Eldon Hazlet State Park

Set along the expansive shoreline of Carlyle Lake—Illinois' largest manmade reservoir—the Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area combines a prime location with a wealth of amenities to create a family-friendly camping destination. This vast campground features 328 Class A campsites with 30- and 50-amp electric hookups, 36 walk-in tent sites, and rustic cabin rentals, offering options for both RV travelers and traditional campers. Many sites are shaded by mature oak and hickory trees, with direct or easy access to the lake, making it a popular spot for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.

The campground's amenities are extensive, including modern restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp store. Families will appreciate recreational features like a swimming pool, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, and hiking trails connecting to scenic overlooks of the lake. Wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers are drawn to the restored prairie habitats and shoreline, which provide opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna. For history buffs, trails lead to the restored Burnside Cemetery, dating back to the 1830s. The proximity to nearby Carlyle (only three miles south) ensures campers have access to local dining and supplies without sacrificing the park's serene, natural atmosphere.

Eldon Hazlet offers an ideal setting for weekend getaways, extended vacations, or even day visits to explore its 3,000-acre grounds. The combination of lake access, outdoor recreation, and modern camping conveniences makes it one of Illinois' premier state park camping destinations.