Boulder Campground

For Illinois residents seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty, lakeside recreation, and comfortable camping, Boulder Campground stands out as a premier destination. Located at 26000 County Rd 1850 N, Shattuc, IL, this exceptional campground offers a truly memorable experience on the shores of Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois. Whether you’re an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to relax under the vast Illinois sky, Boulder Campground provides an ideal setting. As one happy camper shared, "A great campground, a nice variety of campsites. We stayed at site 35, a lakeside site with a great view of the lake... The staff were very friendly as well. We will be back." This sentiment perfectly captures the inviting atmosphere and the quality experience that awaits you at Boulder Campground.

Boulder Campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it’s a gateway to endless outdoor adventures right here in our home state. The unique appeal of this campground lies in its direct access to Carlyle Lake, renowned for its excellent fishing, sailing, and various water sports. Imagine waking up to a stunning lake view, spending your day on the water, and then capping it off with an unforgettable sunset over the shimmering expanse. The friendly and helpful staff, as noted by visitors, contribute significantly to the welcoming environment, ensuring your stay is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

The varied selection of campsites, including many with prime lake views, means there's a perfect spot for every preference. Even with the occasional breezy conditions that come with lakeside living, the breathtaking vistas and direct access to recreational opportunities more than make up for it. Boulder Campground truly embodies the spirit of Illinois outdoor living, inviting locals to create lasting memories amidst the scenic beauty of Carlyle Lake.

Boulder Campground is situated at 26000 County Rd 1850 N, Shattuc, IL 62231, USA. This location places it directly on the shores of Carlyle Lake, Illinois's largest man-made lake, a massive body of water covering 26,000 acres. The campground is nestled within the Carlyle Lake State Recreation Area, making it part of a larger network of recreational facilities managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Accessing Boulder Campground is relatively straightforward for Illinois residents. From major highways like I-57, you would typically head west onto Old U.S. Highway 50. Continuing for approximately 19 miles through towns such as Salem, Odin, and Sandoval, you then turn north on Boulder Road and follow it for about seven miles until you reach the campground. This well-marked route ensures easy navigation, even for those who might be visiting for the first time.

The campground's direct adjacency to the Boulder Day Use Area is a key aspect of its accessibility, providing immediate access to amenities like a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. For boaters, this means effortless launching and retrieving of vessels, enhancing the overall experience on Carlyle Lake. Its location also offers a sense of peaceful retreat while remaining reasonably close to the town of Carlyle for any necessary supplies or services. The clear signage and well-maintained roads leading to the campground contribute to a smooth arrival, allowing visitors to quickly settle in and begin enjoying their lakeside escape.

Boulder Campground offers a robust array of services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for all visitors, whether in an RV or a tent. These services underscore its commitment to modern camping standards while maximizing access to the lake's natural offerings.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: All 82 campsites are equipped with electric hookups (30 and 50 amp available), ensuring power for RVs and electronic devices.
• Picnic Areas: Each campsite includes a designated picnic area with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and gatherings.
• Fire Rings: Individual fire rings are provided at each site, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires (subject to any fire bans).
• Modern Restrooms: The campground boasts modern comfort stations with flush toilets, offering a significant upgrade from more primitive facilities.
• Showers: Clean and well-maintained shower facilities are available, providing campers with the convenience of hot showers after a day of activities.
• Laundry Facilities: For longer stays, laundry facilities are available on-site, adding to the convenience for campers.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available throughout the campground.
• Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is provided for RVs and trailers to dispose of wastewater efficiently.
• Boat Ramp and Courtesy Docks: Located adjacent to the campground in the Boulder Day Use Area, these facilities offer easy access for launching and docking boats.
• Fish Cleaning Station: A convenient station is available for anglers to clean their catch after a successful day of fishing.
• On-site Playground: A playground area provides entertainment for children, ensuring family-friendly fun.
• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is present for educational programs and interpretive events, often hosted by park rangers.

Boulder Campground boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that truly set it apart as a premier camping destination on Carlyle Lake in Illinois.

