The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carlyle Lake. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Carlyle Lake camping trip.
$60 / night
"Gravel sites arranged like a parking lot but large enough for big rigs. Trees and flowers all about. 50 amps only."
"Lots of space, i used 50 amp, full hookup, no problems."
$65 / night
"Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."
"Full hookup sites on a mostly paved RV park. Big rigs fit easily. Some small areas of grass and trees with a dog walking area around the perimeter. Small play area for kids."
"The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly."
"Pet-friendly, full hookups, space for our larger rig and parking around for extra vehicle. Laundry and propane on site. Spaces were a little close together, but minutes from downtown St."
$25 / night
"Long spots, friendly owner, easy access to hardware store across the street, coin laundry available. Downsides is wifi is poor, gravel is unlevel, limited menu on DoorDash."
"With consistent results, I’ve been able to concentrate more on core courses and activities without worrying about lagging behind."
"Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!"
"Just off the highway, but minimal noise. Clean. Well maintained. Pleasant staff. We had a long pull through, but there are a limited number of those."
$20 - $250 / night
"Coles Creek Campground on Carlyle Lake has 219 sites, most with full hookups, and shade. (There is 30 & 50 a as no service). Internet is spotty. There are also 2 group campsites with cabins."
"Coles Creek is a nice, large campground located on Carlyle Lake in Illinois. It has full hook up, 50 amp sites with many located right on the water!"
LegendColes Creek Campground on Carlyle Lake has 219 sites, most with full hookups, and shade. (There is 30 & 50 a as no service). Internet is spotty. There are also 2 group campsites with cabins. There are showers, flush toilet, a playground, fish cleaning station, boat ramp and a dump station. There is also a laundry area. All the campsites are either on the shoreline or a short walk to the lake. The whole campground is fairly flat, so the sites are level and easy to get into. There are a few pull through sites. Comes Creek is on the east side of Carlyle Lake, away from the larger, more crowded Hazlet State Park area. It’s a great place for fishing and boating or just enjoying the lake. The lake is a prime fishing and boating lake, and is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes.
GuideGreat place to stay and feel part of the community. Pretty scenery to walk around. Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish. We couldn't boat while there due to COVID but look forward to going back and taking our kayaks. Attentive and Friendly camp hosts. Pet friendly. Close to town if you've forgotten anything or want to have a restaurant dinner. Close to the highway for easy access. Full hookup available. Monthly or Season also available.
GuideVery clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70. Facilities lacked some amenities (only vending machines, convenience store has shut down), but clean, paved, level sites with full hookups throughout.
TravelerWe had a great experience in the 4 nights we spent here. The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly. The spots are roomy enough, given that you’re situated less than 15 miles from downtown St. Louis. The picnic tables and fire rings are nice additions and the lots appear to be level (ours was.) We didn’t have any trouble backing our 38 ft travel trailer in either. Do NOT miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers.
TravelerBig things happening at Country Bend Campgrounds in Montrgromy Co, IL. This beautiful campground has many things to offer and is only a few minutes from the local drive in movie theater in Litchfield Illinois. It has a pool, swing sets, playground, cabins, ponds with stocked fish, beautiful walking trails, camping, welcome center, baseball field, volleyball, games, horseshoes, paddle boats, miniature golf, and so much more. This family run business is under new management and is welcoming new seasonal campers and day campers with competitive pricing. This beautiful campground is nestled in a scenic area in the country and is pet friendly. It has clean shower houses with warm water. We just purchased our seasonal campsite earlier in the season. Come check out this amazing campground and all it has to offer! Our rough collies will be joining us at this dog friendly campground! There is always something to do here and the owners strive to make it a family place by providing many activities on the weekends. The owners have done an amazing job on this campground and have made it one of the best campgrounds around to create that lasting experience with our children before they grow up!!!
LegendNorth Sandusky Campground has 60 reservable campsites. All campsites have electric hookups, 16 campsites are full-hookup., 30 & 50 amp. There is a dump station, hot showers and flush toilets. Most sites are fairly level, but some have an incline to get into. Sites have water and sewer, and a picnic table. Sites are close to the water so you can fish or boat right from your campsite. There is a boat dock, boat ramp, playground, and disk golf course.
TravelerPet-friendly, full hookups, space for our larger rig and parking around for extra vehicle. Laundry and propane on site. Spaces were a little close together, but minutes from downtown St. Louis, and staff was friendly and accommodating. Also, fantastic restaurant right on site -- Sawmill BBQ!
LegendSouth Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just of I-57 in southern Illinois with over 100 reservable campsites. Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups. There is a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking. Also a playground in the Whispering Pines loop. The campground is on Rend Lake with swimming, fishing and boating. Most sites are level. Some are pull-through. The sites are set up to provide some privacy, and are not right on top of each other.
LegendRend Lake is a large COE recreation area with 4 campgrounds, some with full hook ups for $28 a night, two dams, 2 beaches, several boat launches, a marina, golf course and a restaurant. Not all facilities were open when we visited in March. Hiking and biking trails and close to town for gas and bait. Each site has a stone picnic table and fire ring. Showers, bathrooms and playgrounds in multiple places and convenient locations. Some sites do have steep grade, originally booked Bluejay 48 and moved.
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233504?tab=seasons
Carlyle Lake in Illinois offers a variety of RV camping options that cater to different needs and preferences, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for RV camping at Carlyle Lake?
Reservations are highly recommended for RV camping at Carlyle Lake, especially during peak season (late spring through early fall) and on weekends. South Marcum Campground has over 100 reservable campsites with electric hookups, and securing a spot in advance ensures you'll have access to your preferred location. If you're looking for alternatives with good availability, Cedarbrook RV Park and Campground near Mulberry Grove offers reservable sites that can accommodate larger rigs. Most Carlyle Lake campgrounds accept reservations through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance.
What amenities are available at Carlyle Lake RV campgrounds?
Carlyle Lake RV campgrounds offer comprehensive amenities for comfortable stays. Dam East Recreation Area provides electric hookups, water access points, clean shower facilities, and flush toilets. Many sites include picnic tables and fire rings. For full-service options, Country Bend Campground features a swimming pool, playgrounds, stocked fishing ponds, and scenic walking trails. Most Carlyle Lake campgrounds also offer boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, dump stations, and drinking water. Several campgrounds have 30 & 50 amp service available, with select locations providing full hookups including sewer connections.
What is the best time of year for RV camping at Carlyle Lake?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the ideal conditions for RV camping at Carlyle Lake. Summer months provide perfect weather for water activities, though they can be busier and occasionally humid. For a more peaceful experience with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting Okaw Valley Kampground in September or early October when fall colors begin to emerge. Spring camping at Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park provides beautiful wildflowers and moderate temperatures. Most Carlyle Lake campgrounds are operational year-round, but services may be limited during winter months when temperatures can drop significantly.
What are the best RV campgrounds at Carlyle Lake?
Coles Creek Recreation Area is a top choice with 219 sites, most offering full hookups (30 & 50 amp) and good shade. For lakefront camping, Dam West Spillway provides direct access to Carlyle Lake (Illinois' largest lake) with various hookup options including sewer and water on select sites. The campground has weekend activities for children and qualifies for senior pass discounts. Both locations offer the essential amenities RVers need while providing easy access to lake recreation.
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