Eldon Hazlet State Park

For families and outdoor enthusiasts across Illinois, the pursuit of a perfect camping getaway often leads to the state's magnificent parks. These natural havens offer respite from daily life, a chance to reconnect with nature, and opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Among the most cherished destinations is Eldon Hazlet State Park, particularly renowned for its exceptional camping facilities located on the beautiful shores of Carlyle Lake. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Eldon Hazlet State Park Campground, helping local Illinois users discover why this premier destination is consistently chosen for its beauty, amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Eldon Hazlet State Park is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a comprehensive recreational area that caters to a wide array of interests. From serene lakeside mornings to active days filled with fishing, boating, and hiking, the park offers a diverse experience for every camper. The glowing reviews from long-time visitors and first-timers alike underscore its reputation as a well-maintained, welcoming, and memorable place. We will delve into the campground's strategic location, the extensive services it provides, its unique features and highlights that enhance the camping experience, and ultimately, why it stands out as an ideal choice for Illinoisans seeking to make lasting memories with their loved ones in the great outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Eldon Hazlet State Park, including its primary campground, is officially located at 20100 Hazlet Park Rd, Carlyle, IL 62231, USA. This prime address places it on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, which holds the distinction of being the largest man-made lake in Illinois. The park is conveniently situated approximately 3 miles north of the city of Carlyle and 2 miles east of Illinois Route 127, in Clinton County.

Its location is particularly advantageous for Illinois residents. It's easily accessible, being about an hour east of St. Louis, Missouri, just off of Interstate 70. This makes it a perfect stop for those traveling longer distances across the Midwest or a convenient weekend escape for families in Central and Southern Illinois. The proximity to Carlyle, a charming town, means that campers have access to local services, supplies, and dining options should they need anything beyond what the park itself offers. The sprawling nature of the park, encompassing over 3,000 acres, ensures that while accessible, the campgrounds maintain a sense of natural immersion. The beautiful setting right on Carlyle Lake allows for many campsites to be within easy reach of the water, providing picturesque views and direct access to various water activities, further enhancing its appeal and accessibility for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Services Offered

• Class A Campsites: The Illini Campground, the park's main camping area, boasts 328 Class A campsites. These sites come equipped with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups, making them ideal for RVs and trailers.
• Class C Campsites: For tent campers, there are 36 Class C campsites designed for walk-in tent camping, offering a more rustic experience.
• Spacious and Level Sites: Many campsites are noted for being spacious with level gravel pads, accommodating a variety of camping setups comfortably.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and campfires.
• Clean and Well-Kept Facilities: The campground is consistently praised for being "very clean and well kept," including its shower buildings and restrooms.
• Shower Buildings: Three well-maintained shower buildings are located throughout the campground, providing hot water and modern conveniences.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A camper dump station is available for RVs, ensuring convenient waste disposal.
• Campground Store: A 2,000-square-foot store at the entrance of Illini Campground offers groceries, camping and fishing supplies, clothes, live bait, ice, and firewood.
• Public Swimming Pool: A large public swimming pool is located behind the campground store, open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, complete with a zero-entry design and lifeguard supervision.
• Laundry Room: A public laundry room is available near the campground store, adding convenience for longer stays.
• Rent-a-Cabins: Two rustic rent-a-cabins are available in the Illini Campground, accommodating up to six people with basic amenities like a table, chairs, ceiling fans, baseboard heat, and electrical outlets.
• Online Reservations: Campsite and cabin reservations can be made online, up to 180 days in advance for campsites and cabins, and 12 months for shelters.

Features / Highlights

• Beautiful Carlyle Lake Access: Most campsites are within easy reach of Carlyle Lake's shoreline, offering stunning views and immediate access to Illinois' largest man-made lake.
• Extensive Recreational Activities: The park attracts over 800,000 visitors annually for a wide range of activities including camping, boating, fishing, hunting (in designated areas), picnicking, bird watching, and hiking.
• Popular for Boating and Sailing: Carlyle Lake is a premier destination for sailing, with a dedicated sailboat harbor and marina. Three public boat ramps are also available for various watercraft.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake is renowned for fishing, with a variety of species including white bass, crappie, and catfish. The Illini Trail leads to a fishing pond, popular for children.
• Over 9 Miles of Hiking Trails: A comprehensive trail system allows visitors to explore diverse habitats, including accessible trails, and offers excellent wildlife viewing.
• Abundant Wildlife and Birdwatching: The park is a major migratory stop for over 200,000 birds and waterfowl, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching, including eagles, herons, and egrets.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Beyond camping, the park offers playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and an amphitheater for educational programs.
• Quiet and Restful Environment: Reviews highlight the campground's quiet nature, providing a restful area after a day of activities.
• Dedicated to Guest Experience: The overall "well kept" nature of the park and the long history of families returning for decades speak to a commitment to providing a high-quality, memorable experience.

Contact Information

Address: 20100 Hazlet Park Rd, Carlyle, IL 62231, USA

Phone: (618) 594-3015 (Eldon Hazlet State Park Office)

For information regarding the Campground Store or Public Pool: (618) 594-8701

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Eldon Hazlet State Park Campground truly stands as a jewel among Illinois' outdoor recreational offerings, making it an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for local residents. Its appeal is rooted in a robust combination of convenience, comprehensive amenities, and an unparalleled connection to nature, all within a well-managed state park setting.

For Illinois families and individuals, the park's accessibility just off Route 70, an hour east of St. Louis, means less travel time and more time enjoying the outdoors. The spacious, clean, and well-kept campsites, many with electric hookups and level pads, ensure a comfortable stay for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. This attention to fundamental camping needs, coupled with the luxury of modern heated shower buildings and a convenient on-site campground store, elevates the experience beyond basic roughing it. The added bonus of a public swimming pool for a fee provides a refreshing respite during warmer months, especially appealing for families with children.

Beyond the campsite, Eldon Hazlet State Park is a veritable playground of activities. Its prime location on Carlyle Lake unlocks endless possibilities for boating, sailing, and some of the best fishing in Southern Illinois. The extensive network of hiking trails invites exploration, while the park's status as a birdwatching haven, with abundant wildlife, offers serene moments of natural observation. The fact that families have been returning for "30 years or so" and creating "Best memories of my life" underscores the deep, positive impact this park has on its visitors. It's a place where childhood traditions are forged and continued through generations. For Illinoisans seeking a comprehensive, memorable, and effortlessly enjoyable outdoor escape, Eldon Hazlet State Park Campground not only meets but often exceeds expectations, making it an undeniable top choice for local adventurers.

Eldon Hazlet State Park

Carlyle, IL 62231, USA