We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Lake of Egypt, Illinois, USA

She settles herself into the kayak and pushes away from the shore. The small boat cuts through the fog rising from the surface of the lake, and she turns gliding deeper into the cove. Behind her on the main body of Lake of Egypt she can hear the motor boats purring to life. Soon water skiers and jet skis will zip across the lake, but here in…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake of Egypt! Article topics include:

Looking for Lake of Egypt cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Lake of Egypt, IL

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Illinois - Southern Illinois -

    She settles herself into the kayak and pushes away from the shore. The small boat cuts through the fog rising from the surface of the lake, and she turns gliding deeper into the cove. Behind her on the main body of Lake of Egypt she can hear the motor boats purring to life. Soon water skiers and jet skis will zip across the lake, but here in her cove she is almost alone, the surface of the lake broken only by her paddle and the cast of an occasional fishing rod. The name conjures images of desserts. The beautiful water of Lake of Egypt in southern Illinois, however, has become her own personal oasis and a place to return to again and again.

    Lake of Egypt or Lake Egypt as it is also known is an impoundment of the south fork of the Saline River. The reservoir was created in 1962 with the construction of the Lake of Egypt Dam by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC). Lake Egypt supplies cooling water for SIPC’s coal-burning electric plant.

    The southern region of Illinois is also known as “Little Egypt.” There are several theories as to how it got its nickname. Some believe it is because the land where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi River is similar to the Nile Delta. In fact in 1818 a group of developers bought a tract of land at the southern tip of Illinois and named it Cairo. Today, the town of the same name still sits at the confluence of Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Others think “Little Egypt” got its name because of a poor harvest in the north in the 1830’s that forced people south to buy grain. Regardless of how it came by the name, “Little Egypt” inspired Lake of Egypt’s name.

    Lake of Egypt is surrounded by residential development with several public access points including a boat ramp at the Shawnee National Forest campground on the shore of the lake. The Shawnee National Forest spans across parts of southern Illinois and includes trails for hiking and horseback riding along with places to hunt and rock climb. In addition to the national forest ramp, there are several marinas around Lake Egypt, and boats of all sizes are allowed on the lake. With 2,300 acres of water there is plenty of room for water skis, jet skis and boats. Lake of Egypt also has many coves and quiet fingers to explore by canoe or kayak. The lake is full of fish, and anglers will find abundant populations of bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, striped bass and largemouth bass to challenge them.

    Six miles south of Marion and eight miles north of Vienna, Lake of Egypt has easy access to any amenities a visitor might want. There are lakefront vacation rentals around the lake as well as real estate for sale for anyone wishing to extend their stay. With shopping, restaurants, and golf nearby, there is something for everyone. Ferne Clyffe State Park is a short drive from the lake and a fantastic day trip. It was named Ferne Clyffe in 1899 by two brothers who bought what is now part of the state park. They sold the fern laden land to Miss Emma Rebman who opened Ferne Clyffe to visitors on Sundays. In 1949 the state bought the land and opened the state park. Today the state park includes 2,430 acres of ferns, woodland and interesting rock formations. There are trails for hiking and horseback riding, and areas set aside for hunting quail, rabbit and deer in season.

    With its state parks, national forests and beautiful lakes, the southern region of Illinois is an inspiring backdrop to a Lake of Egypt getaway. “Little Egypt” has big recreation opportunities, and Lake of Egypt is sure to draw visitors back time and time again.

    Things to Do at Lake of Egypt

    These are some activities in the Lake of Egypt, IL area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Hiking
    • Rock Climbing
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • National Forest
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake of Egypt?

    Lake of Egypt has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Striped Bass
    • Sunfish
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Lake of Egypt

    If you’re considering a Lake of Egypt lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake of Egypt Vacation

    Our interactive Lake of Egypt lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Lake of Egypt Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Southern Illinois Power Cooperative

    Surface Area: 2,300 acres

    Shoreline Length: 93 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 500 feet

    Average Depth: 18 feet

    Maximum Depth: 52 feet

    Completion Year: 1962

    Lake of Egypt Map
    Local Weather Forecast

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Lake of Egypt Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    SHOP NOW
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Lake of Egypt news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Lake of Egypt forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Lake of Egypt photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Lake of Egypt article with your fellow LakeLubbers: