Washington County State Recreation Area — Shady Rest

Wildlife abounds in the Washington County State Recreation Area, located four miles south of Nashville in southern Illinois. Visitors will marvel at the sight of rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove, deer and woodcock among the stands of pines, brushy draws and fallow fields. Shady Rest campground offers 51 class A electric campsites and two rustic cabins. Primitive camping is available at Lonely Oaks and Little Bears area on a first-come, first-serve basis. Six picnic shelters are available for day-use for a family picnic or gathering. The scenic Washington County Lake makes this site a special place for relaxing or fishing. The lake is a no wake lake for boats over 10hp pursuant to title 70 part 110.40 a. No swimming is permitted in the lake. Whether fishing on its 248 acres or hiking its 13-mile shoreline, the lake offers a perfect opportunity for family fun. This natural area has more than 900 acres for hunting, making it a paradise for nature lovers and hunters. Whether camping, hunting, fishing, boating, hiking or picnicking, you will find Washington County State Recreation Area has many amenities to offer. Got-a-Bite concessions, located in the park, is open April through October from 8am until 8pm daily with the kitchen closing at 7:30pm. The store offers a variety of food items, camping supplies, bait, fishing tackle, and those odds and ends you forgot. Got-a-Bite is known for their daily lunch specials and freshly-made sandwiches in addition to offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. They also have kayak, paddleboat, Jon boat and boat slip rentals. For more details, please contact Got-a-Bite at 618-314-1748 or check them out on Facebook for their daily specials.