Sangchris Lake State Park

Its been a warm 2026 so far but old man winter isn't done. Do you or someone you know need firewood? The guys have started cutting hazard trees in the campground and we'd love to give you a FREE permit. You get wood and we get your help. Stop in the office and get yours.

Reminder time! Tomorrow starts the parks muzzleloader deer season. From Friday through Sunday there is no hiking or archery hunting in the park. The campground remains open as does waterfowl hunting. Good luck to the hunters braving the cold

The water and shower house has been shut down for the season. The campground remains open for dry camping. Please continue to use the self pay boxes. Thanks for another great season!

You never know what you'll see at the lake. Yesterday we had a researcher from millikin out trapping raptors( Hawks, Eagles, etc..). They are looking for correlation between diseases that the birds may carry that people may get to. More info in the pictures. All birds trapped are handled with respect and released unharmed. Check out the release video in the comments.

Just a reminder for our Bow hunters. Tomorrow 11/8/25 we will be setting pheasants for the youth hunt down at Dove field 1 ( parking lot by the white shed ) We will start around 7am. The kids will be starting to hunt at 11am and can hunt till 4pm.

A bow in a case was found near the park. If you lost one last night please call the office at 217-498-9208 and describe it. Let's help find the owner.

A public drawing for the allocation of Sangchris Lake State Park trapping permits will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the park office, 9898 Cascade Road, Rochester. Registration will begin at 10 a.m.

Two permits for two trapping zones will be allocated through the drawing procedure (the sub-impoundment area is now included as another zone open to trapping). Two names will be allowed on each permit, and only the individuals listed will be allowed to trap. Trappers must be present to enter the drawing, and everyone who enters must have a current 2025-2026 trapping license in their possession.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, until the end of trapping season on March 31, 2026, the lake will open to statewide regulations, meaning any individual with a valid 2025-2026 trapping permit may trap beaver, muskrat and otter at the lake.

All who trap at the lake, including the drawing winner and partner, must go online to obtain a free windshield card permit for the site. Trappers will be required to report harvest/hunter trips online no later than Feb. 15 each year, or two weeks after the season closes for seasons ending after Feb. 1. Failure to report in this manner for two consecutive years will result in forfeiture of hunting privileges at this site for the following year.

For more information, call the site office at 217-498-9208 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Just a reminder. The East Boat ramp will be closed tomorrow, October 4th, to allow for parking for the Cooke & Creager Memorial Youth Outdoor Day. Bring a kid out and enjoy the day and get them hooked on the outdoors. The west ramp and Strawkas point ramp will be open.

Archery deer opening day is HERE! Wednesday, Oct. 1 marks the kickoff of the Illinois archery deer season. We wish you a safe, successful, and unforgettable season. To review the rules and regulations, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/hunttrapdigest.html.

The showerhouse septic issue has been fixed. It is being cleaned and will be open this afternoon. Sorry for the inconvenience

Such a great day

🎯 It’s Here — This Saturday! 🎯 The Cooke & Creager Memorial Youth Outdoor Day is happening THIS WEEK at Sangchris Lake State Park – East Boat Ramp! 🗓 Saturday, October 4 🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Sangchris Lake State Park, East Boat Ramp Families can look forward to: 🏹 Archery & BB Gun Ranges + Competitions 🎣 Casting Competition & Fishing demo 🐕 Exciting Dog Demonstrations 🍔 Food 🎟️ Raffles 🎁 Hundreds of Prizes to be handed out This FREE event is open to all kids 16 & under. It’s a special day held in memory of Randy Cooke and Brett Creager, two avid outdoorsmen who loved sharing their passion by teaching youth about the outdoors. Bring the kids, invite your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon outdoors. 🌳💚