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Sangchris Lake State Park |
Sangchris Lake State Park
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9898 Cascade Road
Rochester, IL 62563
217.498.9208
Located minutes east of Springfield and its Lincoln attractions, Sangchris Lake
serves as a perfect home base for enjoying outdoor activities in central
Illinois. Whether you're interested in fishing, boating, camping, hunting or
family gatherings, Sangchris Lake provides an abundance of recreational
opportunities amid native forests of oak, maple, butternut and persimmon.
Totaling 3,022 acres and offering 120 miles of shoreline, Sangchris Lake is so
named because it extends into both Sangamon and Christian counties. It was
formed in 1964 when Commonwealth Edison built a 50-foot earthen dam across Clear
Creek to create a cooling lake for a power plant it was constructing near
Sicily.
In 1969, ComEd deeded 1,414 acres of land around the lake to the state, along
with easement rights for boating and fishing. In August of 1997, the Department
of Natural Resources purchased 1,180 acres along the west shoreline from ComEd.
Today, ongoing developments and improvements have transformed the Sangchris Lake
State Park into a popular outdoor retreat.
For day visitors, there are eight picnic areas around the lake, as well as
several picnic shelters. Also, there are several gravel parking lots nearby and
areas contain tables, grills, water facilities and pit toilets. Please inquire
at site office for shelter reservation information.
Camping
For longer stays, the Deer Run Campground on the north end of the lake contains
80 Class A (electricity, showers and vehicle access), 40 Class B/S (vehicle
access with showers), and 5 Class C (tent camping, walk-in or backpack; no
vehicle; with showers) campsites and 5 additional Class C equestrian campsites.
A sanitary dump station is provided in each campground.
Hickory Point Campground, near the east boat dock area, contains 55 Class A, 10
Class C, and two cabin sites. Playground equipment, showers and a restroom with
flush toilets are nearby. Handicapped sites are located in both campgrounds.
Water facilities will be closed the Monday prior to Thanksgiving through March
31 (Including the shower building). Both campgrounds will be closed the second
week in January - March 31.
Group camping is available in the wilderness area near the office and service
buildings.
Credit Card Reservations
Cabin Reservation Form
Camping Reservation Form
Hickory Point Campground MAP
Group camping Reservation Form
Boating
A two-slip launching ramp and dock are located on both the east and west sides
of the lake for rowboats, canoes and boats with motors of 25 horsepower or less.
Strawkas Point launching ramp and dock is located off of Route 104. Sailing is
prohibited.
 Fishing
Designated as a State Fish Preserve in 1972, Sangchris Lake is an angler's
paradise, stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel and flathead
catfish, bullhead and carp. You can obtain statewide and site regulations on
size and creel limits at the park office. Commercial fishing devices such as
troutlines and jug fishing are prohibited. All fishing tournaments must be
scheduled through the park office.
Handicapped facilities are located throughout the park.
Hiking
Wildflowers and song birds abound along 3 miles of scenic nature trails, and
there are several unique albino deer living in the area. For the equestrian,
there is a 5-mile horse trail, and for those preferring greater horsepower,
there is an 11-mile snowmobile trail for winter use.
Hunting | Hunter Fact Sheet | Non-Resident Archery Deer Application
Waterfowl, dove, deer and upland game are abundant and some trapping is allowed.
Please contact the park office for specific regulations, dates and locations. A
public archery range is located in Maple Flats.
The Pheasant Run/Maple Flats Access Areas contain a dog training area for
seasonal use. A permit is required.
Directions
Traveling from the south, Northbound I 55 North to Exit 82 (Route 104). Route
104 east 6.1 miles through Pawnee and turn left, north, at Sangchris Lake sign.
Travel 4.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn right at Sangchris Lake sign
and travel 3 more miles.
Traveling from the north, southbound I 55 South to exit 96A (Route 29). Route 29
to Rochester, IL. Turn right at the 2nd stoplight, Walnut Street, at the
Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New City. Turn left
at park sign and travel 3 more miles.
Traveling from the west, Eastbound I 72 East to Springfield, then I 55 North to
Exit 96A, Route 29. Route 29 to Rochester turn right at the 2nd stoplight,
Walnut Street, at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way
stop, New City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.
Traveling from the east, Westbound I 72 West to Springfield, then I 55 south to
Exit 96A Route 29. Route 29 to Rochester turn right at the 2nd stoplight, Walnut
Street at the Sangchris Lake sign. Travel south 5.5 miles to a 4-way stop, New
City. Turn left at park sign and travel 3 more miles.
* While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's
facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to
avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
* At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
* Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
* Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call
ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
* We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only
footprints.
* For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of
Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
* Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources
Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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