Carlyle Lake
Carlyle Lake is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the primary purpose of flood control of the Kaskaskia River. However, millions of visitors have come to know Carlyle Lake as the largest man-made lake in Illinois and for its abundant recreation opportunities. There are six campgrounds situated on the Lake that are operated by the Corps of Engineers. There are three located near the City of Carlyle, noted for their beauty and proximity to the Lake and the Kaskaskia River: Dam West, McNair, and Dam West & East Spillway. Boulder and Coles Creek campgrounds are located on the east side of Carlyle Lake and within a ten to fifteen minute drive of the City.
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Carlyle Lake Campgrounds
The Carlyle Lake campgrounds offer plenty of shade, and many of them are situated directly on the Lake. The campgrounds offer paved pads, electric hook-ups, shower houses and laundry facilities. The campgrounds also offer playground equipment, and Corps staff schedule weekend interpretive programs at the campground amphitheaters. Campground reservations can be placed using the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). Call NRRS at 877-444-6777 or at 877-833-6777 (TDD). Reservations can also be made online on the Reserve USA website.

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
This recreation area is home to one of the most popular camping areas in the State. Illini Campground has 328 Class A campsites with 30 and 50 amp electrical hook-ups. Many can accommodate 30 to 40-foot RVs. Thirty-six Class C campsites are available for walk-in tent camping, and two rustic cabins can be rented as well. Illini Campground is situated along 1.5 miles of the Carlyle Lake shoreline, and most campsites are within easy reach of the water. A nearby cove is close enough to allow many campers to keep their boats in the water while camping. Illini Campground is situated near bath and shower facilities, public laundry facilities, the Campground Store (2,000 square foot store with groceries and supplies), and a swimming pool with wading and swimming areas made for families with small children. For more information about the Park and about camping reservations, contact Park staff at 618-594-3015.
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Hickory Shores Resort
Hickory Shores Resort maintains 147 campsites available for use by tent campers or those with RVs. Most provide full utility hook-ups (sewer, water and electric). Hickory Shores offers two swimming pools; a “country store” with groceries and supplies; courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis; three playgrounds and video games; and a mini golf course. Hickory Shores is located approximately ten miles north of Carlyle near the western shore of the Lake. Call 618-749-5288 for information and reservations.
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Boulder Recreation Area
Home to 89 campsites, all with electric and water hookup, and is open April to September. Campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating (with boat ramp) and laundry. Electric and gas motors are allowed, as well as tents, big rigs and pull-thrus. Handicap accessible. 618-226-3211

Carlyle Dam East Spillway Campground
Carlyle Dam East Spillway Campground has 15 campsites and is open all year. Each site has electric hookup, swimming, fishing and boating. Water is available upon entering the campground. The area is equipped with a boat ramp and is handicapped accessible. 618-594-2484

Carlyle Dam West Campground
Open from April to November with 119 campsites. Electric and water hookup is available at 113 sites and 20 sites have full hookup. Campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating (with boat ramp) and laundry. Handicapped accessible. 618-594-4410

Coles Creek
Coles Creek is home to 148 campsites with electric and water hookup. Full hookup is available at 25 sties. Coles Creek is open to campers from April to September and offers laundry, swimming, fishing and boating (with boat ramp). Handicapped accessible. 618-594-2484

McNair Group Camping
Open May to September and hosts 42 campsites. Electric and water hookup is available at 37 of those sites. Other amenities include laundry, swimming, fishing, boating (with boat ramp) and boat rentals. Handicapped accessible. 618-594-2484

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