Vandalia Lake

The 660 acre lake is located about four miles northwest of Vandalia, on IL 185, with entrance to marina, boat dock, campground, and beach. At the marina you will find snacks, fishing supplies, bait, & gasoline. Campgrounds are open from Memorial Day weekend through the last weekend in September.

Fishing
The Vandalia Fishing and Conservation Club works to stock the lake with large mouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. The club hold several fishing tournaments each year. Handicapped pier is located near the marina
Fishing License available at the following locations:
Rural King, 1616 Veterans Ave
Sunset Convenience Store, 1820 Veterans
Wal-Mart, 201 N Mattes Ave

Camping
Stay at Vandalia Lake's high quality camping facilities.The campground includes sites with electric outlets; water hook-ups (campers to provide splitter and hose needed for hook-up); modern shower house with flush toilets; dump station for recreational vehicles.

Camping - Site
$20 per night- Electric hookup & Showers
$15 per night- 65 and older (Mon-Thurs only) $20 for Fri, Sat, Sun, & Holidays
$7 Tent Camping w/out electricity
$350 Block of 20 nights

Swimming
Adults & Children $2
Campers $1

Dump Station
Campers- Free
Non-campers $5

Swimming
Jaycees Beach features a large sloping area, a modern beach house and showers, and a lifeguard on duty.

Picnics
There are three large pavilions and shaded tables throughout the camping area. Playground Equipment near the Vandalia Lions Pavilion and Jaycee Beach. For reservations contact City Hall at 618-283-1196

Boating
Our beautiful Vandalia Lake is a very popular place for boating, tubing, and jet-skiing. Before launching a boat, owner must provide a Certificate of Insurance of $100,000 personal liability at the time they purchase a permit.
Permits- 

1 day pass:
up to 100hp, $10.00
101-200hp, $15.00
Personal watercraft; jet ski, $10.00

2 day pass:
up to 100hp, $15.00
101-200hp, $20.00

3 day pass:
up to 100hp, $25.00
101-200hp, $35.00
Personal watercraft; jet ski, $35.00

Yearly Permits:
Sailboats, Rowboats, Canoes, & Paddle boats................................................ $10

​Motor Boats, Power Sailboats, Powered Paddle boats, IB & OB 1-50hp...... $30
Motor Boats IB & OB 51-100hp.......................................$50
Motor Boats IB & OB 101-150hp.....................................$75
Motor Boats IB & OB 151-.............................................$100
Motor Boats IB & OB 201-225hp.............................................................................$150

Competition Ski Boats....................................................$200

Jet Ski, 750cc or less .....................................................$100
Jet Ski, 750cc or more ...................................................$150

Dock Fees ........................................................................$75
No V8 Engines

Daily Permits available Monday through Thursday at Marina only
Yearly Permits available at City Hall, 431 W Gallatin St.
Monday through Friday (no city holidays) Closed every day 11:30-12:30 for lunch
Also available at lake marina during regular hours