Ramsey Lake State Park, an Illinois State Park

RAMSEY LAKE STATE PARK

RAMSEY LAKE STATE PARK
Ramsey Lake Rd. P.O. Box 97
Ramsey, Illinois 62080

Phone: 618-423-2215
Reservations: 618-423-2215
Email:

For large groups, Shady Grove and Lakeview Picnic areas offer ideal surroundings. Both have shelters, water, tables, stoves and privies. Shady Grove also has playground equipment. For people who prefer smaller, more secluded picnics, Fox Knoll, Coon Ridge and Blackberry Fork Picnic areas are popular choices. These sites have tables and stoves and are located in shady areas on knolls overlooking the lake.

History of the Area

Ramsey Lake has a colorful background. For years, the park was known as "Old Fox Chase Grounds" because of its use by fox and coon hunters. It also was the site of one of the largest dog trial events, which was held near the big springs at the northwest corner of the present lake. Other events, such as dances, carnivals and a large machinery display attracted many people. Although privately owned by S.E. Stokes, the site often was used by various groups for public recreational use. In 1947, 815 acres were purchased for a lake site and an additional 1,000 acres have been added since. Throughout the years, county and township officials, concerned citizens and civic groups have actively helped to secure land and upgrade and maintain the area which is now 1,980 acres.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

Day-UseFishingyes

Huntingyes

Hiking Trailyes

Swimming Beachyes

Bike Trailsyes

Bridle Trailsyes

BoatingLaunch Rampsyes

WinterActivitiesyes

Camping

Campers have many sites from which to choose to pitch a tent or park a trailer. The area includes 90 campsites available with a sanitary disposal station, electricity, and a flush toilet and shower building. Another 24 sites are available with electricity for organized groups. Hickory Grove is the choice for those needing only picnic tables, fire pads and privies. Hickory Grove also has 45 sites available in a densely wooded area with unequalled views of shady trees and natural beauty. Water hydrants are conveniently placed throughout the campgrounds. A special site is available for organized youth groups. Reservations are available for portions of the campgrounds. Contact the site office for information.

Area Accommodations

Doc's Lakeside Cabin - Jonesboro, IL

Cottages and Cabins

Doc's Lakeside Cabin was built in 2012 and is located in beautiful Southern Illinois. Let us welcome you to setting where you can rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

Web Site: http://www.docslakesidecabin.com

White River Outfitters Rentals - Shoals, IN

Cottages and Cabins

A store that caters to all of your boating, hunting, fishing and outdoor adventure needs. We offer canoe and kayak rentals for one and two day trips on the White River. New G3 brand jon boats as well as a used inventory. NEW White River Cabin on a peaceful river bank setting.

Web Site: http://www.whiteriveroutfittersonline.com/

Boating

A launching ramp and boat dock are conveniently located on Ramsey Lake. Boats are also available for rental. Gas motors are not allowed, but electric trolling motors are permitted. Fishing is also allowed on several ponds located at the site as well as on Ramsey Lake.

Get directions
to this park:

Nearby Parks

Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Trails

A one-mile trail winds through the park. Visitors also often use the unmarked fire lanes which make good paths for easy walking.

A 13-mile horse trail is located in the north end of the area along with a small campground for horses. This area is one mile north of the park entrance.

Park Visitor Online Reviews

September 26 Great place to camp. by Flyrider

I wanted to make a comment on the camping experince I had because I camp in a tent and most of the post here are in campers. The campgrounds were clean and well maintained. The showers were great, warm water and very clean. Now in the tent camping area ther were only a few sites that had a grill which caused a problem because I did not bring a grill and in September the local stores do not sell one. I asked the Ranger why they do not have any he said they are trying to get them but the state of IL will not give them any money. If you go to Ramsey Lake please bring a grill to cook on and a portable table because each camp site only has one picinic table and I like to put my screen tent over the picinic table and have another one to be able to cook on the stove outside the screened in tent. If you like a great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful campground then go to Ramsey Lake. But do not for get the grill.

July 15 Alive & well

I need to comment so that others do not avoid Ramsey Lake as we almost did due to a previous post. The overnight camping experience was very pleasant. Nice sites, fire pits, picnic tables. The park was well maintained & clean. We camped in an RV so made use of electric hookup & filled with water at a nearby water hookup...none at individual sites. It was quiet & peaceful to sit outside & enjoy the night noises. Few campers but a family with children were riding bikes & using the play area. Did not go to the lake so do not know if boat rental exists. Campground hosts were on duty. This is a campground, not an amusement park or a Jellystone. For $20 a night you get a pretty nice camping experience.

May 30 Run down Park Nothing there anymore by Needs Updated

The park is run down, and lots of the BBQ pits are gone. The concession and boat rentals are not there. We came in from St Louis because we looked at the web site and thought we were going to have a good time but there is nothing there anymore. We made the best of a bad situation. We will not be back.

July 9 Worth the drive!!! by Mommy O.

My family and I have camped in many campgrounds including Prophetstown in Indiana and Yellowstone in Wyoming. Ramsey is one of our favorite spots and much closer to home. We only wish there was a beach. No place to swim is the only thing keeping RSP from getting 5 stars. We will definitely be back!!

April 1 Home Away from Home!! by The Young and Old Campers

My Father is sort of a camping addict. He got my wife and I started and we have all been camping from Northern Mich. to Southern IN. Yet when it comes to the nicest and cleanest camping experience of all, Ramsey takes first prize!!

August 7 One of our favorite parks by Lilllian

a very nice and beautiful park. My parents were from the Ramsey area many years ago. I was doing some research on my family and we drove through this park and went camping there for a week the middle of July. We would definitely camp there again. It is nice and clean and a good place to ride our bikes. Keep up the good work!

September 14 by capfun

There is now a concession stand and boat rental by the boat ramp!

May 26 Our hangout for 30 years by Jason

We have made Ramsey our meeting place for the last 30 years. My dad started me when I was 7, and now we continue it with my kids. The fishing used to be excellent and is still good. Excellent staff andver helpful. Clean park. My only drawback is the concession stand was never rebuilt after it burned several years ago. You have to drive a couple of miles for groceries and tackle. Boat rental is done at the park office now.

May 18 two stars?? by dannyboy

How can this park be sooo great, yet only get 2 stars? We drove through the park on advice of campers who said this was their favorite spot in Illinois. We plan on heading back this spring with kayaks and bikes. It certainly looked like 5 stars to us!

April 11 Simply a fantastic park. by Darrell Gordon

I have been going to Ramsey State Park for several years as well as camping at other parks throughout the state of Illinois and I would have to rate RSP at the top of the list. Very reasonable rates, friendly, great fishing, beutiful scenery, lots of activities and very clean shower house. Ramsey State Park is like a throw back from years gone by. Everyone who camps there have a very friendly attitude and a calming demeaner.

Share
Your Photos
(click here)

Weather Forecast, (62011)