle Antique Gas Engine Show, a festive celebration of times past. It's a great way to spend Labor Day weekend. You'll see demonstrations of wheat threshing, hay baling, sawmilling, sorghum making and blacksmithing. You can also watch crafts persons make quilts, whittle and make rugs. In addition, hundreds of antique tractors, cars and gas engines are on display. For bargain hunters, there also is a giant fleamarket.
Winter Sports
Open year-round, Argyle Lake State Park is ideally suited for ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding or just playing in the snow.
Park Visitor Online Reviews
December 27closed due to funding!!
The only reason why the roads are closed is due to our own government and how it cannot fund beautiful state parks like this one! I love Argyle, and plan to get married here. Call ahead next time.
October 17roads to lake closed by lyle
went to the park this morning-roads to the lake were closed. an 80 mile trip for nothing!
September 3road washed out? by chris
i walked where they say that is washed out and it is not gone there is alot of dabree around the road but to me it looks driveable but the other thing is there are lots of trees down across the roads i think that has alot to do with the closures
July 7Road closed....
Several years ago after a big storm, the main road that loops through the park was closed due to damage. I do not believe it was ever fixed. I believe that is what is meant by washed out. Otherwise a nice park. I think the only place not accessible was the walk in camping.
March 6Problems... by Candy
I was reading the comments on this page, and noticed the last comment before mine. I want to note that during rainy season it is of course possible that roads would be harder to travel (not sure what you mean by washed out though, to me that would mean you could not have actually drove on it, and you obviously did). We are talking campgrounds here, not in the middle of a city. I think it is always a good idea when traveling to call ahead (especially 50 miles)to make sure things are still as expected. As to the alcohol? All that information is on the website. I know that the staff is overworked, and probably not always as friendly as they could be. I think everyone has off days. I know I do. I have always enjoyed my time at the park.
August 6Would have been nice... by Disappointed
...if the states website had mentioned that one of the main roads was washed out and there was no way to get to the campsites that we wanted to get to. It was annoying to find that all out AFTER we had driven almost 50 miles to get there. Also, they dont allow swimming and it is a no alcohol zone.
June 27What a difference a year makes by June2010
In one year the park has changed. The camp hosts are not friendly and the bathrooms are a mess. Fees are up and I am not sure what I paid for. Not the park I stayed at last year.
June 22making plans to return
great park
June 16resturant and bait shop by pam
resturant offers a full breakfast menu which is cooked all day we also have sandwiches and steaks on friday and saturday come check us out we are open wed-sun 6am-9pm bait hours are 7am-7pm thurs-sun wed 7am-12 4pm-7pm hope to see you there
September 12WORKERS NEED BIG PAT ON BACK by L.Teddy
I remember several years ago Argyle Lake State Park had three (3) full time workers and 3 or 4 seasonal workers plus the teen program.. Now they only have ONE(1) full timer, three(3) seasonal and one(1) Partimer. They also have the Government Program for Teens Helpers as before. This Year the workers Cut Trees, Clean the Bathouse & tiolets, pick-up trash and garbage, weed eat, mow weeds, plant flowers, Cut Brush and clean it up, clean the Horsetrails, and the list go on & On... I think the Site Superindent do a good job at managing the park plus the bookwork He has to do. I am so glad people can enjoy the beautiful sites, the deer, and all of Gods Little Critters. I think these people need a GREAT BIG PAT on the BACK, and a Thank-You from the people. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!!!
September 4Grew up at this park
The Park has always been beautiful and the camp grounds are always clean. I always feel safe when I am at the park late at night. My family has had many reunions there that have always been enjoyable.
July 8Nice Park and Lake by llbowser
Camp Host at the time was a bit confused on fees and did not mention senior rate it was discovered by customer when reading rules that host had left on the table, Bathrooms were not very clean but minimally ok, Camp grounds were very clean and well kept. would definately return.
June 24Car breaks and new friends are found by Mark, Sue, Kelly, Coyle
Car broke down and hosts Dave and Debbie took great care for us and checked on us continuously and even called to see if we made it home. Delbert a camper knew we did not have a car to get supplies and it was very hot. When we got back to camp that afternoon we found ice and drinks in our cooler. He also called us many times a day to make sure we did not need a ride some place. We were taken care of by complete strangers that treated us like thier family. Great Place to camp and meet new friends you never knew you had.
May 10great park by bob davis
i have camped for 50 yrs this is one of the best.,
April 30Great Park by Mitch Mueller
Great park, probably one of my favorite in Illinois. The fishing can be slow at times though.
October 15beautiful by karen chasteen
i love the lake, the view i love everything about this park.
From Chicago, take either Interstate 80 or Interstate 88 west to Interstate 74. Take Interstate 74 South to Route 34. Take Route 34 West to Route 67. Take Route 67 South to Route 136. Take Route 136 West to Colchester and the park is 2 miles north of Colchester on Coal Road. Coal Road runs north of the Sinclair Station in Colchester.
The only reason why the roads are closed is due to our own government and how it cannot fund beautiful state parks like this one! I love Argyle, and plan to get married here. Call ahead next time.
went to the park this morning-roads to the lake were closed. an 80 mile trip for nothing!
i walked where they say that is washed out and it is not gone there is alot of dabree around the road but to me it looks driveable but the other thing is there are lots of trees down across the roads i think that has alot to do with the closures
Several years ago after a big storm, the main road that loops through the park was closed due to damage. I do not believe it was ever fixed. I believe that is what is meant by washed out. Otherwise a nice park. I think the only place not accessible was the walk in camping.
Camp Host at the time was a bit confused on fees and did not mention senior rate it was discovered by customer when reading rules that host had left on the table, Bathrooms were not very clean but minimally ok, Camp grounds were very clean and well kept. would definately return.
