Camping spots near Patoka, Illinois offer access to Carlyle Lake at elevations averaging 460-500 feet above sea level. The Kaskaskia River watershed forms the backbone of camping opportunities in this region, with most campgrounds situated within a 30-mile radius of Patoka. Water levels can fluctuate significantly between seasons, with spring levels often 3-5 feet higher than late summer.
What to do
Fishing at the spillway: At Dam West Spillway, visitors can access prime fishing locations where the Kaskaskia River flows from Lake Shelbyville. "This campground is the only one with full access to the river after it leaves Lake Shelbyville. The fishing here and at the Spillway across the road are very good," notes one visitor to Dam West Spillway.
Swimming in designated areas: Boulder Rec. Area offers swimming options with easy lake access. "This campground offers many sites that are right on the lake. Beautiful views. Also boasts the best shower house/bathrooms around. They are air conditioned and cleaned regularly," reports Phil W.
Biking on paved trails: Dam West Spillway features paved bike paths with lake views that connect major areas. "There is a bike path that goes right past the campground that was busy all weekend with bikers, runners, and walkers, and takes you from the shower house to the marina in just a short walk," according to Annie C.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at Dam West Campground, especially those along the shoreline. "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," shares Cody S.
Clean, air-conditioned facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain modern bathroom facilities. At McNair Campground, visitors note: "Nice clean, quiet campground. Lots of fisherman. Spaces are decently spaced. No trash. Sites have electric," according to Dave N.
Wildlife viewing: Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "Oh and lots of deer bed down in the grassy areas at night, which was a fun thing to see!" mentions Chelsea D. The campground's mix of wooded areas and lakefront creates diverse habitats for wildlife watching.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding impacts: Water level fluctuations affect campground accessibility. "This is one State Park I enjoy visiting. However there are times this park cannot be accessed because of flooding," warns Jake L. about Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Water quality varies: Some campers report issues with water quality at certain times. "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.
Campground occupancy patterns: Sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Coles Creek Recreation Area, a camper notes: "We LOVE Hazlet! We have a popup camper and camp here often. It's a huge campground with a smaller reservable section and an extensive first come, first serve section. There are usually always spaces available."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple playgrounds serve different age groups across the region. At Dam West Spillway, "Big, spacious campsites with really pretty, big trees for lots of shade. The bathroom and shower facilities are FABULOUS, and super clean. Rangers are walking/driving around, and really friendly. Marina and beach are close," reports heather S.
Scheduled activities: Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area offers programming for children during summer months. "Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one. Shower house is alright. The lake is big enough for ski boats but nice for kayaks also," explains Jennifer G.
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," says Aimee T.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Okaw Valley Kampground offers full-service RV accommodations. "We stopped here on our way home for one night, but got in early enough to enjoy a walk and have a camp fire that evening. Small park but very long, narrow pull through sites on the full hook up side," notes Russ G.
Level sites: Some campgrounds feature better leveling than others. At Dam East Recreation Area, one camper shared: "East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground. Quiet. Pad surface: Blacktop. Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites."
Weather considerations: Summer heat impacts camping comfort. "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. about Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
