It’s official – fall has arrived in Illinois and campgrounds are experiencing a brisk business! According to the RV Industry Association, sales have surged during the pandemic up to 170% over last year. If you are one of those new campers, it’s time to enjoy some brisk mornings and cool nights at a campground near Carlyle Lake, IL.
Imagine the smell of a campfire and how the embers warm you as you hear fish jumping in the nearby Carlyle Lake. Perhaps you have a deluxe RV with a very comfortable bathroom, bedroom, and living space, and maybe even an outdoor movie screen. Or do you have a tent and prefer a rustic campsite? Or maybe your camping preference lies somewhere in between with a pull-along travel trailer. Whatever your camping preference, Clinton County has a campsite to satisfy your needs. Carlyle Lake is the largest man-made lake in Illinois. Campgrounds can be found on both the east and west side of the lake and both privately owned and state park facilities.
On the east side of the lake, make a reservation at Boulder Recreation Area – managed by the Federal Government. Campsite rental rates are just $16 to $32 per night. Coles Creek Recreation Area and Campground, also a public facility, invites you with your tent, van, or truck camper. There are 119 sites available for a fun fall camping getaway.
At the south end of the lake, near the dam, you can find McNair Group Area. This facility is open year-round and the rental rate is as low as $14 per night. Reviews of this area are primarily five-star ratings! Also at the south end of the lake, the Carlyle Dam East Spillway Campground and Day Use area provides fifteen campsites and is open all year.
Traveling clockwise around the lake, the Carlyle Lake Visitor’s Center can provide information for 328 campsites all around the lake. There are 109 campsites at Carlyle Dam West Campground adjacent to the visitor’s center. Rental rates range from $18 to $52 including electric. Visit year-round midway on the west side of the lake at Eldon Hazlet State Park. The park is ADA accessible, allows pets, and rents cabins too!
Hickory Shores Resort is privately owned but open to the public for year-round camping. You can rent a site for a full year and have a home-away-from-home all set up! Cabins are also available for rent. Call 618-749-5288 for more information and to make a reservation.
Pack-up your camper, take your boat and your fishing rod and plan a fall camping getaway to Carlyle Lake, Illinois. You can enjoy the brisk fall weather and stay distanced while you enjoy the season’s sun and fall colors.