Deep Woods, Open Water, and Total Relaxation
Why Rent On Forbes Lake
Forbes Lake sits inside a 2,000-acre stretch of oak and hickory forest in central Illinois, and the 585-acre lake at its heart is one of the state’s great undiscovered getaways. A vacation rental here puts your family in the middle of it all, with beautiful lake views, tall trees in every direction, and zero distractions from the outside world.
A Lakehouse That Fits Every Family
Cabins and lakehouses near Forbes Lake offer cozy bedrooms, full kitchens, and relaxing outdoor spaces where you can listen to the water all evening. Pet-friendly options mean the dog stays part of the plan. Whether your group is 4 or 14, there is a rental here sized to fit and stocked with the amenities to make your stay easy.
Sandy Beach, Bass Fishing, and the Open Water
Rocky Point Beach offers a sandy shoreline perfect for swimming and building sandcastles. The lake is stocked annually with largemouth bass, drawing anglers from across the region. Boating and water skiing are popular throughout the season, and the marina makes gear and supplies easy to find.
Trails, Picnics, and Wide Open Spaces
Stephen A. Forbes State Park wraps around the lake, offering nature trails, picnic areas, a marina restaurant, and campgrounds. The park is home to deer, wild turkeys, and great blue herons, making it a wonderful place for a quiet morning walk or an afternoon of wildlife watching with the kids.
No Hotels Here, and That Is the Point
Forbes Lake is the kind of place where your family can fully unplug. Staying in a lakehouse or cabin here means you wake up to birdsong, cook breakfast in your own kitchen, and spend every day choosing between the beach, the trails, or a lazy afternoon in a hammock on the porch. That is a vacation worth taking.
- Surface area (mi)
- 1.49
- Max depth (ft)
- 31.17
- Elevation (ft)
- 511.81
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 22.18
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Forbes Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Forbes Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Forbes Lake. It is permitted only at the 200-foot swim beach at Rocky Point, and there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.
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Forbes Lake is a popular destination because of its diverse fish population. The lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, and channel catfish, and is stocked annually with saugeye, channel catfish, and hybrid striped bass. It also has 18 miles of shoreline and a variety of aquatic environments.
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In Forbes Lake, Illinois, the daily catch limits and minimum length requirements are as follows: Largemouth Bass have a 6 fish daily limit with a 14″ minimum length. Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass have a 3 fish daily limit with a 17″ minimum length. Channel Catfish have a 6 fish daily limit with no length limit. Black, White, or Hybrid Crappie have a 10 fish daily limit for those 8″ or longer, with unlimited catch for those under 8″. Saugeye have a 6 fish daily limit with a 14″ minimum length.
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The beach at Stephen A. Forbes State Park on Forbes Lake is best for families because it has a swimming beach on the NE side of the lake that is popular with families. However, note that there are no lifeguards or restrooms at this beach.
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Forbes Lake is near the towns of Kinmundy, Iuka, and Farina in Illinois. These towns are located in Marion County, with Forbes Lake approximately 13 miles northeast of Salem, Illinois. The lake is accessible through these nearby communities.
