Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area - McLeansboro, Illinois

Okay, here’s a detailed description of the Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area, presented in a formal and approachable style, suitable for someone researching a potential visit:

Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area: A Natural Retreat

The Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area, located in McLeansboro, Illinois, is a highly-regarded nature preserve and a popular tourist attraction. It offers a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), this area provides a valuable sanctuary for wildlife and a tranquil escape for those seeking connection with nature.

Location and Contact Information

The area’s address is McLeansboro, IL, United States. For inquiries and further information, potential visitors can reach the IDNR office via telephone at 618-773-4340. A comprehensive resource, including maps, regulations, and event schedules, is readily available on the official website: dnr.illinois.gov.

Key Features and Amenities

Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area boasts a rich ecology, with a focus on wetlands and prairie landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

• Hiking Trails: Extensive network of trails cater to different skill levels, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Barbecue Areas: Designated areas with grills are available for visitors to enjoy outdoor meals.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, providing comfortable spaces for gatherings.
• Restroom Facilities: Public toilets are conveniently located for visitor use.
• Playgrounds & Swings: Dedicated areas for children to play and enjoy the outdoors.

Accessibility is a priority, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance points. Furthermore, the area is particularly popular with families, known for its kid-friendly hikes and playground.

Points of Interest & Additional Information

The area is also welcoming to canine companions, allowing dogs on leashes. The combination of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and accessibility features makes it a compelling destination. It’s evident that the park is well-maintained and thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of visitor needs. A significant number of visitors, as reflected in the 239 Google My Business reviews with an average opinion of 4.6/5, consistently praise the area's peaceful atmosphere and well-kept grounds.

A Final Recommendation

For those seeking a rejuvenating outdoor experience in Illinois, the Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area presents an excellent choice. To delve deeper into specific details about camping availability, trail maps, and upcoming events, we strongly encourage visitors to explore the official website: dnr.illinois.gov. Contacting the IDNR directly via the provided phone number will also provide valuable assistance in planning your visit.

Do you require any further details or specific information about the area

👍 Reviews of Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area

Kimberlee W.

5/5

This is a hidden gem. Love this camp ground. There are a few sites where the electric doesn't work but has plenty that do. This was our first time camping here, and we will come back as often as we can.

Robert S.

4/5

Lake is for fishing/boating only with swimming not permitted. Our impression was that mostly locals frequent this campground. The sites are close together, though about 25% were out-of-service due to electrical issues, which gave us a buffer on one side. No water at any campsites and a single dump station. There is a nice 3.25 mile trail around the lake though it is poorly marked and easy to lose. The camp hostess was perhaps vacationing, as we never saw her, though a camp employee told us that the "Campground" Wi-Fi was for her use only, so no passwords were given out. Even with a cell booster, I could get only 1 bar on Verizon and 2 bars on ATT, with frequent drops and with no spot to get a clear view of the skies for Starlink, this isn't digital nomad friendly. They are looking for someone to manage the lake concession, so until that is resolved the nearest food or gas is McLeansboro about 9 miles to the west.

Madison

5/5

Camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and catching up with friends and family around a fire or a picnic table…
Dolan Lake is the place that has it all!
Full of animals, fish, flowers, and people all year long! Adventure is waiting!
10/10

Coalblooded M.

5/5

One of the cleanest campgrounds I've camped at. The hosts make you feel welcome and the staff say busy upkeeping the grounds. It's quiet,relaxing, and scenic. The trails are very nicely kept. Highly recommend this campground!

Jen M.

5/5

We stayed here in a cabin overnight while traveling south and back again to visit my parents. The cabin that we stayed in was completely perfect for our needs. Complete with a fridge and an air conditioner, the accommodations we great for our 90+ degree weather. The views were great and bathrooms were clean. We agree that we would definitely stay here again. For you horticulturists, it was the trees knees!

Sidenote, there are no mattresses or bedding in the cabins. Remember to bring your own! As regular tent campers, we were prepared.

Travis P.

4/5

Always a nice place for a drive. Good place to bring the kids to fish. Be sure to bring your own bait, as the nearest shops are in Carmi and McLeansboro. Paths are well maintained. Almost never a crowd other than ad the camp grounds during holidays.

Tonya T.

5/5

We love camping at Dolen lake! The only thing is that everyone had dogs and some campers left and didn't pick up their dog💩 and also let their dogs💩 at other campsites that weren't occupied. How sad. Btw i picked up ours. We will definitely be back!!

Kevin M.

5/5

Great place, beautiful lake with excellent fishing, family friendly, has playground. It also has great walking trails, that are kept mowed, and even cabins u can stay for a little comfort camping, clean shower house and bathrooms.,Just got back from 4 days still clean awesome place