Nestled along the western shore of Carlyle Lake, Eldon Hazlet Campground invites you to choose your perfect spot—whether you're drawn to breezy, open sites with sweeping lake views or prefer the dappled shade of interior campsites tucked among the trees. This full-service destination goes beyond typical camping with a seasonal swimming pool, campground store, cabins, and shower houses, while the surrounding recreation area beckons with miles of shoreline perfect for boating, casting a line, exploring trails, or watching migratory birds glide across the water.
Mix of reservable Class A RV/tent sites, walk-in tent sites (Class C), and a small number of rustic rent-a-cabins; many sites are lakeside or lake-view.
Historical Significance
Eldon Hazlet SRA occupies shoreline on Carlyle Lake, a mid‑20th‑century man‑made reservoir created for flood control and water management; the park and surrounding managed habitats are important for migratory birds and regional wildlife. The park is named for Eldon Hazlet, a local advocate for outdoor recreation.Weather and SeasonsSpring through fall delivers the sweetest camping weather, with summer bringing lively weekends filled with boaters and swimmers enjoying the warm sunshine and the pool's refreshing waters. If you prefer a quieter escape, plan your visit for the shoulder seasons—April through May or September through October—when cooler temperatures, thinner crowds, and fewer insects make hiking and fishing even more enjoyable. Just keep in mind that Carlyle Lake's open waters can kick up sudden winds and fast-moving storms, and some amenities like the pool and full store hours are reserved for the busier months.
Natural Features and ScenerySpread across nearly 3,000 acres of diverse landscape, this recreation area showcases the best of southern Illinois' natural beauty. The campground hugs the shoreline of Carlyle Lake, where gentle coves like Allen Branch and Chippewa Day Use Area offer protected swimming and launching spots. Beyond the waterfront, you'll discover a patchwork of ecosystems—mature woodlands that provide welcome shade on summer afternoons, restored prairie grasslands alive with wildflowers and butterflies, and open savanna where you can watch the sunset paint the sky above the lake.
Geological RegionWestern shore of Carlyle Lake; mix of shoreline, woodlands, restored prairie/grassland and savanna
Scenic ViewsNotable views include wide open panoramas across Carlyle Lake and sunrise views from west‑shore sites, as well as quieter, intimate cove views in sheltered areas like Allen Branch; inland trails and restored grasslands provide prairie and savanna vistas.
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