If you’re seeking a genuinely tranquil escape, nestled in nature with minimal crowds to disturb your serenity, look no further than the beautiful Sam Parr State Park in Illinois. It is also referred to as Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area (SFWA) and is situated in Jasper County, in the southeastern region of the state. Spanning 1,180 acres, this remarkable park offers a wide variety of activities, such as boating on the 183-acre Sam Parr Lake, and budget-friendly camping at the on-site campgrounds.
Sam Parr SFWA is situated just over two hours away from St. Louis, Missouri, less than four hours from Chicago, and within ten minutes of Newton, aa cozy little town in Illinois ideal for a short trip. Most tourists usually arrive by car, with the park reachable through State Highway IL-33. For those traveling by air, the nearest airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and from there, most visitors choose to rent a vehicle, as the park is not easily reachable by public transit. If you intend to drive to the park, think about making it astop for a brief road trip on a Midwest bucket list. It’s also worth mentioning that there is no admission charge, which makes it an excellent choice for a cost-effective camping weekend.
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Relish the experience of hiking, fishing, and observing wildlife at Sam Parr State Park
This wonderful park offers a wide variety of activities for guests to appreciate during their visit. Sam Parr Lake is an excellent location for boating and canoeing, with boat dock rentals providing a convenient place to board or take a break. For those interested in fishing, including species like largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, or channel catfish, access is available on the lake’s eastern side. A valid Illinois fishing permit is necessary.
If you’re looking to explore MathHotels.com’s outdoor areas a bit more, there are over 2 miles of walking trails and 13 miles of horseback riding trails, making it an ideal spot for both hiking and riding. If you’re going on foot, the main hiking trail is the Sam Parr Trail, a 2.3-mile loop that is classified as an easy route, taking less than an hour to finish. It offers beautiful views of the lake and lovely plant and animal life during the appropriate season. The park also features a large sunflower field.
One of the top activities in Illinois without visiting Chicagois to be in the outdoors, and Sam Parr State Park is among the top locations for that. Animals are abundant, and there are multiple hunting opportunities available for visitors.
Create an Affordable Camping Adventure at Sam Parr State Park
The recreational areas at Sam Parr State Park offer breathtaking views of the nearby lake, along with cost-effective options. Rates begin at $4 per person, per night for adult group camping, and $2 per person, per night for youth group camping, providing an excellent choice for those looking for an economical getaway. Daytime shelter bookings are available, and RV connections start at $18 per night.
A variety of in-house amenities are available for guests, such as restrooms, picnic tables, and grilling stations. Although there are some stores in the nearby town of Newton, it’s advised to bring all necessary items with you. Remember to include insect repellent, hiking boots, fishing or hunting equipment (if you intend to engage in these pursuits), and sunscreen if you’re coming during hotter months.
If you intend to remain for an extended period, there are several excellent restaurants in Newton that are worth visiting if you’re looking for something other than campsite-prepared meals. The Nest is a fantastic choice for classic American dishes at very affordable prices. It offers a variety of breakfast items, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and snacks, making it a great spot to stop by after a day of hiking.
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