Best Camping near Carlyle, IL

Carlyle, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Carlyle, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Carlyle and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Carlyle, IL (71)

    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    1. Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    81 Photos
    84 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Coles Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Coles Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Coles Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Coles Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Coles Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Coles Creek Recreation Area

    2. Coles Creek Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    22 Photos
    49 Saves

    Overview

    Coles Creek Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis and a few miles from the town of Carlyle, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

    Recreation

    Coles Creek Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There are multiple playgrounds on-site, as well as a swimming beach and an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Facilities

    Coles Creek Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There are multiple playgrounds on-site, as well as a swimming beach and an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Natural Features

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Camping No Show - Camping no-show customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit their reservation. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. Cancellations - A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    3. Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    11 Reviews
    53 Photos
    89 Saves

    Overview

    Boulder Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest manmade lake.

    Recreation

    Boulder Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Facilities

    Boulder Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Natural Features

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available as well as nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Camping No Show - Camping no-show customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit their reservation. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. Cancellations - A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway

    4. Dam West Spillway

    10 Reviews
    30 Photos
    4 Saves

    Overview

    Dam West Spillway is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

    Recreation

    Dam West Spillway provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is plenty of open space for children to play and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam.

    Facilities

    Dam West Spillway has one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as an accessible fishing pier and several amenities. It is within walking distance of a marina and boat storage facility and connected to the Dam West Day Use Area and Recreation Area, which offers a campground. The Carlyle Municipal Pool is a short drive away.

    Natural Features

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground

    5. Okaw Valley Kampground

    21 Reviews
    17 Photos
    49 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area

    6. Washington County State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    25 Photos
    62 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area

    7. Dam East Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    14 Photos
    3 Saves

    Overview

    Dam East Recreation Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois largest man-made lake.

    Natural Features:

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nations top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas.

    Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    Recreation:

    The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports.

    Fishing is a popular pastime, and white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance.

    There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short walk away.

    Facilities:

    Dam East features a reservable picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as a boat ramp and courtesy docks. Visitors can walk or bike across the dam to the Dam West facilities and McNair Group Area.

    Nearby Attractions:

    Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information, a gift shop and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish and a display featuring a live massasauga rattlesnake.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground

    8. Dam West Campground

    5 Reviews
    11 Photos
    67 Saves

    Overview

    Dam West Campground is a recreation area situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

    Recreation

    Dam West Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Facilities

    Dam West Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Natural Features

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Camping No Show - Camping no-show customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit their reservation. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. Cancellations - A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground

    9. COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground

    4 Reviews
    10 Photos
    12 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park

    10. Archway RV Park

    15 Reviews
    17 Photos
    42 Saves

    Open year-round, Archway RV Park is easy to get to from the Interstate. Level, full-hookup pull through sites that are big-rig friendly. We love pets. You’ll love that we sell propane. Visit our Amenities page to see photos of our facility. We also have cabins, super fun glamper pods and on-site rental campers. Visit our Lodging page to learn more.

    Come on in, you’re gonna love it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $60 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Carlyle

Recent Reviews In Carlyle

391 Reviews of 71 Carlyle Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    September 30, 2024

    Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    Wonderful campground

    Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    September 29, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

    Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
    September 28, 2024

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Location Great for Travel

    McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    September 28, 2024

    Dam East Recreation Area

    GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

    East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cahokia RV Parque
    August 26, 2024

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Great Stop Over Location

    The location is just 15 minutes from downtown St Louis. Service was great and site came w power and water and sewer hookup. Showers were ok and they were clean. Pull through site was a life saver.

