Kinkaid Lake, northwest of Murphysboro, is a 2,850-acre spring-fed impoundment built in 1968. It has an average depth of 39 feet, although the area near the spillway on its southernmost tip is about 100 feet deep.
Kinkaid Lake, known nationally for its fishing, is the only South Region lake where muskie can be successfully stocked because of the water's cooler temperature. Kinkaid Lake has hiking trails around the lake, camping facilities, a 100-slip marina on the eastern end and additional boat docks at the Port of Ava on its northwestern end. Lake Murphysboro State Park sits adjacent to the east end of Kinkaid Lake and offers hiking, fishing, camping and boating.