Glamping near Highland, Illinois offers lakefront luxury camping experiences with modern amenities. These upscale outdoor accommodations sit along the shoreline of Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made reservoir spanning 26,000 acres. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for outdoor recreation.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Carlyle Lake provides excellent fishing conditions for multiple species. "Basic camping with lots of wildlife in a man made lake," notes one visitor to Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, where anglers frequently catch bass, crappie, and catfish from the shoreline.
Paddling and boating: The extensive shoreline offers numerous launch points for kayaks and motorized watercraft. At Coles Creek Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the water access: "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."
Hiking trails: Explore the network of trails surrounding the campgrounds for wildlife viewing and exercise. "The trails around are nice and our family had fun hiking," reports a visitor to Eldon Hazlet, highlighting the accessible nature paths suitable for various ability levels.
Miniature golf: Some campgrounds offer additional recreational activities on-site. Country Bend Campground provides "18 hole putt putt, lots of outdoor games, planned activities on the weekends, shaded sites, and air conditioned cabins! This place is a campers dream with great staff always happy to see you."
What Campers Like
Peaceful atmosphere: The relaxed setting appeals to many visitors seeking tranquility. One camper at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground shared, "Peaceful tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day," highlighting the budget-friendly access to natural surroundings.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean amenities consistently receive positive feedback. A visitor to COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground commented, "Cleanest bathrooms ever and heated and air conditioner. Quiet and plenty of trees and a walking path. A beach to swim at and a dock to fish off."
Variety of accommodation options: The range of camping styles satisfies different comfort preferences. "Big sites. Been coming here since the trees were just saplings. For us it is a little farther drive but a pretty campground," noted one regular visitor to Coles Creek Recreation Area.
Convenience to attractions: Strategic location provides access to nearby points of interest. "We spent a quick night on our cross country trip and we'd stay again. Accommodated our same day reservation," shared a traveler at Okaw Valley Kampground, appreciating its accessibility from Interstate 70.
What You Should Know
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water problems. "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply. I filled by trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids," reported a visitor to Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Highland experience railway disruptions. "Trains pass 2 blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice," mentioned a guest at St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, providing helpful context for light sleepers.
Site spacing varies significantly: Campsite layout and privacy differ between locations. "Some sites are spacious, others are pretty cramped. The loop that we stayed on was close to the water with views of Carlyle Lake," noted a camper at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Seasonal flooding risk: Weather conditions can impact accessibility. "This park offers playground areas and more. However there are times this park cannot be accessed because of flooding," cautioned a visitor familiar with seasonal patterns.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground accessibility: 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," shared a family who stayed at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Halloween festivities: Fall campers can participate in 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," explained a regular visitor describing the popular autumn activities.
Swimming options: Several locations offer swimming facilities beyond the lake. At Country Bend Campground, families appreciate the "big inground pool, 18 hole putt putt, lots of outdoor games, planned activities on the weekends," providing diverse recreation for children of different ages.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance the outdoor experience for young naturalists. "Oh and lots of deer bed down in the grassy areas at night, which was a fun thing to see!" mentioned a family with four children who stayed at Eldon Hazlet.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Come prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. "Some spots are not level, so come prepared," advises an experienced RVer about certain campgrounds in the area, highlighting the need for leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Hookup access: Utility placement varies between sites. "Due to a huge tree no satellite service yet the owners stated was good for our 42 ft diesel pusher motorhome and no obstacles," warned an RV owner, suggesting calling ahead to confirm satellite access for specific sites.
Water connection logistics: Some sites require shared water access. "No water hookup. We called the owner and she said sorry I forgot to tell you that you have to tap in your neighbors water," shared an RVer, emphasizing the importance of clarifying all hookup details when making reservations.
Early reservations needed: Premium waterfront sites with full hookups fill quickly. "If you are needing a full hookup site, make sure you book early!" advised a regular visitor to Coles Creek Recreation Area, noting the popularity of sites with the best lake views.
