Head to one of the best lakes in Illinois when you need a simple escape from everyday life; nothing is more relaxing than a day in nature. Find peace and tranquility at each of these 12 hidden lakes in Illinois that you’ll never want to leave.

Tucked away in various pockets across the state, these little-known lakes are the perfect oases for any vacation. Now is the time of year to start exploring these bodies of water again. Scroll on for more details.

1. Sangchris Lake
Sangchris Lake, Illinois, USA
Facebook/Sangchris Lake State Park
Located in Christian and Sangamon counties near the town of Kincaid, this lake is just more than 3,000 acres. It was created in 1964 by the damming of Clear Creek, which is off the Sangamon River. The shoreline is so jagged that it measures 120 miles all together, and most of it is surrounded by forestry. This is one of the most beautiful of the secret lakes in Illinois.
2. Arrowhead Lake
1600 Peterson Ave, Johnston City, IL 62951, USA
Google/Melissa S.
This is one of the quiet little lakes in Illinois located in Johnston City in Williamson County. It is situated within a recreation and wildlife area and is popular for fishing, boating, and camping. Nearby is another of the most hidden lakes, Hambone Lake.
3. Rend Lake
Rend Lake, Illinois, USA
Flickr/Eric Crowley
Stretching 13 miles long and three miles wide, this hidden lake is located in Franklin and Jefferson counties. It provides water to thousands of people in about 60 communities, and it was created in 1962 with the damming of Big Muddy River. Like all great Illinois lakes, the lake shore provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, and more.
4. Lake of Egypt
Lake of Egypt, Illinois, USA
Facebook/Lake of Egypt
This is one of the secret lakes in Illinois that is privately-owned. This lake covers about 2,300 acres and sits near Marion in Williamson and Johnson counties. It was created in 1962 by damming the south fork of the Saline River.
5. Mallard Lake
Mallard Lake Trail, Hanover Park, IL, USA
Google/Ludomir B
Mallard Lake is one of the Illinois lakes that is home to a plethora of wildlife like beavers, bullfrogs, hawks, and blue herons. This DuPage County lake is located in Hanover Park in west Chicagoland. The lake is 85 acres of a 948-acre forest preserve that is filled with forests and wetlands, trails and creeks, and the most scenic views in the area.
6. Hidden Lakes
Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
Google/Dave Johnson
There is a forest preserve in Downer's Grove in DuPage County off the east branch of the DuPage River that actually consists of two hidden Illinois lakes: Round Meadow Lake and Eagle Lake. They are 15 and 10 acres respectively and are located on a 390-acre preserve.

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7. Shabbona Lake
Shabbona Lake, Shabbona Township, IL 60550, USA
TripAdvisor/Kevin A
This is one of the man-made lakes in Illinois. It is about 320 acres and resides within a 1,550-acre prairie land. It is ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting, and is a lovely place to go for scenic views.
8. Argyle Lake
Argyle Lake State Park, Colchester Township, IL 62326, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Midmopub
This branch-shaped body of water is surrounded by a 1,700-acre park with about five miles of trails throughout. The lake is about 93 acres and is located near Colchester in McDonough County, which is in the west central part of the state. This is one of the secret lakes in Illinois you'll want to check out.
9. Devil's Kitchen Lake
Devils Kitchen Lake, Illinois, USA
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters
One of the deepest lakes in the state, this one spans 810 acres and is located in southern Illinois near Marion. It was created by the damming of Grassy Creek and is one of the best lakes in Illinois for fishing and boating.
10. Lake Le-Aqua-Na
Lake Le-Aqua-Na, West Point Township, IL 61048, USA
Google/Holo Is cool
This 40-acre lake sits within a park area that is 715 acres in total. This is one of the Illinois lakes located in the northernmost part of the state in Stephenson County near the town of Lena, which is near the Wisconsin border. The area is great for picnicking, hiking, and camping.
11. Little Grassy Lake
Little Grassy Lake, Illinois 62958, USA
TripAdvisor/DramaLlamaDeals
This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Illinois. Located near Carbondale, it is a 1,200-acre reservoir created by the damming of Little Grassy Creek in 1940. It is surrounded by a marvelous natural area with hills, trees, and wildlife, and it is ideal for fishing and boating.
12. Lake Murphysboro
Lake Murphysboro, Illinois 62966, USA
Wikimedia Commons/hammer
This star-shaped lake is located in a 1,022-acre state park in Jackson County in southern Illinois. Locals think this is one of the best lakes in Illinois for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities, and you'll definitely love the peaceful views.

Make a plan and visit some of the best lakes in Illinois! What other hidden lakes do you enjoy? Share your favorites with us in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Best Lakes In Illinois

Libby Monson | May 25, 2022

Which Illinois lakes are great for fishing?

There are two Illinois lakes in the Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Minooka, Illinois, and both are great for fishing. You'll be catching bluegill, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie from the shore or a small fishing boat. Only electric trolling motors can be used on the lakes, so you are sure to enjoy a peaceful day on the water. These lakes are perfect for kayaking, and there is also a small paved trail for biking or walking.

Are there any great swimming lakes in Illinois?

Nothing beats the heat like a trip to a refreshing lake. These are some of the best lakes in Illinois to take a dip. The spillway at Kincaid Lake is a fun place to splash in Murphysboro. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Silver Springs State Park and paddle around the spring-fed pool. For one of Chicago's most popular swimming spots, try Oak Street Beach and watch the cars go by on the famous Lake Shore Drive while you swim in Lake Michigan.

Where can I find lakeside camping in Illinois?

Your whole family will love staying at the Fish Lake Camping Resort! Located on one of the most family-friendly lakes in Illinois, the resort offers several options for camping. Rent a cabin or bring your tent or RV. The lake is perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. The kids will love playing on the sandy beach, and you'll feel comfortable with the roped-off swim area with a lifeguard on duty. So get ready to make some lifelong family memories at the lake!

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