Located in Macoupin County 7 miles southwest of Carlinville and situated in an oak/hickory woodland, Beaver Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities on 750 acres. Fishing, picnicking, hiking and tent and trailer camping are among the most popular activities. Although beavers are virtually gone from this area, the park is named for a beaver dam that created its lake.

The Beaver Dam State Park trailer camping area has electricity at each pad and a sanitary dump station. A shower building with flush toilets is located in the center of the trailer camping area. Located next to the shower house is a Rent A Cabin, available for reservation. Water is available, but individual sites do not have water hookups. There are 40 reservable campsites; all other sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Tent camping is in a separate area, with nearby restrooms and water. The park also has a designated area for youth-group camping featuring rest rooms, water, fire pads and picnic tables.