Map showing campground location near Newton, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

Anglers and wildlife watchers can access 183-acre Newton Lake directly from this 33-site campground within Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources maintains level concrete pads that accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, with full hookups available at electric sites. Only the first 10 sites accept reservations, while the remaining 23 operate first-come, first-served.

Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with cooking grate, and individual trash can that staff empty twice weekly. The concrete pads extend to fire pits, eliminating the need for ground coverings on many sites. A playground sits centrally within the campground, and vault toilets serve the area. Tracie E. notes the sites are "quite large & all have very level concrete pads."

A 2.3-mile trail loops near the dam, while shorter paths connect campsites to the lake. Campers report catching bass from the lake and spotting geese, herons, and owls throughout the area. The north boat launch sits within walking distance of most sites. Verizon provides four-bar cell service coverage.

Fall colors draw visitors during September and October. For broader regional options, campers can explore campgrounds near Newton or visit Oblong Park and Lake 12 miles east for additional lake access.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Loneliest Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Road Trip Segment: Parkersburg to Kansas City

Parkersburg to Kansas City: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area is located in Illinois

Directions

From jct Hwy-33 & Hwy 130: Go 3 mi N on Hwy 130.

Address

13225 East State Highway 33
Newton, IL 62448

Coordinates

39.01600023 N
88.12200067 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

1 hr 4 min from Terre Haute, IN
1 hr 24 min from Champaign, IL
1 hr 40 min from Decatur, IL
1 hr 47 min from Evansville, IN

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Visitors repeatedly highlighted spacious, level sites with concrete pads and peaceful lake views. Clean facilities and helpful staff contribute to positive experiences, though vault toilets show some age.

kalibrikatya

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 24, 2024

nature

I'm sharing with you what I recently discovered for myself. https://affordablewastemanagement.co.uk/commercial-waste-collection/ UK provides commercial waste collection services designed to simplify the waste management process for businesses. It really simplifies everything and it is done quickly and easily.

Month of VisitMarch

Nalu N.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2024

Cool

Bookmaker Review https://bettingsites.co.ke/bookmaker/mostbet/ offers Kenyan punters a wide range of sports events with excellent odds. The bookmaker combines an intuitive interface and a wide range of bonuses for both new and regular users, making the betting process comfortable and profitable. It is also known for its reliable and fast transaction processing, making it easy to manage deposits and withdrawals.

Simon I.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2024

nice

I enjoyed playing here in Australia. cocoacasino.live , I found a great way to play and earn money online, all thanks to this online site, it's really easy to win and I definitely like it, you can also try it and I guarantee you won't regret your choice because it's incredibly cool to play here!

Month of VisitMarch

Fern B.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2023

Birds!!

Absolutely beautiful. Sites overlooking the lake. Geese, herons, and owls! Quiet. Vault toilets are a bit dated. We stayed at a non-electric site.

Site32

Month of VisitApril

Tracie E.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 23, 2022

Lots of Room

Love the sites at Sam Parr. Only 33 sites overall (only 1st 10 reservable) but sites are quite large & all have very level concrete pads. Didn’t even have to put out our big rug @ the door because concrete extends all the way to the fire pit & picnic table. Also nice that each site has a trash can as well & they check them 1-2 times during the week. Park Maintenance offers to blow off your site when they come around.

Only reason wasn’t 5 stars is that they need MORE trails. There is one 2.3 mile look near the damn which is very nice, but plenty of opportunity to have more. A few short trails exist in the campground from the sites to the lake but would be really nice if they have a LONG trail or more around the lake itself or along the creek that runs into the lake.

Also good suggestion for nice day trip is Irene’s Winery; about 30 minutes away. It’s in the middle of nowhere down a gravel road but definitely work the trip. We visited on a Sunday & the food was fantastic.

Site10

Month of VisitMay

(6) View All

Dusti M.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 7, 2022

Amazing hospitality

We stayed there for one night. The park superintendent was so polite and helpful. He even told us where they had been stacking wood from clearing out some trees near the campground and encouraged us to use all we need. Very clean pit toilets. Very good fire pits with cooking grates. Every spot has a picnic table and trash can. Very nice close walk to the north boat launch from the campground. Well kept cleared trails. Very nice and well maintained playground in the middle of the campground. Great views of the lake. 4 bars on Verizon.

Month of VisitMarch

Robin M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2016

Nice place

we love this park as it reminds us of some of Indiana state parks with a huge lake, horseback riding, lots of trails to explore and beautiful wildlife. pet friendly and lots to do for all ages.

Pam B.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2016

Stayed here in our Motorhome

This campground was very peaceful and quiet. Only half the sites were occupied when we stayed. We caught some nice sized Bass on the lake which made for a yummy dinner. We stayed here in September and during the fall season the colors on the trees are magical. We found a couple of nice trails to hike that leave directly from the campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sam Parr State Park located and how do I get there?

Sam Parr State Park is located in Illinois. The park features a large lake and natural surroundings reminiscent of Indiana state parks. While specific driving directions aren't detailed, the park is accessible by road and offers ample parking for vehicles. For precise directions, it's advisable to check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or contact the park directly before your visit.

What camping facilities are available at Sam Parr State Park?

Sam Parr State Park features 33 campsites, with only the first 10 being reservable. All sites have level concrete pads that extend to the fire pit and picnic table area. Each campsite includes a fire pit with a cooking grate, picnic table, and lantern hook. The park offers both electric and non-electric sites, with some overlooking the lake. Facilities include clean vault toilets, though they are somewhat dated. Water is available, and the park superintendent is known to be helpful, sometimes even directing campers to where stacked firewood can be found from cleared trees.

What recreational activities are available at Sam Parr Lake?

Sam Parr Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass that can reach impressive sizes. Visitors can enjoy hiking on multiple trails that wind through the park, providing opportunities to explore the natural surroundings and observe wildlife. Horseback riding is available in designated areas. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with geese, herons, and owls frequently spotted, especially near lakeside sites. The park is particularly beautiful during fall when the foliage displays vibrant colors. Activities are suitable for all ages, making it a versatile destination for families.

What do Sam Parr State Park photos show about the camping experience?

Photos of Sam Parr State Park showcase spacious campsites with level concrete pads and well-maintained facilities. Many sites offer scenic lake views, with some directly overlooking the water. Images capture the abundant wildlife, including waterfowl like geese and herons. The park's natural beauty is evident in pictures of the wooded areas and trails, with fall photos highlighting spectacular foliage colors. Camping photos typically show the concrete pad extensions that reach fire pits and picnic tables, demonstrating the thoughtful site design that minimizes mud and provides comfortable camping spaces.

Keep Exploring