SAM PARR STATE PARK
SAM PARR STATE PARK13225 East State Highway 33 Newton, Illinois 62448
Phone: 618-783-2661 Reservations: 618-783-2661 Email: 
|
For several decades the residents of Jasper County worked for a state park, assisted and encouraged by a former resident and conservationist, Sam Parr. In 1960, 72 acres of land were acquired by the Department of Natural Resources and the Jasper County Conservation Area became a reality. Additional acquisitions have brought the total acreage to 1,180, including a 183-acre lake.
After the death of Sam Parr in 1966, the General Assembly changed the name from Jasper County to Sam Parr. The site was formally dedicated on May 12, 1972. It is 3 miles northeast of Newton.
As in most of Illinois, the early inhabitants of this area were Indians. For nearly 1,000 years they fished and lived along the Embarrass River and hunted in nearby woodlands, including what is now Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area.
The 1770's brought the French and the westward expansion of the American colonists, who pushed the Indians westward into Illinois in search for new lands. The Piankashaw finally settled in this area and they lived in comparative peace with the French who lived with them, adapting many of their ways. General Harrison from Vincennes, Indiana, negotiated a treaty with the Piankashaws in 1812, whereby they gave up nearly one million acres of land to the United States Government, including what is now Jasper county. There were about 140 Piankashaw Indians left in the area.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingElectric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Class B/E, C & D, and Youth camping are available. It is suggested you call ahead due to an ADA Construction project at the park which may periodically close some campsites.
 | Willowbrook Cabin Rental - Golconda, IL Cottages and Cabins LARGE 2 and 3 bedroom private CABINS located near many of the major ATTRACTIONS of the Shawnee National FOREST and the surrounding Southern ILLINOIS area. All cabins offer incredible VALUE as they are fully furnished with everything needed including full kitchens with cookware, microwave, liens, fire pits and wood, outdoor grill, satellite TV and even FREE internet. Open all seasons |
 | Rim Rock's Dogwood Cabins - Elizabethtown, IL Cottages and Cabins Southern Illinois Cabins with all amenities, surrounded by The Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. All cabins have air conditioning, heat, kitchen including stove, frig, microwave, coffee maker, toaster bathroom with shower, screened in porch, electric fireplace, satellite tv with HBO and DVD, all linens, cookware, plates, utensil, outside grill and picnic table. |
 | White River Outfitters Rentals - Shoals, IN Cottages and Cabins A store that caters to all of your boating, hunting, fishing and outdoor adventure needs. We offer canoe and kayak rentals for one and two day trips on the White River. New G3 brand jon boats as well as a used inventory. NEW White River Cabin on a peaceful river bank setting. |
Boats with maximum 10 hp motors are allowed on the lake, and canoes are popular. Boat dock rentals are available. Fishing access and parking is also available on the east side of the lake via a county road.
This is a great place for bird watching.We have been here several times and have never had a bad day.
I really ejoyed the separate tent site from the tralers campers. It also has a pretty view of the lake
How much for is the camping fee for a disabled Vietnam Veteran/100% service connected
spades_champ67@yahoo.com
If we have to pay $18. dollers a night then they should have a shower house.