• Lakefront & Lake View Campsites: A significant number of the 82 campsites offer direct lake views or are "perched directly on the shoreline," as noted by Recreation.gov. This provides campers with unparalleled access to the beauty of Carlyle Lake. As one reviewer enthusiastically described, "a lakeside site with a great view of the lake" and "great views of sunset cannot be beat."
• Diverse Campsite Variety: The campground offers a "nice variety of campsites," including both paved and electric-only sites suitable for RVs and tents. Many sites are noted for being "nice and wide and level," making setup easy for various types of camping rigs.
• Exceptional Sunsets: The panoramic views over Carlyle Lake provide spectacular sunset opportunities, a consistently highlighted feature by visitors who appreciate the natural beauty.
• Excellent Water Access for Recreation:
  • Fishing: Carlyle Lake is renowned for its fishing, with year-round opportunities for species like bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and walleye. The campground provides "great access for fishing."
  • Boating & Sailing: Being on Carlyle Lake, recognized as one of the nation's top inland sailing lakes, offers immense potential for all water sports. There's "great access for... launching boats, or use of the sailboat marina."
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Multiple reviews commend the staff for being "very friendly" and helpful, contributing significantly to a positive camping experience.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Comments about "clean restrooms" (some even with A/C!) and "very clean" shower facilities indicate a high standard of upkeep. The campground is described as "very well maintained."
• Family-Friendly Amenities: An on-site playground and ample open space ensure that children have plenty of room to play.
• Proximity to Carlyle Lake Visitor Center: This center offers informative nature exhibits, including an aquarium with native fish, and provides valuable local information for visitors.
• Accessibility to Multi-Use Trails: A multi-use biking and walking trail is conveniently located a short drive away at the dam, offering additional recreational options.

For those planning a memorable outdoor escape to Carlyle Lake, here is the essential contact information for Boulder Campground:

Address: 26000 County Rd 1850 N, Shattuc, IL 62231, USA

Phone: (618) 226-3586

Mobile Phone: +1 618-226-3586

It is always recommended to contact the campground directly, especially for the most up-to-date information on campsite availability, reservation policies, specific rates, and any seasonal advisories or events. As Boulder Campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, you can also often find detailed information and make reservations through the Recreation.gov website, which is the primary booking portal for many federal campgrounds. Calling ahead allows you to confirm current conditions, particularly concerning wind advisories if you plan on lake activities, and to inquire about specific site features that might enhance your stay. The friendly staff are well-equipped to answer your questions and help you plan your ideal visit to this popular Illinois destination.

For Illinois locals, Boulder Campground represents an outstanding choice for a quintessential lakeside camping experience right within our beautiful state. Its suitability stems from a combination of prime location, excellent amenities, and the kind of natural beauty that makes a true escape possible. The positive feedback from visitors, such as the appreciation for "lakeside sites with a great view of the lake" and the "great views of sunset," directly aligns with what many Illinoisans seek in a camping getaway: picturesque scenery without having to travel too far from home.

The accessibility for various water activities is a major draw for our local population. With "great access for fishing, launching boats, or use of the sailboat marina," Boulder Campground caters perfectly to the active lifestyle that many Illinois residents enjoy on our state's waterways. Whether you're reeling in a prize catch, enjoying a leisurely paddle, or taking advantage of Carlyle Lake's reputation as a top sailing destination, this campground provides the ideal base. The convenience of electric hookups and well-maintained facilities like flush toilets, showers, and laundry make it an attractive option for both seasoned RVers and those new to camping, offering comfort without detracting from the outdoor experience.

Furthermore, the consistently praised "friendly staff" create a welcoming and helpful environment, ensuring that visitors feel supported and can truly relax. The variety of campsites ensures that families, couples, and solo adventurers can find a spot that perfectly suits their needs, whether they desire a secluded retreat or a vibrant lakeside setting. For Illinois residents looking for a reliable, enjoyable, and scenic camping destination that promises memorable moments on and off the water, Boulder Campground at Carlyle Lake is an exceptional choice, inviting you to discover your next favorite outdoor tradition right here in Shattuc.

Boulder Campground

26000 County Rd 1850 N, Shattuc, IL 62231, USA