Carlyle Lake influences pet friendly camping near Vandalia, Illinois, with several campgrounds situated within 25 miles of this 26,000-acre reservoir. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where freezing temperatures aren't uncommon. Most campgrounds open from April through October, with limited wintertime options.
What to do
Fishing access: Boulder Recreation Area provides shoreline fishing opportunities directly from campsites. "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 Jake L.
Swimming options: Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area features a zero-entry pool with a $5 weekend admission fee. A camper shares, "There is a nice large zero entry pool for a $5 fee on weekends. The campground hosts are sprinkled throughout the grounds and are always friendly and accommodating."
Beach access: Coles Creek Recreation Area offers a dedicated beach for campers. "There is a beach for campers to use, and a really nice playground. Their bathrooms and showerhouse were impeccably clean, and many sites are right next to the lake," explains Chelsea D.
Holiday events: Halloween celebrations draw crowds to Eldon Hazlet. "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," says Aimee T.
What campers like
Leveled campsites: Bonanza Campground features exceptionally level sites. "THE MOST level site we have ever had in allllll our years of travel. Literally 0's all around for level on the Levelmate Pro," Bruce H. reports.
Clean facilities: Coles Creek Recreation Area maintains excellent hygiene standards. "Very, very clean. Beautiful area. Friendly staff," shares Rhonda M.
Waterfront locations: Boulder Recreation Area offers prime lakefront camping. "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," says Phil W.
Long-term accommodations: Timber Trails Campground provides seasonal options for regular visitors. "Activities, entertainment and friendly. Small pool and bathhouse could use some attention," mentions Angela H.
What you should know
Operating seasons: Timber Trails Campground operates from April through mid-November only. "Timber Trails Campground is an 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," Jason G. explains.
Limited tent options: Cedarbrook RV Park offers minimal tent camping. "There are only about 6 tent sites at this campground, which makes it not entirely friendly for tent campers. However, the bathrooms were lovely and clean," notes Kaitlyn H.
Flooding issues: Boulder Recreation Area occasionally faces accessibility problems. "When the lake is flooded you cannot access this campground," cautions Jake L.
Supply access: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area requires planning for supplies. "The park is reasonably priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores," Jareth C. mentions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area offers play areas for children. "Went in late April and had a good time with not ideal weather. Kid had a blast at playground with other kids," J N. shares.
Short hiking routes: Boulder Recreation Area features trails suitable for younger visitors. "Campground was well maintained with spacious campsites. I tried to get a spot on the water but they were all reserved, they looked really nice," Stephanie S. explains.
Pool activities: Timber Trails Campground includes a swimming pool for summer heat relief. "Family Fun Campground. Activities, entertainment and friendly. Small pool and bathhouse could use some attention," according to Angela H.
Quiet enforcement: Staff at Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area maintain peaceful camping environments. "Shut down some karaoke party in a loop around 9pm. Will go back," J N. notes.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park provides convenient sites for larger vehicles. "Long spots, friendly owner, easy access to hardware store across the street, coin laundry available. Downsides is wifi is poor, gravel is unlevel," Kaitlynn B. explains.
After-hours arrival: RVers can check in late at Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park without complications. "5 stars because it is as advertised. Staff super nice over the phone, easy pull in, hook ups easy. We called ahead, but arrived after hours, no problems," shares tracey S.
Emergency assistance: Cedarbrook Camp Ground accommodates unexpected stops. "We were just passing through but the campground was amazing. We have a 40 foot rig and just needs to stop for a few hours for some sleep. All the pull through Sites were booked. But that did not stop the park from making us a spot to crash," Kari P. relates.
