67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Keyesport, Illinois centers on Carlyle Lake, the largest lake in Illinois, with campgrounds managed by state agencies and the Army Corps of Engineers ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area features the Illini Campground with over 300 electric sites and 30+ tent sites, many positioned along the lakeshore. Several Corps of Engineers campgrounds including Dam West, Dam East, Coles Creek, and McNair offer varying levels of amenities within a 15-minute drive of Keyesport. These facilities accommodate everything from primitive tent camping to full-hookup RV sites, with many campgrounds providing boat ramps for direct lake access. Cabins are available at select locations for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.
Reservations are essential during peak season (May through September) as waterfront sites fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. Most campgrounds in the area feature paved or gravel pads suitable for RVs, with many sites offering electric hookups and some providing full-service connections. As one camper noted, "Full hookup sites are booked solid, so make sure you go online 6 months out or you are out of luck." Mature trees provide ample shade at many campgrounds, though site leveling can be an issue in some areas. Periodic flooding affects access to certain campgrounds, particularly during spring. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with most visitors reporting 2-3 bars on major carriers.
Lakefront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with many campers highlighting the peaceful setting and water access. "We woke up to hear the lake lapping at the shoreline. We had a nearly private cove to fish as well," reported one visitor to Eldon Hazlet. Fishing is a primary attraction, with boat rentals available at marinas near several campgrounds. Swimming beaches and pools complement the water recreation options. Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality across locations, with Corps of Engineers campgrounds generally receiving higher marks for cleanliness. Bike paths connect some campgrounds to nearby amenities, and most locations are pet-friendly. The town of Carlyle, approximately 7 miles from most campgrounds, provides essential services including grocery stores, restaurants, and a Walmart.
"Water and dump at the entrance. Shower houses. Very nice pool and camp store. Hosts scattered and occasionally hard to find to pay for your spot. Wildlife galore. Next to largest lake in Illinois."
"This State Park is located outside Carlyle,Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Boulder is a lovely campground tucked away on Carlyle Lake. It has it's own marina where you can rent a slip for your boat. The sites are well spaced and have a beautiful view of the lake and sunsets!"
"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!"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"This is our favorite campground in Central/southern illinois. The sites are very nice and most have shade. There is a beach for campers to use, and a really nice playground."
"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!"
from $20 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Full hookups, reservable sites, walk up sites, and all sites are large! Full hookup sites are booked solid so make sure you go online 6 months out or you are out of luck."
"We camped right on the lake with a great view. "
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"It is directly on Carlyle Lake, ,the largest lake in Illinois. It has activities for children on the weekends."
"Right next to the marina and with many sites right on the lake, you can’t go wrong here."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty."
"Every camping spot has trees surrounding it so it’s very"
"There’s a very nice updated playground and a pond with a walking path around it. The place is very well taken care of. If we ever came back this way we would stay again."
"Beautiful walking paths, convenient, great pricing. They filled us up on LP too. Thanks again, Barb and Gary!"
"Quiet and plenty of trees and a walking path. A beach to swim at and a dock to fish off. A playground for kids. You can tent camp in a.few places but mai.ly for electric campers and.RV's."
"There's miles and miles of walking and biking trails! The sites are pretty generously sized. The host was nice and the price was fantastic! I paid $42 for 4 nights."
"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.)"
"Bathroom close by and very clean. Shower house only available at the main campground, which was a distance away and not reasonable to walk with a little one."
from $20 - $125 / night
Check Availability"Fun little trails, boat rentals and a swimming “beach” . On-site store and nicely groomed campgrounds."
TravelerI believe this is one of the best campgrounds I've been to. It is safe friendly, theres laundry, lp fill, close to rend lake, 20 mins from walmart, a great place to relax and visit, vacation, whatever you like.
GuideWe arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!
GuidePaved roads and campsites. Convenient to the interstate but removed enough to be peaceful. Beautiful sunset at the lake. Bathhouse is outdated but functional.
ScoutAwesome place. Showers are small but very clean. Scenery is amazing. People are friendly. And they have a little mini store and a little mini pizzeria.
ScoutIts fine. Nothing snazzy. Its in more of an industrial area so its kind of loud with the trains going by and whatnot. Mostly an RV site. 9 tent sites (first come first serve on spot) and a handful of cabins.
GuideMet up with some family at this campground had a nice time. Everything was clean. The bathrooms were magnificently clean at the South Sandusky in Rend Lake. The lake was nice. There was lots of trees very very nice campground.
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
TravelerBL, the camp could use a Camp Host or Mayor. Stayed 1 night. We used the bathhouse and walked the grounds- so did a lot of other people; especially in the morning up to lunch. Quiet camp -Aircraft noise held off until 08:00 (bonus). Men’s shower side had great water pressure and temp- water fixtures were dated, dirty and temperamental (2 shower heads-1 working) also, cozy up to your multi-legged friends (spider webs and bugs were in competition for our shower space), Laundry is $1.50/wash&dry. I’ve stayed at a good many FamCamps: Lake Martin Rec -AL Uchee Creek-GA Destin Army Inf CTR-FL Robins AFB FamCamp-GA Round Pond -NY Kings Creek-VA Ellsworth AFB-SD Blue Angel Rec-FL Anniston Army Depot-AL Sigsbee-FL That’s my starter list! So, I’d like to see this one level up. It’s in a good area (we come through every couple years) and I think it could get a few more interested in it, if it were managed just a little bit better.
