Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Located in Wayne County, Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area is the ideal location to spend a day enjoying the outdoors. This wildlife area was established in 1959 with the purchase of 40 acres. Sam Dale has grown over the years to cover more than 1,300 acres and includes a 194-acre lake as well as several ponds. The lake is surrounded by eight miles of hiking trails. There are several floating docks on the lake for fishing and boat rentals are available at the concession stand. Bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie are the lake’s most popular fish. Ice fishing is available during the winter months. Other park activities include hunting, picnicking, camping, swimming, and wildlife observation.

For more information about Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife area, write or call:

Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
Rural Route 1
Johnsonville, IL 62850
(618) 835-2292

Directions:
From Mt. Vernon, go east on Highway 15 for 15 miles then turn north on Highway 6. Go 15 miles to Zenith and follow the signs to Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area.

From Effingham, take Interstate 57 south 14 miles to exit 145. Continue south on Highway 6 for approximately 30 miles to Zenith and follow the signs to Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area.

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