Most of us love to find hidden gems, places that maybe only locals know about, and ones that aren’t overrun with tourists. Lake of Egypt in Southern Illinois is of those little-known places where you can find seclusion and tranquility as you sit lakeside enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Lake of Egypt is a reservoir that covers an expanse of 2,300 acres with 93 miles of shoreline and water depths that range from 18 feet to 52 feet.

The Resort at Egyptian Hills/Facebook

Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, or SIPC, developed Lake of Egypt in 1962 by damming the southern fork of the Saline River. The purpose was for cooling water for the power plant. Although the company owns the lake and shoreline, it is open for public use.

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What the SIPC created has become a place of enjoyment for many locals and families vacationing over the years.

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This lake is ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports like jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. You can bring your own boat or rent a pontoon from The Resort at Egyptian Hills, which has one of three marinas found here.

The Resort at Egyptian Hills/Facebook

Although the lake may get a bit busy with boats out on the water on a hot summer day, there are many inlets to find some quiet. These inlets are also wonderful places to go fishing for catfish, bluegill, and other fish species.

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Wildlife is abundant in many areas of the lake. You may be lucky enough to spot heron along the shore.

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As you plan your trip to Lake of Egypt, are you looking for a place to stay overnight? The family-friendly Resort at Egyptian Hills sits lakeside and offers cabins and chalets for rent.

The Resort at Egyptian Hills/Facebook Each accommodation comes with a full kitchen, full bath, full bedroom, two loft bedrooms, and a large deck with lake views. Visit the Egyptian Hills Resort website to book your stay.

Have you visited Lake of Egypt in Southern Illinois? Please let us know about it and other lakes you love to visit in the comments.

The Resort at Egyptian Hills/Facebook

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Each accommodation comes with a full kitchen, full bath, full bedroom, two loft bedrooms, and a large deck with lake views. Visit the Egyptian Hills Resort website to book your stay.

If you are looking for other serene lakes in the Prairie State, how about making plans to visit Maple Lake or Lake Le-Aqua-Na?

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Address: Lake of Egypt, Illinois, USAAddress: 75 Egyptian Pkwy, Creal Springs, IL 62922, USA