Natural swimming hole
Johnson Creek Beach (Kinkaid Lake)
Creek · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Johnson Creek Recreation Area sits on a northwest finger of 2,750-acre Kinkaid Lake inside the Shawnee National Forest, and its public beach is one of the forest's nicest. The Forest Service lists swimming and sunbathing among the lake's featured activities, and the beach zone lies inside a three-mile no-wake area. There are no lifeguards, so visitors swim at their own risk. Campsites are first-come, first-served and popular with horse riders using the linked trail system.
Good to know
| Water type | Creek |
|---|---|
| County | Jackson County |
| Nearest town | Murphysboro |
| Safety notes | No lifeguards; swimming at own risk. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Is Johnson Creek Beach (Kinkaid Lake) safe for swimming?
Reported safety notes: No lifeguards; swimming at own risk.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — swim at your own risk.