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Beaver Dam
Overview
Beaver Dam State Park, situated near Plainview, Illinois, offers a serene escape into the heart of Macoupin County. Covering approximately 750 acres, this state park is anchored by a picturesque lake that was originally a natural marshy area. The park provides a peaceful forest setting that feels worlds away from the hustle of city life, making it a favorite for those seeking quiet reflection and outdoor recreation in a classic Midwestern landscape.
Location & Surroundings
The park is characterized by its lush hardwood forests and a central 59-acre lake. Located just south of Carlinville, the terrain features rolling hills and diverse flora that change beautifully with the seasons. It is a prime example of the Illinois glacial landscape, offering a mix of dense timber and open water that attracts a wide variety of local wildlife including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.
Amenities & Park Features
RV travelers will find 65 Class A campsites equipped with electricity, providing a comfortable base for exploring the grounds. While the sites offer a rustic and private feel, the park includes modern conveniences to support a multi-day stay. Key features include:
- A modern shower building and flush toilets.
- A convenient sanitary dump station for RVers.
- The Plainview Lake Cafe, which offers seasonal dining and bait sales.
- Accessible picnic areas with tables and outdoor grills.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy over eight miles of hiking trails that wind through the timber and along the lake's edge. The lake itself is a major draw, popular for fishing and boating with trolling motors, where anglers frequently catch bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. For a change of pace, the nearby town of Carlinville features a historic town square and a famous collection of Sears Catalog Homes, adding a touch of local history to your trip.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature-loving RVers who prefer the quiet charm of a state park over the high-activity environment of a commercial resort. It is a fantastic spot for families and anglers looking to disconnect and enjoy a weekend of birdwatching, hiking, and lakeside relaxation. If you value privacy, wooded sites, and a slower pace of life, Beaver Dam is an excellent choice for your next Illinois road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jamie Scoggins
One of the best campgrounds I’ve been to. The host are very helpful with anything you need. They are pretty lenient with certain things but also want campers to follow the rules so we all can keep it beautiful there. Definitely recommend stopping for a night or week. Halloween is a must stop and check it out lots of decoration and candy for the kids.
Randy Morehead
It’s close to home which is nice for a quick getaway, campground is nice, a lot trees especially close to sites when trying to back your camper in/pull out. Campground host is very nice and friendly. IDNR definitely needs to make some upgrades to the campground I.e electric poles, fire pits they are rusty and falling apart.
Pete Zielinski
We arrived without reservations on a Tuesday. The camp host was friendly and admitted it was his first day. We were allowed to pick any of 72 sites as long as the post did not have a current arrival time on it. We snagged one of the handicap sites because it was paved and level. It's location was also close to bathrooms. Again it was nearly empty and very quiet. Several owls were serenading us after sunset. Old school bathrooms were clean. Urinal had a plumbing leaks. Several hiking trails available. We used one that took us to the the dammed lake. There is a restaurant there as well. Full menu. Chicken sandwich was great. My rueben tasted pretty good, but the corned beef was sliced super thin and was a bit crispy on the edges. Both meals were served with very large servings of fries. Prices were good. We noticed that every post had arrival times for the upcoming weekend. Obviously a popular place.
F.W. Frank
As others have said it's a jewel during warm months esp when restaurant and boat rentals are open and spring and fall colors are abundant . Othwerwise it's a quiet getaway respite off the beaten path for campers fishermen hikers and on road only cyclists.Make sure you bring DEET bug repellant except cold months The lone Conestoga Cabin here even has AC whose fan setting is nice to mask the occasional overnite trains You will need your own bedding and firewood for the grill.
Adventure Awaits
We rented the cabin for a winter camping trip. Before arrival we did receive a call to make sure we were still coming due to snow storm. We arrived and they had a well snow plowed path to the cabin and to shower room. The shower room is clean and the shower is perfect nice and hot. Only reason for giving it a lower rating is due to cabin not being cleaned. There was dust and mouse droppings on the shelf’s and floor. It was equipped with heaters and we never got cold . Mattress could be upgraded if possible due to having duct tape patching on them. Over all we had a great time and a very peaceful trip. We will come back thanks.
