Carlyle Lake dominates the camping landscape near Centralia, Illinois, measuring 26,000 acres with 83 miles of shoreline. Located in the southern portion of Illinois, the region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures routinely reaching the 90s and mild winters with occasional snow. Camping options cluster around the lake's shores, with Corps of Engineers campgrounds providing structured facilities at rates starting at $18 per night for electric sites.
What to do
Swimming at designated beaches: Coles Creek Recreation Area offers a beach dedicated for camper use alongside an excellent playground. "This wonderful camping area is beautiful with clean campsites. With picnic areas and a beach close you and the family will have a good time and make new friends," notes Jake L. in his review of Coles Creek Recreation Area.
Fishing from established docks: Dam East Recreation Area provides ample fishing access points along the spillway. "This is a small 13 site campground at the Spillway, 1/2 mile past McNair campground. Sites are near the water. Not very private as the day use area is here too. Lots of fisherman," reports Dave N. at Dam East Recreation Area.
Stargazing away from light pollution: Washington County State Recreation Area offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "The campground is pretty far from any big metro area, so the sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations. We listened to Whip-por-will calls around the campfire," shares Joel R. about his experience at Washington County State Recreation Area.
What campers like
Spacious campsites with lake access: The Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet offers generous sites with lake proximity. "We stayed in site #7 for one night in the spring. Some sites are spacious, others are pretty cramped. The loop that we stayed on was close to the water with views of Carlyle Lake," reports Allen S. at Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Clean, climate-controlled facilities: Boulder Recreation Area maintains exceptionally well-kept bathroom facilities. "Also boasts the best shower house/bathrooms around. They are air conditioned and cleaned regularly," Phil W. says about Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground.
Well-maintained grounds: Dam West Campground receives consistent praise for its upkeep. "Very nice kept up campground. Reservable sites are hard to book. Only negatives is that this campground is not open year-round," notes Laureen M. in her review of Dam West.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "Archway RV Park provides year-round camping with full hookups for those traveling with pets during colder seasons," explains a camper. Dam West operates from late March through October.
Insect populations: Summer months bring significant insect activity. "Pulled up to the campsite (which was nice not too crowded) and was absolutely swarmed by bugs," warns T.K. about Dam East - McNair Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular dog friendly campgrounds near Centralia book quickly, especially waterfront sites. "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," shares Brooke C. about Dam West Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween festivities: Eldon Hazlet hosts special seasonal events. "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," explains Aimee T.
Playground access: Multiple play areas accommodate different age groups. "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," reports Brooke C. about her experience at Eldon Hazlet.
Beach and swimming options: Pet-friendly campgrounds near Centralia offer various swimming options. "There is a beach very near the campground that is within walking distance. There are also pools located near to the campground that can be used by the public," notes Jeanie H. about Dam West Spillway.
Tips from RVers
Electrical amenities: Campsites typically offer 30-50 amp service. "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," advises James N. about Archway RV Park.
Weather considerations: Strong winds can affect lakeside camping. "We camped right on the lake with a great view. This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper. There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning. Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured," warns Cody S. about his experience at Dam West.
Water quality concerns: Some locations experience seasonal water issues. "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," reports Allen S. about Eldon Hazlet State Park.
