Lake Carroll Campground

Nestled within the expansive and picturesque private community of Lake Carroll in Lanark, Illinois, Lake Carroll Campground offers an exceptional and unique camping experience. This is not just a campground; it’s an integral part of a vibrant, recreation-oriented community designed to provide a comprehensive four-season lifestyle for its members. For Illinois residents who are part of the Lake Carroll Association or fortunate enough to be a guest of a member, this campground provides an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery, extensive amenities, and a strong sense of community right here in your home state.

Lake Carroll itself is the largest private lake in Illinois, created in the 1970s, and has since grown into a thriving residential and recreational hub. The campground reflects this ethos, offering well-maintained sites within a truly special environment. Whether you're looking for a seasonal retreat, a short-term stay, or a place to bring your tent, the campground is designed to complement the active and amenity-rich lifestyle that Lake Carroll offers. It's a place where you can unwind, explore, and connect with a welcoming community that values outdoor living and shared experiences.

Lake Carroll Campground is located within the private community of Lake Carroll, specifically addressed in Lanark, IL 61046, USA. This location places it within Carroll County, in the scenic northwestern region of Illinois. While it offers a secluded and private feel, Lake Carroll is conveniently situated approximately two hours west of Chicago and within easy driving distance of other major Illinois cities like Rockford and the Quad Cities. The journey to Lake Carroll typically involves well-maintained state and county roads leading to the community's entrance.

Accessibility to Lake Carroll Campground is exclusive to members of the Lake Carroll Association and their invited guests. This private nature contributes to a secure and tranquil environment, ensuring that the amenities and natural beauty are preserved for those within the community. For Illinois residents who are property owners within Lake Carroll, accessing the campground is straightforward, as it's an integrated part of the broader community. This allows for quick and easy trips from their primary residences or within the community itself. The relative proximity to major urban centers means that even for members who reside elsewhere in Illinois, a weekend escape to their private retreat at Lake Carroll Campground is a manageable and appealing option, allowing them to enjoy their property and the extensive amenities without excessive travel time. The well-maintained internal roads within the Lake Carroll community also ensure easy navigation to the campground once inside.

• Full Service Electrical and Water Hook-ups: Many sites offer comprehensive hook-ups (power and water) for recreational vehicles.
• Spacious Shower House: A newly renovated, well-maintained shower house provides clean and comfortable facilities for campers.
• Camper Storage: Available for a fee, offering a convenient solution for storing RVs and trailers on-site.
• Pavilion for Group Events: A communal pavilion is available, ideal for social gatherings, family reunions, or organized group activities.
• Waste Station: A designated dump station for convenient and proper disposal of RV wastewater.
• Seasonal Sites: Offers a significant number of seasonal sites, allowing members to establish a long-term presence and personalize their camping experience.
• Daily/Weekly Sites: A limited number of daily and weekly sites are available for shorter stays for members and their guests.
• Overflow Area for Tent Campers: An abundant designated area perfect for tent camping, providing flexibility for various camping preferences.
• Proximity to Community Amenities: Conveniently located near other Lake Carroll amenities such as the Plumtree Lodge, Aquatic Complex, and tennis courts, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• On-site Store: A small store is located on the grounds, providing basic necessities and conveniences for campers.

• Access to Lake Carroll: As a private lake community, members and guests have exclusive access to the 640-acre man-made lake, perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and various water sports.
• Aquatic Complex: Features both an indoor and outdoor pool. The outdoor pool boasts a 50-foot slide, diving board, water features, and zero-depth entry, while the indoor pool offers three 60ft lap lanes for year-round swimming.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 15 miles of designated trails around the lake and surrounding wilderness for hiking, biking, ATV cruising (on designated trails), horseback riding, and snowmobiling in winter.
• 18-Hole Golf Course: Members enjoy access to a beautifully manicured 18-hole golf course, often without green fees for property owners.
• Two Marinas: Provides convenient boat launches, parking, and services, including gas and bait sales at one of the marinas.
• Private Beach Area: A designated beach for swimming and relaxation, accessible to members and guests.
• Fishing Opportunities: Lake Carroll is known for its excellent fishing, with a variety of species including bass, walleye, crappie, and muskie, supported by a private fish hatchery.
• Social Clubs and Events: A wide array of social clubs and year-round events (e.g., cardboard boat regatta, fishing derby, live bands, fireworks) fostering a strong sense of community.
• Plumtree Lodge: A multi-purpose facility with activity rooms, a bar area, and a fireplace lounge, providing indoor recreational options.
• Ski Hill & Tube Hill: Offers winter recreational opportunities with a ski and snowboard area, rental shop, and tube tow.

For inquiries regarding Lake Carroll Campground, as access is tied to the Lake Carroll Association, it is best to contact the main Association office for details on membership, guest policies, and specific campground availability.

Address: Lake Carroll Association, 3-200 Association Dr, Lanark, IL 61046, USA (This is the primary address for the Lake Carroll Association, which manages the campground and other amenities.)

Phone: (815) 493-2552 (This number is for the main Lake Carroll Association office.)

Lake Carroll Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and desirable camping experience for Illinois locals who are part of, or have access to, the private Lake Carroll community. Its fundamental appeal lies in its exclusivity, which translates into a secure, well-maintained, and less crowded environment compared to public campgrounds. For Illinois residents seeking a long-term or recurring outdoor retreat, the option for seasonal sites within this amenity-rich community is a significant advantage, allowing them to establish a true home-away-from-home without extensive travel.

The comprehensive suite of amenities available to Lake Carroll members and their guests elevates the camping experience far beyond traditional campgrounds. With exclusive access to the large private lake for all manner of water sports, an 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, extensive trails for various activities, and a vibrant calendar of social events, there is always something to do regardless of the season. This provides Illinois families with a diverse and engaging recreational hub that caters to all ages and interests, fostering a strong sense of community and shared experiences.

For Illinoisans, investing in a lot within Lake Carroll (which can be surprisingly affordable, as noted in reviews) or being a guest provides access to a unique lifestyle that combines outdoor recreation with community living. The peace of mind that comes with a private, well-managed environment, coupled with the sheer abundance of activities and facilities, makes Lake Carroll Campground a premier choice for those looking to maximize their outdoor enjoyment and truly integrate into a recreational community in their home state. It's an opportunity to create a lifetime of memories, right here in Illinois.

Lake Carroll Campground

Lanark, IL 61046, USA