Located minutes east of Springfield and its Lincoln attractions, Sangchris Lake serves as a perfect home base for enjoying outdoor activities in central Illinois. Whether you're interested in fishing, boating, camping, hunting or family gatherings, Sangchris Lake provides an abundance of recreational opportunities amid native forests of oak, maple, butternut and persimmon.

Totaling 3,022 acres and offering 120 miles of shoreline, Sangchris Lake is so named because it extends into both Sangamon and Christian counties. It was formed in 1964 when Commonwealth Edison built a 50-foot earthen dam across Clear Creek to create a cooling lake for a power plant it was constructing near Sicily.

In 1969, ComEd deeded 1,414 acres of land around the lake to the state, along with easement rights for boating and fishing. In August of 1997, the Department of Natural Resources purchased 1,180 acres along the west shoreline from ComEd. Today, ongoing developments and improvements have transformed the Sangchris Lake State Park into a popular outdoor retreat.

For day visitors, there are eight picnic areas around the lake, as well as several picnic shelters. Also, there are several gravel parking lots nearby and areas contain tables, grills, water facilities and pit toilets. Please inquire at site office for shelter reservation information.

For longer stays, the Deer Run Campground on the north end of the lake contains 80 Class A (electricity, showers and vehicle access), 40 Class B/S (vehicle access with showers), and 5 Class C (tent camping, walk-in or backpack; no vehicle; with showers) campsites and 5 additional Class C equestrian campsites. A sanitary dump station is provided in each campground.

Hickory Point Campground, near the east boat dock area, contains 55 Class A, 10 Class C, and two cabin sites. Playground equipment, showers and a restroom with flush toilets are nearby. Handicapped sites are located in both campgrounds. Water facilities will be closed the Monday prior to Thanksgiving through March 31 (Including the shower building). Both campgrounds will be closed the second week in January - March 31.

Group camping is available in the wilderness area near the office and service buildings.