Located in southwestern Illinois' Jackson County, Kinkaid Lake is approximately 5 miles north of Murphysboro and 100 miles southeast of St. Louis.
 
Built in 1968, the lake encompasses 2,750 acres. Ownership of the surrounding land is divided among the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which manages approximately 4,000 acres, the U.S. Forest Service, which administers 5,000 acres, and Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, which oversees 300 acres.

Activities

Boating
Four boat ramps and a full-service marina are available. No motor restrictions apply, but 50 M.P.H. daytime and 25 M.P.H. sunset to sunrise speed limits are enforced.
For more details about Kinkaid Lake, contact nearby Lake Murphysboro State Park, 52 Cinder Hill Drive, Murphysboro, IL 62966, phone (618) 684-2867 or fax (618) 687-1220.
 
Camping
Camping is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District and at Johnson Creek Recreation Area at Kinkaid Village Marina who can be reached at: (618) 687-4914. Camping is not allowed on DNR property.
 
Fishing
The lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye and muskie.
 
Hunting
Statewide regulations govern hunting at the site. Species available are deer, turkey, squirrel, quail, rabbit, dove and waterfowl.

Picnicking
Picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills and restroom facilities are provided at Johnson Creek Recreation Area and Paul Ice Recreation Area, which also has playground equipment.