Peaceful Illinois State Park Showcases a Sizable, Gorgeous Lake with Affordable Camping Options
In the southeastern part of Illinois, nestled in Jasper County, lies the charming Sam Parr State Park. Spanning over 1,180 acres and featuring an 183-acre lake known as Sam Parr Lake, this park offers a perfect escape for those seeking a peaceful, crowd-free outdoor getaway[1].
Affordable Camping and Activities
Sam Parr State Park boasts affordable camping starting at just $4 per person, per night for adults, and $2 for youth[1]. Activities available at the park include boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and camping. Boat dock rentals are available for those who wish to explore the lake[1].
Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic Sam Parr Trail, a 2.3-mile loop that takes less than an hour to complete[2]. The park's status as a Fish and Wildlife Area suggests the potential for wildlife viewing during your hike[1]. Fishing is possible on the east side of the lake, but a valid Illinois fishing license is required[1].
Budget-Friendly Facilities
On-site facilities at the campgrounds include restrooms, picnic tables, and grills[1]. While specific amenities like RV hookups are not explicitly described, nearby mentions of similar parks suggest that there may be basic camping facilities like water access and possibly dump stations[3].
Nearby Attractions
The park is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Newton, Illinois, a small town worth exploring for dining and shopping options[1]. The town is home to The Nest, a restaurant serving American favorites at reasonable prices[4].
Sam Parr State Park is accessible via State Highway IL-33, making it about a two-hour drive from St. Louis and under four hours from Chicago[1]. However, it's important to note that the closest airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, is not easily accessible by public transportation.
In summary, Sam Parr State Park offers budget-friendly camping by a large lake with opportunities for boating and quiet nature experiences, supported by simple on-site facilities. The nearby town of Newton provides a charming atmosphere to complement your trip without adding much cost. For a more equipped camping experience, additional research on specific campground amenities might be needed, as current search results focus mainly on affordability and natural features.
Remember to bring essentials like bug spray, hiking shoes, fishing or hunting gear, and sun protection to make the most of your trip. After a day out hiking, The Nest is a cool place to visit for a meal.
[1] https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/SamParrStatePark.aspx [2] https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/illinois/sam-parr-trail [3] https://www.illinois.gov/dnr/Recreation/Camping/Campgrounds/Pages/CampgroundList.aspx [4] https://www.facebook.com/TheNestNewtonIL/
At Sam Parr State Park, located in Jasper County, Illinois, you can experience an affordable outdoor-living lifestyle with budget-friendly facilities for camping, boating, canoeing, fishing, and hiking, including the scenic Sam Parr Trail. Further, this park is nearby the quaint town of Newton, offering budget-travel options for dining and shopping at The Nest. Whether exploring the lush home-and-garden surroundings or venturing out to discover local attractions, a peaceful, crowd-free retreat awaits you at Sam Parr State Park.
