Lake Mattoon Hideaway
Waterfront · 3 bed · 1 bath · Sleeps up to 8
Wake up on the water, enjoy sunsets, and access the lake right from your backyard.
Optional add-ons: pontoon rental and golf cart rental. Click the title above to see full details, photos, and booking.
Lake Mattoon Hideaway
PhotosWaterfront · 3 bed · 1 bath · Sleeps up to 8
Step into your lake getaway: cozy living room, full kitchen, and a large patio that looks out over the charming cove toward the main waters of Lake Mattoon. Step out to the private dock, unwind around the firepit, and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets right off the back porch.
Inside you’ll find comfortable beds, smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and all the basics for coffee and cooking. Outside, there’s room for lawn games, fishing, and easy access to the water.
Optional add-ons: full-day pontoon rental and golf cart rental to cruise the neighborhood and haul gear to the dock.
Book Your Stay
Check availability, view rates, and book securely through our reservation page.
Check Availability & Rates Book NowBy booking, you agree to our Rental Terms, House Rules, and any applicable add-on waivers. These terms apply to all reservations, including those booked through third-party platforms.
Lake Mattoon Map
Lake Mattoon was formed in the mid-1950s in Coles, Cumberland, and Shelby Counties as an additional water supply for the City of Mattoon. It covers about 1,050 acres, with a max depth around 35' and an average depth of about 10'. Today it’s a popular spot for camping, fishing, and boating — with boating and fishing available almost year-round.
The map above shows Lake Mattoon Hideaway and a few key points around the lake. Zoom in/out, drag around, or tap markers for quick notes about each spot.
- Lake Mattoon Hideaway – Waterfront home tucked away in a charming cove on the southwest side of Lake Mattoon, featuring a private dock, peaceful views, and quick access to open water for boating, tubing, and sunset cruises.
- Lake Mattoon Marina – The hub of life on the lake. Located on the west-central shoreline, the marina offers a kayak launch and rentals, covered boat slip rentals, live bait, fishing tackle, propane, marine fuel, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), ice, basic groceries, and boating supplies.
- Lake Mattoon Public Beach – Across the road from the marina (Route 1, Box 149 AA-1, Neoga, IL 62447). Typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., weather permitting. No alcohol and no lifeguard on duty.
- Lakeside Timbers RV Campground – Campground with a small store that sells alcohol and convenience items, plus Illinois gaming machines and occasional events.
All boats and trailers must be registered with the State and with the City of Mattoon. Lake stickers (motorized and non-motorized) run with the calendar year and can be purchased at the marina. Stickers must be displayed on both the boat and the trailer.
About Neoga & Nearby
Neoga is a small Illinois town just off I-57, tucked next to Lake Mattoon. It’s laid-back, easy to navigate, and has just enough food, fun, and conveniences to keep a lake trip simple.
On the Water
- Lake Mattoon Marina – Kayak launch and rentals, covered boat slip rentals, live bait, ice, propane, gas, alcohol, snacks, and a bit of tackle and essentials.
- Lake Mattoon Public Beach – Sandy public beach across from the marina; great for swimming and hanging out on warm days (seasonal hours).
Around Lake Mattoon
- Lakeside Timbers RV Campground – RV sites plus a small store with convenience items, alcohol, and Illinois slot-style gaming machines. They often host events — worth a quick look on Facebook before your trip.
Food & Drinks
- The Kelly Bar & Grill (Neoga) – Local bar & grill for burgers, drinks, and a small-town vibe.
- Nehemiah’s Steakhouse – Sit-down steakhouse option when you’re ready for a bigger dinner.
- Villa Pizza (Mattoon) – Delivers to the marina parking lot – easy pizza night after a day on the water.
- Casey’s – Classic Casey’s pizza and convenience store staples.
- The Depot Restaurant – Another local option for a casual meal out.
Rainy-Day & Family Fun
- Thunder Lanes – Bowling alley with pizza, augmented-reality dart lanes, and an arcade. Great backup plan when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Hours and offerings can change seasonally — we always recommend checking each spot’s website or Facebook page for the latest info before you head out.
Boating Rules – Lake Mattoon
These rules are summarized from the official Lake Mattoon boating regulations. They’re here so guests renting our pontoon (or bringing their own boat) understand the basics. This summary is not legal advice – always follow the full rules posted at the marina and on official signage.
It is unlawful to operate a boat or watercraft:
- Without being properly licensed by the State of Illinois or without required equipment.
- Without being properly registered with the City of Mattoon.
- At a speed over 5 MPH between sunset and sunrise.
- At a speed over 45 MPH between sunrise and sunset.
- As a personal watercraft / jet ski (jet skis are not allowed on Lake Mattoon).
- With any boat motor or engine not properly muffled.
- While under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- In a hazardous or reckless manner that endangers others or creates a public nuisance.
- After being ordered off the reservoir by an authorized patrolman.
- By anyone under sixteen (16) years of age unless accompanied by an adult.
- Within 100 feet of the tower or dam.
- At any time within 200 feet of the shoreline in excess of “No Wake” speed.
Water skiing, tubing, and similar activities:
- No skiing, tubing, or kneeboarding within 200 feet of the shoreline, dam or tower, under any bridge, or in a posted “No Wake” area.
- No skiing, tubing, or kneeboarding between sunset and sunrise.
- Everyone being towed must wear a Coast Guard–approved life jacket or PFD at all times.
- Visible head gear must be worn for safety.
- Boat should have orange flag visably displayed while participating in watersports.
- Any skier, tuber, or person being towed must be accompanied by a competent observer in the boat in addition to the operator.
Life jackets & safety:
- All children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on a boat or watercraft.
- Check your equipment, fuel, and weather before going out.
- Never overload the boat beyond its rated capacity.
Operating etiquette & reminders:
- Do not exceed “No Wake” speed within 200 feet of the shoreline.
- Travel the lake in a generally counter-clockwise direction when traffic is present.
- Reduce speed when passing sailboats, rowboats, and smaller craft.
- Keep away from the tower and dam areas as posted.
- When a skier is down, pull in the tow rope immediately and keep a close lookout.
- Remove loose skis from the water as soon as possible.
- Do not dump trash in the lake or on lake properties.
Registration & stickers:
- All boats and trailers must display a current registration sticker issued by the City of Mattoon Park Department.
- Stickers are required for both motorized and non-motorized boats, run on the calendar year, and can be purchased at the marina.
Patrol is authorized to issue tickets or evict anyone who does not comply with these rules and regulations. Please boat safely and respect others on the water.