Argyle Lake State Park

Need a new place to take your four legged friend? Look no further! Argyle Lake State Park is the pawfect spot to spend some quality time with your pooch. Years ago, this area was known as Argyle Hollow and contained the stagecoach route from Galena to Beardstown. Today, it is a beautiful state park just waiting to be explored by your pup!

Known as a “fishermen’s delight,” Argyle Lake is well loved by local anglers. The 93 acre lake is teeming with bluegill, redear, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, tiger muskie and rainbow trout. Boating is allowed, but a no wake speed limit is enforced. Bring your rod and reel along, and with any luck, you and your pupster will enjoy a pawsome fish dinner!

After waiting patiently for you to fish, your doggo will be ready for a hike. Furtunately, this park has five miles of hiking trails to discover. There are a dozen different trails to choose from, and most of them are classed as difficult. If your pooch wants something less challenging, check out Blackberry Trail or Pitch Pine Trail. If you opt for the Shore Trail, keep your eyes peeled for beaver dams. All of the trails cut through thick forests. Your dog can put their nose to the ground and sniff out all the little critters or hunt for the pawfect stick.

Argyle Lake State Park also has three furrific campgrounds. Twisted Oak Campground has 86 campsites that have electricity and access to showers. Big Oaks Campground has some sites with electrical hookups and some without, and Twin Oaks Campground has 31 primitive sites. No matter where you go in the park, make sure you always pick up after your pup. Have clean-up bags on hand, as well as water to share. 

No bones about it, this place will make your dog’s tail wag!