Best Campgrounds near Carlyle, IL
Carlyle Lake in Illinois offers a significant concentration of established campgrounds operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The area features several major camping locations including Dam West Campground, Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, and Coles Creek Recreation Area. These developed sites accommodate tent camping, RVs with hookups, and some locations offer cabin rentals. Most campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with several offering full-service sites including sewer connections.
Reservations are recommended for weekend stays, particularly during the summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. "We love camping at all the campgrounds on Carlyle Lake. There are plenty of areas to fish, hike, swim, picnic," noted one visitor about the recreational opportunities. The camping season typically runs from April through October, though some facilities like Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet remain open year-round. Most sites feature paved or graveled pads suitable for RVs, and shaded locations are common throughout the area's campgrounds. Bathroom facilities vary by location, with Dam West receiving consistent praise for its clean, air-conditioned shower houses.
Waterfront access represents a major attraction at Carlyle Lake campgrounds, with fishing and boating opportunities drawing many visitors. Several campgrounds provide direct lake access, boat ramps, and swimming beaches. The sites are generally spacious with good separation between neighbors. A camper described the experience: "Sites are large! Full hookup sites are booked solid so make sure you go online 6 months out or you are out of luck. The campground is perfect for taking long walks and bike riding." Paved bike paths connect many of the recreation areas, making it possible to explore beyond individual campgrounds. Day use areas with picnic facilities complement the overnight camping options, allowing visitors to enjoy lake activities without necessarily staying overnight.
