Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area Campground
Open for camping. Tent and trailer sites with electric hookups are available. Campers without reservations can obtain permits from site personnel on arrival. Reservations available through ExploreMoreIL. Concession stand operates April 1 through October 31.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 10:16AM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with peak afternoon heat index values up to around 110 degrees can be expected. For the Heat Advisory on Independence Day, peak afternoon heat index values up to around 105 degrees are anticipated. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged duration extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight lows will only fall into the mid 70s, providing little relief during this prolonged, extended duration of dangerously high heat and humidity.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 10:16AM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with peak afternoon heat index values up to around 110 degrees can be expected. For the Heat Advisory on Independence Day, peak afternoon heat index values up to around 105 degrees are anticipated. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged duration extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight lows will only fall into the mid 70s, providing little relief during this prolonged, extended duration of dangerously high heat and humidity.
About
Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area, centered around the 75-acre Dolan Lake, provides a quality camping experience in southern Illinois about 8 miles southeast of McLeansboro. The earthen dam was constructed in 1962, and the lake filled shortly after, creating a destination with 3 miles of shoreline and depths up to 18 feet. The campground offers tent and trailer sites with electric hookups, plus five lakeside cabins equipped with heat, air conditioning, a full-size bed, two bunk beds, table, and chairs. A modern shower house sits across from the cabins, and a sanitary dump station is available for RVs. Campers without reservations can obtain permits from site personnel upon arrival, or book in advance through the ExploreMoreIL reservation system. Beyond camping, the area offers excellent fishing opportunities including largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, and bullheads. A boat ramp is available with motors limited to 10 HP. The 1,530-acre property also features horseback riding and hiking trails, a trap shooting range with manual clay bird thrower, hunting opportunities, and a concession stand operating April through October.
Directions
Located about 8 miles southeast of McLeansboro off Route 14.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $8 - $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (618) 773-4340 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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