Lakes & Camping in Mattoon, Illinois

Nestled in the heart of east central Illinois, the City of Mattoon owns two lakes located in the south west corner of Coles County extending into the counties of Shelby and Cumberland. The primary source of the water supply comes from these Lakes for the residents in the community.

Lake Paradise was formed in 1907 in Coles County to supply water to Mattoon. The dam and the spillway have been raised twice increasing the total capacity of Paradise. In 1931 a new dam was built increasing the surface area to 210 acres. Soon after road and cottages where built to create a recreational area. Boats are allowed on Paradise but it is a “NO WAKE” lake with no skiing, swimming, knee boarding, tubing, etc.

Lake Mattoon was formed in the mid 50’s in the counties of Coles, Cumberland and Shelby 12 miles south west of Mattoon as an additional water supply to the City of Mattoon. This lake has a surface area of 1,050 acres with a maximum depth of 35′ with the average being around 10′. This has become a popular recreational site for camping, fishing and boating. Boating and fishing are available almost year round.

The Marina is located at the West Central part of the lake at 1282 County Road 000 East, Neoga, Illinois 62447. All boats and trailers must be registered with the State and with the City. Stickers run with the calendar year for motorized and for non-motorized and can be purchased at the Marina. Stickers must be displayed on the boat and also on the trailer.

With two campgrounds, camping is available at Lake Mattoon from April to October.

Campground East is located on the southeast side of the lake at 002 County Road 1200 North, Neoga, Illinois 62447. This campground is a seasonal campground only, with campers paying their electric and water.

Campground West is located just north of the Marina at 1290 County Road 000 East, Neoga, Illinois 62447 Seasonal, monthly and daily fees are options for this campground. Most camping sites have electric and water. A sewer dump station is available.

For more information on camping, please contact the Lake Supervisor at 217-254-6680 or the Park Office at 217-234-3611.

Lake Mattoon Public Beach is located across the road from the Marina at Route 1, Box 149 AA-1, Neoga, Illinois 62447. Weather permitting the beach normally is open from Memorial weekend thru Labor Day weekend from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.. No alcohol is permitted on this beach and no lifeguard is on duty.

Going Southbound on I-57

Take Exit 184, go South on US Route 45/Illinois Route 121 to CR 100 North (also known as the Etna Road), go (right) west to CR 150E (Lake Road), go (left) south on CR 150E about 3 miles to CH 1250N/CH19 where you turn (right) west then follow road across the Lake, Beach Pavilion is just ahead on the left.

Going Northbound of I-57

Take Exit 177, then south on US Route 45 into the City of Neoga to the first stop sign which is 6th Street, turn (right) west on 6th Street until Walnut (first stop sign), then turn North (right) on Walnut and follow the road out of town. Walnut turns into 100/CH118. Turn west (left) at 1250N/CH19 follow road across the Lake. The Beach Pavilion is just ahead on the left.

Lake Mattoon Marina, 1282 County Road 000 East, Neoga, Illinois 62447
Lake Mattoon Beach is located across the road from the Marina to the southeast, at Route 1, Box 149 AA-1, Neoga, Illinois 62447
Lake Mattoon Campground East is located on the southeast side of the Lake at 2 County Road 1200 North, Neoga, Illinois 62447
Lake Mattoon Campground West is located just north of the Marina at 1290 County Road 000 East, Neoga, Illinois 62447

Director: TJ Hesse
Lake Supervisor: 217-254-6680
Office: 208 North 19th Street
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
Phone: 217-234-3611
Fax: 217-258-6435
Email: parks@mattoonillinois.org