Lake Kinkaid is a 2,750 acres body of water located in the Shawnee Hills region of southwestern Illinois. The lake was built in 1968 and ownership of the surrounding land is divided among the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service and the Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District. Topography around the lake varies from sandstone bluff formations to rolling hills where oaks and hickories predominate. Numerous flat contours are planted with prairie grasses, cool-season grasses and wildlife food plots. The lake attracts anglers because of its abundance of game fish. With over 90 miles of shoreline, water depths to 75 feet, and an abundance of gizzard shad and spotted suckers, Kinkaid’s game fish grow quickly due to the nearly year-round growing season. Natural strain muskellunges were first stocked at Kinkaid in 1985, and the lake began producing 40" fish by 1990. Other game fish that can be caught are big walleye, bass, crappies, and white bass. Four boat ramps are available to the public with a full-service marina available. No horsepower restrictions apply, although numerous no-wake areas exist on the lake.

Picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills and restroom facilities are provided at Johnson Creek Recreation Area and Paul Ice Recreation Area, which also has playground equipment. Camping is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Kinkaid-Reed's Creek Conservancy District, and at Johnson Creek Recreation Area at Kinkaid Village Marina. Camping is not allowed on DNR property.

Bird Watching
The Lake Kinkaid area is listed on the National Audubon Society's Great River Birding Trail and contains about 10,000 acres of mostly upland forest. Some open grassy and prairie areas are also present. Look for common woodland birds in the forested areas and various waterbirds around the lake. Spring bird migration brings everything from scarlet tanagers to the rose-breasted grosbeak and a slew of warblers.