Smith Springs Recreational Area

If you're looking for a getaway that has a little something for every member of the family, you'll want to stop by the Smith Springs Recreational Area and beach! A lakeside park that offers just a little bit more, Smith Springs Recreational Area gets a two paw salute for its glorious beach and plentiful amenities, making it the pawrfect vacation spot for people and their pooches alike. 

The J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake's 42 miles of water provide a pawsitively awesome opportunity for you to doggy paddle, canoe, or fish to your heart's content. But don't despair, you won't have to do it alone! Fido is welcome to join you too. When you pack your beach bag, don't forget to include some shoes to protect your tender tootsies as there is no sand at Smith Springs Recreational Area. While you can peruse the coastline with your best canine pal in tow, you likely won't want to perch on the beach without a beach chair and some towels for protection. Be sure to bring along a leash for Fido as Illinois observes strict leash laws, and the local paw-lice will be on the lookout!

If you fancy yourself an avid fisherman, Smith Springs Recreational Area is the place for you! The lake's crisp waters teem with all variety of bass as well as crappie, catfish, bluegill, bream, and trout. You won't need to pack a lunch as you can catch your own from the shore. But it's always good to have a backup plan, so you just might want to bring along a sausage or two to grill up on the barbecue. Don't forget to include some Scooby Snacks, bottled water, and clean up bags too!

Among the pawsitively awesome things that you and your favorite furry friend can do at Smith Springs Recreational Area are camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. You'll want to be certain to pack your camera too as many rare species such as the Tennessee coneflower make this pawsome spot their home. There are bathrooms on the grounds for the pawblic to use, but they only contain toilets. 

If an outdoor adventure sounds just like what the dog-tor had in mind, pack your bags and head for Smith Springs Recreational Area beach. You'll have a furrific time!