Ramsey Lake State Park, an Illinois State Park

USA

Illinois

Ramsey Lake State Park

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Nearby Parks:
Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

State Park Contact Information:
	Ramsey Lake State Park
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State Park Overview:

Rolling hills, timbered shoreline, and beautiful Ramsey Lake make this state recreation area a unique and popular recreation spot. Visitors will enjoy the picturesque woods, secluded picnic areas and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area is the perfect place for people who want to relax or for those energetic outdoor types who want to hike, hunt, fish or camp. The park is located one mile northwest of Ramsey in Fayette County.

Reviews By Park Visitors:

visitor rating:

(4 votes) |Post Your Own Review

Simply a fantastic park.

I have been going to Ramsey State Park for several years as well as camping at other parks throughout the state of Illinois and I would have to rate RSP at the top of the list. Very reasonable rates, friendly, great fishing, beutiful scenery, lots of activities and very clean shower house. Ramsey State Park is like a throw back from years gone by. Everyone who camps there have a very friendly attitude and a calming demeaner.

Written by Darrell Gordon 11-Apr-2008

two stars??

How can this park be sooo great, yet only get 2 stars? We drove through the park on advice of campers who said this was their favorite spot in Illinois. We plan on heading back this spring with kayaks and bikes. It certainly looked like 5 stars to us!

Written by dannyboy 18-May-2008

Our hangout for 30 years

We have made Ramsey our meeting place for the last 30 years. My dad started me when I was 7, and now we continue it with my kids. The fishing used to be excellent and is still good. Excellent staff andver helpful. Clean park. My only drawback is the concession stand was never rebuilt after it burned several years ago. You have to drive a couple of miles for groceries and tackle. Boat rental is done at the park office now.

Written by Jason 26-May-2008

There is now a concession stand and boat rental by the boat ramp!

Written by capfun 14-Sep-2008

Camping:

Campers have many sites from which to choose to pitch a tent or park a trailer. The area includes 90 campsites available with a sanitary disposal station, electricity, and a flush toilet and shower building. Another 24 sites are available with electricity for organized groups. Hickory Grove is the choice for those needing only picnic tables, fire pads and privies. Hickory Grove also has 45 sites available in a densely wooded area with unequalled views of shady trees and natural beauty. Water hydrants are conveniently placed throughout the campgrounds. A special site is available for organized youth groups. Reservations are available for portions of the campgrounds. Contact the site office for information.

Trails:

A one-mile trail winds through the park. Visitors also often use the unmarked fire lanes which make good paths for easy walking.

A 13-mile horse trail is located in the north end of the area along with a small campground for horses. This area is one mile north of the park entrance.

Boating:

A launching ramp and boat dock are conveniently located on Ramsey Lake. Boats are also available for rental. Gas motors are not allowed, but electric trolling motors are permitted. Fishing is also allowed on several ponds located at the site as well as on Ramsey Lake.

Fishing and Hunting:

Fishing:

Fishing is a favorite pastime for Ramsey Lake visitors. To maintain a desirable fish population, the lake is managed by draw-downsand stocking. Some of the species include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie. Fishing supplies are available at the concession stand.

Hunting:

Hunters will find abundant game at Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area. Dove, squirrel, quail and pheasant can be hunted with shotgun. Deer can be hunted with bow only. A controlled pheasant and quail program is run during the hunting season. Other hunting dates and times may differ from state regulations.

History of the Area:

Ramsey Lake has a colorful background. For years, the park was known as "Old Fox Chase Grounds" because of its use by fox and coon hunters. It also was the site of one of the largest dog trial events, which was held near the big springs at the northwest corner of the present lake. Other events, such as dances, carnivals and a large machinery display attracted many people. Although privately owned by S.E. Stokes, the site often was used by various groups for public recreational use. In 1947, 815 acres were purchased for a lake site and an additional 1,000 acres have been added since. Throughout the years, county and township officials, concerned citizens and civic groups have actively helped to secure land and upgrade and maintain the area which is now 1,980 acres.

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