Beaver Dam State Park Illinois

The Beaver Dam State Park is located seven miles to the south and west of Carlinville in Macoupin County in west-central Illinois and offers an abundance of recreational activities.  Named for the beaver dam that actually created the parks lake, The Beaver Dam State Park encompasses 750 acres and offers camping, fishing, hiking and numerous other exciting activities.

Archery:

There is an archery range located inside the campground allowing individuals to brush up on their hunting skills while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.  This archery range does not allow the use of broad heads so be sure to bring your field tips.

Camping:

The Beaver Dam State Park offers both camper and tent camping sites.  Most of the campsites offered here are first come first served, however there are 40 pads which may be reserved by visiting the Reserve America website.

Fishing:

The Beaver Dam State park offers fishing in its 59 acre lake.  With 1.7 miles of shoreline, a free public boat launch and dock there is plenty of space for visitors to sprawl out and catch some fish.    This lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish and blue gill.  Boats powered by gasoline motors are not permitted; however, you may use a trolling motor.  This would be an excellent place to do some kayaking for fish!

Hiking:
There are nearly eight miles of hiking trails circling the lake and sprawling throughout the vast wooded areas within the park.  Be sure to avoid dehydration while hiking with your Sawyer water treatment bottle.

Hunting:
The Beaver Dam State Park offers spring turkey, squirrel and archery deer hunting as well as furbearer trapping during the allotted seasons.  For more information on the west-central hunting and trapping seasons check out the Illinois DNR website. 

Winter Activities:
Weather permitting, the Beaver Dam State Park offers the opportunity for ice fishing, ice skating cross country skiing and sledding.

Whatever you preferred outdoor activity, you are sure to find the Beaver Dam State Park suitable for your next adventure.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Truman State Park Missouri.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

The Advantages Of Kayak Fishing

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The popularity of kayaks continues to grow as anglers learn about the benefits of fishing from them.  These canoe cousins make excellent fishing vessels and can be decked out with a lot of useful equipment.  Kayaks offer many advantages over fishing from a motor powered boat.

Ascend FS12 Sit In Angler Kayak

Some of the advantages kayaks offer include:

• Kayaks do not require fuel.  The power that moves these watercraft around is the angler using an oar or paddle.
• In many states a kayak doesn't have to be registered before hitting the water as long as the sole method of propelling it is an oar or a paddle.
• Kayaks allow anglers to get into places that boats can't go.  Shallow water can be a real challenge or even impossible to explore in a boat with a motor hanging off the back.
• When care is taken in propelling the kayak, it can allow the fisherman/woman to sneak into their desired fishing location without scaring the fish.
• A kayak can be transported atop a car or SUV thus eliminating the need for a trailer.
• When using a kayak you can position yourself right at the edge of the moss in the shallow water and cast your lure in any number of directions.
• A kayak allows you to gain access to ponds and streams that would be impossible to get a boat into.
• A kayak doesn't have to be insured.
• A kayak can be launched from virtually anywhere there is a shoreline eliminating the need for a boat ramp.  (No more waiting in line to launch or trailer your boat!)
• By using a kayak you will not have to pay a rental fee for a boat slip at the marina.
• Operating a kayak will provide you with exercise while you enjoy one of your favorite sports.

From saving money to near silent navigation, a kayak offers benefits that no motor powered boat can provide.  Who knows the act of simply navigating the water in a kayak may become one of your favorite pastimes.  

If you liked this post, check out Kayaking For Fish.

-Any day in the outdoors is a good day