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 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. Areas contain tables, grills, water facilities and pit toilets.  Shelter reservations can be made through www.reserveamerica.com. Handicapped facilities are located throughout the park.

Camping

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. The shower building is located in the Hickory Point Campground.

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

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

Camping and cabin reservations can be made at www.reserveamerica.com

Hickory Point Campground MAP

Boating

A two-slip launching ramp and dock are located on both the east and west sides of the lake for rowboats, canoes and boats with motors of 25 HP or less. Strawkas Point launching ramp and dock is located off of Route 104. Sailing is prohibited.

Fishing | Map of Fish Congregators on Lake Sangchris

Designated as a State Fish Preserve in 1972, Sangchris Lake is an angler's paradise, stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bullhead and carp. You can obtain statewide and site regulations on size and creel limits at the park office. Commercial fishing devices, such as troutlines and jug fishing, are prohibited.  All fishing tournaments must be scheduled through the park office.

Hiking

Wildflowers and song birds abound along 3 miles of scenic nature trails, and there are several unique albino deer living in the area. For the equestrian, there is a 5-mile horse trail, and for those preferring greater horsepower, there is an 11-mile snowmobile trail for winter use.

Waterfowl, dove, deer and upland game are abundant and some trapping is allowed. Contact the park office for specific regulations, dates and locations. A public archery range is located in Maple Flats.

The Pheasant Run/Maple Flats Access Areas contain a dog training area for seasonal use. A permit is required.

Directions

Traveling from the south, Northbound I 55 North to Exit 82 (Route 104). Route 104 east 6.1 miles through Pawnee and turn left, north, at Sangchris Lake sign. Travel 4.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn right at Sangchris Lake sign and travel 3 more miles.

Traveling from the north, southbound I 55 South to exit 96A (Route 29). Route 29 to Rochester, IL. Turn right at the 4th stoplight, Cardinal Hill Road, at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.

Traveling from the west, Eastbound I 72 East to Springfield, then I 55 North to Exit 96A, Route 29. Route 29 to Rochester turn right at the 4th stoplight, Cardinal Hill Road, at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.

Traveling from the east, Westbound I 72 West to Springfield, then I 55 south to Exit 96A Route 29. Route 29 to Rochester turn right at the 4th stoplight, Cardinal Hill Road, at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
• We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
• For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
• Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.