Fall and Winter Camping Opportunities at Carlyle Lake

CARLYLE LAKE – Fall and winter is a wonderful time to go camping offering campers beautiful landscapes, solitude, inspiration, natural quiet, and a place to get away.  Carlyle Lake offers two campgrounds that are open year around - Dam East Spillway Campground located in the Dam East Spillway Area and the IIini Campground located in Eldon Hazlet State Park. 

     The Dam East Spillway Campground is located adjacent to the Kaskaskia River which provides a very scenic view and is well known for its fishing opportunities.  This campground offers 15 campsites with electric hookup and restroom facilities nearby.  Campsites are first come first serve and are available for $14 a night.

     The Illini campground located in Eldon Hazlet State Park has 227 Class A campsites with 30 or 50 amp electrical hook-ups, 36 Class C campsites for walk-in tent camping and two rustic rent-a-cabins.  Class A campsites are available for $20 a night, $18 if shower buildings are closed, Class C sites for $8 a night and Rent-A-Cabins for $45 a night.  All shower buildings are closed during the winter camping season. To reserve a site or cabin at Eldon Hazlet State Park contact the (NRRS) National Recreation Reservation Service online at www.recreation.gov. 

     Lake front cottages are also available at Eldon Hazlet State Park offering visitors a rustic, yet comfortable experience.  Visitors may choose from 6 single units or7 duplexes, including 3 units which are wheelchair accessible.  Each cottage sleeps four with a full bathroom, satellite T.V., stove, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.  To simplify your stay, tableware, cookware, utensils, towels and linens are provided.  Each unit is heated, with a majority of the units offering gas log fireplaces.  For more information about the lakefront cottages, winter rates or to reserve a unit, contact Carlyle Lakefront Cottages toll free at 1-877-342-8862.

     Fall and winter camping provides many of the same recreational opportunities as summer camping such as hiking, biking, wildlife watching, fishing and hunting.  So bundle up, go camping and enjoy the beautiful winter months at Carlyle Lake.