LAKE JACKSONVILLE

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Lake Jacksonville

Photo of Lake Jacksonville


Photo of Paved Trail at Lake Jacksonville

Photo of Over Night Camping Area at Lake Jacksonville
Lake Jacksonville, located just 3 miles south of the city, is a 500 acre lake filled with bass, bluegill and other sport fishing fare.  This lake is perfect for boating, skiing, fishing and other water activities.  Camping and fully equipped concession are available.  All inquiries call 217-479-4646


LAKE JACKSONVILLE WAS NAMED THE NUMBER ONE FISHING SPOT IN ILLINOIS BY FIELD AND STREAM 2007


BOATING & CAMPING

The Parks & Lakes Department will open gates at Lake Jacksonville on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to allow private camping club members to check on their campers and equipment.  

The 2021 Fishing Season begins Monday, March 1st, if the ice has melted from the Lake.  2020 boat stickers will be valid until Lake Jacksonville opens for the season on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 8:00 a.m, water will not be turned on until weather allows.  A Daily Pass Box will be available at the Lake Concession Stand for those who do not possess a 2020 boat sticker.  The sale of 2021 seasonal boating permits will then begin on April 1st at the Lake Jacksonville Concession Stand.  The City Clerk's Office will no longer be selling boat stickers.  Proof of $25,000 liability insurance and proof of IL Department of Natural Resources number are required to purchase a permit.  Lake Jacksonville will officially close for the season on Thursday, October 14, 2021.  All gates will lock at 5:00 p.m.

Camping lot lease payments can be made at the City Clerk's Office at the Municipal Building any time between January 2, 2021 and March 31, 2021.  Payments must be made at the Lake Jacksonville Concession Stand beginning April 1, 2021 and will be accepted until the final due date of April 30, 2021.  Hours of the Lake Jacksonville Concession Stand are as follows:
             
             Sunday thru Thursday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  April 1st thru April 30th
             Sunday thru Thursday  8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.   May 1st thru September
                                                                                        October as needed   
              Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.                  

Overnight camping is available April through October with Electric hookups, fire rings, dump station, trash pick up and water available. Water will not be turned on until the weather allows.  Please contact 217-479-4646 to reserve a campsite.
  
DEER & DUCK SITES

The drawing for deer and duck sites will be announced at a later date.

Requirement for Deer permit—must be resident of Morgan County & must show their driver’s license.

Requirement for Duck permit—must be a resident of the City & must show their   
driver’s license, hunting license, and FOID card.

If you have any questions, please call Lake Jacksonville Site Manager Brett Gilbreth at (217) 479-4644 or (217) 408-8771