GuideRight off the freeway. We were going to overnight park at Loves but had problems with our generator. 93 degrees at 11 pm so we splurged for a site and paid $71 for full hookups. It’s a small campground, more like a parking lot, so easy in and out. They have a handful of cabins and a wash house.
There are two unisex bathrooms, each with multiple toilets and showers, which is weird because you have to lock the outer door for privacy while using the facilities. Good for a parent with small children, I guess, but I felt like I was hogging the bathroom.
There is a small pond at the back of the grounds and a kid was fishing it. They also have a fenced in dog park. No shade in that area, but nice touch!
Carlyle Lake provides the primary camping backdrop near Keyesport, Illinois, covering 26,000 acres with 11.5 miles of shoreline accessible to campers. Winter temperatures can drop to the 20s, making seasonal camping considerations important for visitors. Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting campground access particularly during spring flooding.
Fishing opportunities: The lake attracts many anglers, with Boulder Recreation Area offering direct lake access and fish cleaning stations. "Depending on what site you stay in you will have an amazing view of the lake. With several picnic areas and the marina close. I have enjoyed camping and fishing at this campground," notes a visitor to Boulder Recreation Area.
Beach activities: Multiple swimming areas exist near campgrounds, with Dam West offering a dedicated beach. "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," explains a camper at Dam West Spillway.
Walking and biking: Many campgrounds connect to extensive trail systems around the lake. "There's miles and miles of walking and biking trails! The sites are pretty generously sized. Easy bike ride into the town of Carlyle," reports a visitor to McNair Campground.
Privacy and spacing: Many campsites offer good separation, particularly at Boulder. "Sites are spacious with plenty of room for camper and vehicles," notes a camper at Boulder Recreation Area.
Clean facilities: The Army Corps of Engineers maintains high standards at their campgrounds. "The shower houses are clean and air conditioned, there's a nice camp store that serves breakfast and basic lunches," reports a visitor to Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Seasonal activities: Halloween events draw large crowds to certain campgrounds. "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," explains a camper at Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "Only negatives is that this campground is not open year-round," notes a camper at Dam West.
Flooding concerns: Certain campgrounds become inaccessible during high water. "When the lake is flooded you can not access this campground," warns a visitor about Boulder Recreation Area.
Water quality issues: Some campers report problems with the drinking water. "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," reports a visitor at Eldon Hazlet.
Reservation requirements: During peak season, planning ahead is crucial. "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," notes a camper at Coles Creek Recreation Area.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas 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," recommends a visitor to Eldon Hazlet.
Swimming options: Beyond the lake, some campgrounds offer pool facilities. "There is a nice large zero entry pool for a $5 fee on weekends," notes a camper at Eldon Hazlet.
Educational activities: Look for ranger-led programs at certain campgrounds. "They have outdoor informational presentations about plants and animals geared toward children," explains a visitor to Dam West Spillway.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to see animals add to the family experience. "Oh and lots of deer bed down in the grassy areas at night, which was a fun thing to see," shares a camper at Eldon Hazlet.
Site leveling: Some lakefront sites require adjustment. "The sites that overlook the lake are absolutely gorgeous! The sites were flat ground," notes a visitor to Dam West Spillway.
Electrical options: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups with varying amperage. "Sites are either full hookup, or electric. Many can be reserved online some are FCFS," explains a visitor at Boulder Recreation Area.
Dump station access: Limited facilities can cause delays during busy periods. "The only thing I would change is the ONE dump station for this massive campground," warns a visitor to Coles Creek Recreation Area.
Pad surfaces: Various campgrounds offer different parking surfaces. "Sites are pretty level, are gravel, wooded, and spacious," explains a camper at Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Keyesport?
Numerous camping options surround the Keyesport area. Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area offers electric sites, shower houses, a pool, and camp store. Coles Creek Recreation Area provides shaded sites, many right on the water, with full hookups and 50-amp service. Other options include Washington County State Recreation Area surrounding a pretty lake, Beaver Dam State Park for tent camping, and Scott AFB FamCamp for military personnel. Most campgrounds in the area feature amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to water activities, with varying levels of hookups from primitive to full-service sites.
Can you fish at Keyesport reservoir?
Yes, fishing is excellent in the Keyesport area, particularly at Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest lake. Dam West Campground provides direct access to the lake, where fishing is reported to be good, especially with a boat. Washington County State Recreation Area also surrounds a very pretty lake suitable for fishing. The region's water bodies support diverse fish populations, though specific catch information isn't detailed in the reviews. For the best fishing experience, bringing a boat is recommended, though bank fishing is also possible at many locations around these lakes.
Where is Keyesport Sand and Gravel located?
Keyesport is located in south-central Illinois, in the vicinity of Carlyle Lake, which is the largest lake in Illinois. While the specific Keyesport Sand and Gravel operation isn't detailed in the reviews, the area is situated near Dam West Spillway and Dam East - Mcnair Campground, both of which are on Carlyle Lake. The region is characterized by its proximity to water resources, making it popular for outdoor recreation activities including camping, fishing, and boating.
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