The landscape around Lake Murphysboro consists of rolling hills and thick wooded terrain that make for an excellent setting for paddling on the lake. The tree-lined shores provide lots of opportunity for viewing a variety of wildlife and plantlife. The lake limits motorboats to 10 horsepower or less and is mostly popular with fisherman resulting in calmer waters for non-motorized boating. The lake is part of a state park that also offers hiking trails, picnicing, great fishing, and camping. There are also boat rentals available at the lake.