    Great BBQ place on site and camp guests get a discount!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    July 29, 2024

    Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

    Enjoyable time

    Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
    July 26, 2024

    Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    Can’t beat the convenience just wish it were a tad less sketch

    I’m just happy there are a lot of people here. Half the place is full but there’s just an underlying sketchy vibe. Gateway arch is a 20min walk and baseball stadium just 15min beyond that. Hard to beat that convenience. Just want to feel a tad safer.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    June 30, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Great Community camp not too far off the highway

    My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
    June 27, 2024

    Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    Great short term camping

    Nice spots and facility. Great place to just drop in for a short 1 night stay. Well maintained facility. No staff on site, book via camplife and they send you a gate code

  • Camper-submitted photo from Timber Trails Campground
    June 25, 2024

    Timber Trails Campground

    Wonderful layover and family friendly

    Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    June 21, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    A beautiful little spot !

    First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
    June 19, 2024

    Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    Great location!

    Even though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe. And it's view of the Gateway Arch can't be beat. Easy check in, but the camp host said the shaded spots were too narrow, they were not. Stayed three nights and saw all the sites: The Gateway Arch, Union Station, aquarium, botanical gardens, Anheiser Busch brewery tour, Guido's restaurant. Asphalt level pads with FHU, both 30 & 50 amp service. We have had a fun time here even doing laundry.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    June 10, 2024

    Okaw Valley Kampground

    Nice clean and convenient

    Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water. We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring and didn’t have to unhook for our overnight. Walking/hiking wooded trails 2 cabins available- several seasonal folks. We were there on a Sunday evening and didn’t really see anyone. Little bit of road noise but so convenient! Thanks Barb!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    May 30, 2024

    Benton KOA

    Loud

    1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

  • Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    May 30, 2024

    Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    Wonderful surprise

    Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    May 27, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Great

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  • Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    May 20, 2024

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Nice State Park Campground

    We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

    There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    May 13, 2024

    South Marcum Campground

    Great Campground

    Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

  • Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    May 8, 2024

    Archway RV Park

    Great campground

    Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    April 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cahokia RV Parque
    April 9, 2024

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Clean bathrooms, but noisy night

    Checking in was easy enough and we got a spot near the bathrooms. We came in late and the check in board was easy.

    Lots of people who smoke. But the bathrooms are smoke free and we're clean.

    Nights are noisy!!! About 3am sounded like a dump truck was driving through camp and lifting several dumpsters and backing up and doing it again. It wasn't really but it was that noisy.

    Lots of longer term tenants. But everyone we bumped into were kind or just kept to themselves.



Guide to Carlyle

Camping near Carlyle, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Carlyle Lake is a prime spot for fishing and boating. Many campers enjoy the peaceful waters and the chance to catch some fish. One visitor at Coles Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "The lake is a prime fishing and boating lake, and is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes."
  • Hiking: There are several trails around the campgrounds, perfect for hiking and exploring nature. A camper at South Sandusky Campground noted, "Nice trails through the woods to hike. Access to River for kayaking."
  • Playgrounds and Sports: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and sports facilities. One family at Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area shared, "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball, and a pool during summer months."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Okaw Valley Kampground said, "Clean restrooms and showers with hot water."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at Gun Creek remarked, "Very well kept, friendly staff, very convenient from interstate."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. One reviewer at South Marcum Campground mentioned, "The sites are set up to provide some privacy, and are not right on top of each other."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, South Sandusky Campground is open from March 28 to November 2.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Illinois Gun Creek noted, "Not all sites have water, septic. Clean facilities."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or other campers. A visitor at Cahokia RV Parque mentioned, "Nights are noisy!!! About 3am sounded like a dump truck was driving through camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and sports facilities. A family at Camp Lakewood said, "The playground is adorable and retro."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds that feel safe and have friendly staff. A camper at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park noted, "Even though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have stores or nearby restaurants. A visitor at Okaw Valley Kampground mentioned, "Family owned with a nice little fishing area... and a camp store."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A camper at South Marcum Campground advised, "Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground filled up by 11am on Friday."
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds offer easy online booking. A camper at Cahokia RV Parque said, "The online reservations were easy to make."

Camping near Carlyle, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions