Best Glamping near Carlyle Lake
Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area and Coles Creek Recreation Area house upscale glamping accommodations along the shores of Carlyle Lake, Illinois's largest man-made reservoir. Luxury canvas tents with real beds, private decks, and climate control systems provide comfort while maintaining connection with nature. The glamping sites feature electricity, dedicated fire rings, and access to modern showerhouses with flush toilets and hot water. Most sites offer lakefront or lake view settings, with several positioned directly along the shoreline for immediate water access. The campground store at Eldon Hazlet supplies basic necessities and offers breakfast and lunch service for glampers who prefer not to cook. One visitor noted, "We stayed in a cabin site with a nice view of the lake and several short trails down to the water. The location and view made up for the narrower site."
Carlyle Lake's glamping locations provide direct access to Illinois's premier sailing and fishing destination, recognized among the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes. Glampers enjoy private swimming areas, hiking trails through wooded terrain, and excellent wildlife viewing—particularly deer that frequently bed down in grassy areas at night. The campgrounds maintain swimming pools, basketball courts, and sand volleyball facilities for active recreation. Proximity to water activities remains the primary draw, with boat rentals available at nearby marinas. According to a camper, "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." Both glamping locations maintain high standards of cleanliness, with regular staff rounds ensuring guest satisfaction. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends and during the popular Halloween events when decorations and activities transform the campgrounds.
