Navigation Home Boating Rentals Boats

Pick A LakePick A State

Boating At Lake Springfield In Illinois

By AA-Boats & Boating Staff Writers

Lake Springfield, Illinois

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Boating on Lake Springfield, located in central Illinois, offers boaters a delightful and scenic experience in the heart of the capital city. Spanning over 4,200 acres, Lake Springfield provides a picturesque waterway for boating enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. With its serene ambiance and ample recreational opportunities, Lake Springfield is a popular destination for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.

The lake is a hub for popular water sports, attracting thrill-seekers and water enthusiasts seeking excitement on the water. Activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing add a dash of adventure and fun to the lake's tranquil atmosphere. Families and friends often gather on Lake Springfield to indulge in these water sports, creating cherished memories and moments of joy on the water.

Lake Springfield offers multiple boat launch ramps positioned around its shores, ensuring easy access for boaters with their own vessels. These convenient launch points make it hassle-free for boaters to set sail and explore the beauty of Lake Springfield, uncovering hidden coves and serene waters.

For those seeking to rent boats, Lake Springfield offers a selection of rental boats directly available for use. Boaters can rent various watercraft, from pontoon boats for leisurely cruises to motorboats for water sports enthusiasts. Rental boats allow visitors to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities of Lake Springfield without the need for boat ownership.

The lake is equipped with a marina that caters to the needs of boaters and water sports enthusiasts. The marina provides essential amenities such as boat repairs, fuel stations, boat storage, and provisions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable boating experience for all visitors.

The boating season at Lake Springfield typically spans from spring to fall, coinciding with the warmer months and milder weather in the region. During this time, boaters can make the most of the lake's tranquil beauty and pleasant temperatures, enjoying longer daylight hours perfect for boating and engaging in water-based activities.

Near Lake Springfield, Illinois, visitors can explore the city of Springfield itself, which is located on the eastern shore of the lake. Springfield is the capital of Illinois and offers a wealth of historical attractions, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Old State Capitol, and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The city also boasts a vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. Outdoor enthusiasts will find enjoyment in the surrounding parks, such as the Henson Robinson Zoo and Washington Park Botanical Garden. To the southwest, the city of Chatham offers additional recreational opportunities and a welcoming community.

Fishing is also a beloved activity on Lake Springfield, attracting anglers seeking to catch various fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and more. The lake's waters are teeming with fish, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day of fishing and embracing the tranquility of Lake Springfield.

Camping facilities are available near Lake Springfield, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Camping enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene charm of the lake's vicinity, enjoying the sounds of nature and starlit skies during their stay.

In essence, boating on Lake Springfield in central Illinois provides a delightful blend of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty. With its popularity for water sports, accessible boat launch ramps, rental boat options, a marina, diverse boating season, excellent fishing opportunities, and nearby camping facilities, Lake Springfield beckons boating enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and nature enthusiasts to embrace the serene charm and aquatic wonders of this beloved lake destination.

Boating, camping and fishing.

With 3,850 acres of boating water, Lake Springfield is conveniently located on the southern outskirts of Springfield, IL. There is a marina, restaurants, boat launch ramps and boat rentals to enhance boating excursions. Canoes and kayaks are a simple way to do a little fishing and some sightseeing. Much of the over 50 miles of shoreline is tree-lined, private property, making it hard to access the shoreline for fishing. There are areas where fishing from the bank is an option, including specified "Fishing Areas". In addition to excellent, year-round catfish fishing, the lake offers bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass and sunfish fishing.

Lake Springfield Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: SEASONAL

Camping

Springfield KOA Campground - 217 498-7002

Double J Campground Campground - 217 483-9998

Lake Springfield Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Springfield include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Blue catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill White Bass

Get an IL Fishing License here.

Local Contact Information

Lake Springfield
Lake Springfield Marina
17 Waters Edge Blvd
Springfield, IL 62712
217 483-3625

Find boating lakes in other states.