Litchfield is very proud of the recreational opportunities available at the lake.

Boating on Lake Lou Yaeger is the best in the central Illinois. There is no horsepower limit and no speed limit on the lake, making it a great place for all water sports. Jet skis, wet bikes and other similar personal watercraft are not permitted on Saturday, Sunday or holidays.

Fishing is great with the fish population consisting of largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. The city stocks the lake with largemouth bass each year to insure a good population of the species. Fishing licenses are not available at the lake.

Pay swimming beach at the main marina, which is staffed with lifeguards, has a shower house, restrooms and snacks at the beach. Children and young adults thru high school get a reduced admission fee to the beach. Children under 5 years of age are admitted free. There is ample parking at the beach and main marina with 3 parking lots available.

Gasoline is available at the main marina as are restrooms and a snack bar. Boat permits are sold at the ramp six days a week. Annual or one day boat permits can be purchased. Gasoline is sold 6 days per week, at the main marina, with the gasoline dock being closed on Tuesday.

Park areas at Lake Lou Yaeger include five picnic areas, two campgrounds; two children’s play grounds and a launch ramp for boats. All picnic areas have comfort stations and picnic shelters. The primitive campground has a comfort station and city water available for camper use. The trailer campground has 44 pads with water and electricity at each pad. Sewer service not available at each pad; dump station located nearby in primitive area. The trailer camp has a comfort station/shower house that is free of charge. Fire wood is available at the camp ground office. Campground information can be obtained by calling (217) 324-4771.
New in 2009 is a youth group camping area for scout groups, 4-H groups church groups etc. The youth camping area campground has a comfort station and city water available for camper use. This area is for youth groups with no alcohol allowed.

Camping space with more than 350 lake side camping lots are leased to the public by the season. All lake side lots are primitive camping and have no water or electric. Most are not accessible by motor vehicle and must be accessed by boat only. Tents may be erected and left on the leased lots during the summer but must be removed, along with all other personal belongings, by November 1 of each year. Lake side camping information can be obtained by calling (217) 324-3416.