Carlyle Lake in Illinois spans over 26,000 acres with 83 miles of shoreline, making it the largest man-made lake in the state. The lake was created by damming the Kaskaskia River, and most camping areas sit at approximately 450 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Eldon Hazlet State Park offers several miles of trails that provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We stayed here for the first time the weekend of October 9th. The weather was perfect, warmer than typical fall in IL, but a nice breeze off the lake kept it from feeling hot out. There was a sand/beach area and plenty of firewood around," according to Brooke C. from Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Fishing spots: Gun Creek provides excellent access to Rend Lake fishing areas with multiple waterfront sites. "Most campers seemed to be fishing. Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for Smaller rigs," notes a review from Never Sitting S. at Gun Creek.
Swimming options: Dam East Recreation Area includes swimming beaches with designated areas for families. "There are plenty of areas to fish, hike, swim, picnic. Looking forward to another great year and fun filled camping and fishing," writes Regina B. who enjoys glamping close to Carlyle, Illinois at the recreation area's facilities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at Coles Creek Recreation Area. "Very, very clean. Beautiful area. Friendly staff. 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!" explains b K. from Coles Creek Recreation Area.
Clean facilities: The bathrooms at McNair Campground receive consistent praise from visitors. "Cleanest bathrooms ever and heated and air conditioned. Quiet and plenty of trees and a walking path. A beach to swim at and a dock to fish off. A playground for kids," noted jeri, who stayed at COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground.
Seasonal events: Halloween festivities at Eldon Hazlet draw large crowds annually. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site. The campground also provides pumpkin painting contests and other fun activities," writes Aimee T. about the glamping options near Carlyle, Illinois.
What you should know
Water quality issues: Some campers report problems with the drinking water. "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply. I filled my trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids. I drained the tank and filled with a spicket next to our site and had the same dirty water," reports Allen S. from Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Site reservations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and holiday weekends. "The campground filled up by 11am on Friday, which was a surprise to us. We lucked out and were able to reserve one of the last spots (site #76) which happened to have a nice view of the lake and several short trails down to the water," mentions Brooke C.
Highway noise: Some lakeside camping areas can hear traffic from nearby interstates. "One of the down sides is that you can clearly hear the highway from the campground, and of course if you have a lake site, you will have plenty of boat noise," notes Annie C. from Gun Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas provide entertainment options for children. "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months. Lots of families with kids, bike rides and plenty of other lake and outdoor activities in the area," writes Brooke C. about the family-friendly camping environment.
Swimming pools: Some campgrounds offer pool access for modest fees. "There is a nice large zero entry pool for a $5 fee on weekends," notes Aimee T. about the swimming options at Eldon Hazlet State Park, providing an alternative to lake swimming for families with young children.
Outdoor activities: For families looking for glamping near Carlyle, Illinois with varied recreation, Stephen Forbes State Recreation Area delivers. "Nice level sites next to the lake. Reminds me of when I was a kid and there were camp clubs. You came with your parents and didn't see them again until night time. We swam rode bikes and just played," describes StaceeQ Q. from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for smaller rigs," advises Never Sitting S., highlighting an important consideration for RVers planning to camp at Gun Creek.
Full hookup options: For extended stays, identify campgrounds with complete utilities. "Large and clean area. 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! Although not the most conveniently located campground to stores and restaurants, they are just a short 15 minute drive away," notes b K.
Winter camping: Certain campgrounds remain open year-round. "Site 26. We were basically by ourselves being mid week in November. Great view. Nice camp hosts. This place looks like it could get pretty full in the summer. It has its own swimming pool," reports Wendy F. from Eldon Hazlet State Park.
