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The best camping near Carlyle Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Carlyle adventure.

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

This vast lake with an abundance of wind is prime real estate for sailing, fishing and birding.  

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Community favorites near Carlyle Lake

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Stay at a public campground in Carlyle Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlyle Lake

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(2)

Harmony Hill Acres

46 sites ¡ RVs, Tents18 acres ¡ Centralia, IL
Ranch lands of a prior Horse Ranch at the edge of town is conveniently located. Most of the property is pasture area but plenty of yard for tent camping and LOTS of space for those who want to pitch a tent in the pastures. We have small goats, chickens, and turkeys on-site (please do not enter barn or animal pens). There are no hookups for water or power, but we can accommodate some use of water from our spigots. We live about 2 miles from our local lake, which has boat access and paddling access. The beautiful view of sunsets and sunrises are spectacular more times than not. We host large herd of deer traveling and sometimes bedding down in our pastures, so be sure to watch early mornings for them to be on the move. We are very close to town, but the 18-acre site brings a serene aspect to the grounds. ***WE ARE BRINGING IN A PORTA-POTTY OR 2 FOR THE TENT CAMPERS OVER THE WEEKEND OF 4/6/24 SOLAR ECLIPSE. WE ALSO HAVE A COTTAGE KITCHEN AND WILL HAVE A FEW BREAKFAST ITEMS, BREADS, AND SWEET BREADS FOR ORDER.
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$15
 / night
Booked 57 times

The Back 20

107 sites ¡ Tents20 acres ¡ Mount Vernon, IL
Discover the beauty of nature on our 20-acre property, where primitive tent sites await your peaceful retreat. Embrace the simplicity of a camping experience with contained fires and the companionship of your pets, all while enjoying the serene rural setting. For those who enjoy fishing, off-road trails, and the allure of a breathtaking eclipse away from city lights, our location offers the perfect backdrop. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside and make lasting memories surrounded by the beauty of nature. There is no running water at this site but fresh running water and a shower are available at the old ranch house less than a mile away. Water is readily available on-site, ensuring your basic needs are met as you embark on a rustic and adventurous camping journey. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable stay, and if you have any further questions or inquiries, please feel free to reach out. Your peaceful and scenic escape awaits!
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$35
 / night
100%
(6)

MC Lodging

12 sites ¡ RVs15 acres ¡ Vernon, IL
MC Lodging is located on 15 acres. We have 29 sites with full hookup at each site. We are open year round. Our campground has a nice pond with some nice size fish. We have a pavilion with a laundromat and a shower house. We also have a playground for kids.if you’re looking for a nice secluded getaway, you have found it ❤️
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$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking

1 site ¡ RV, Tent2 acres ¡ Marissa, IL
Welcome to our tranquil farm oasis, where two shaded RV/Camper spots await for you to park and immerse yourself in nature and the fresh farm air! Each spot features concrete pads and is shaded by majestic trees, providing a comfortable and serene setting for your stay. Please note that spots are available for parking only; camper/RV is not included. Enjoy convenient access to electric hookups, including 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110v options. Additionally, a sewer drop is located within 15 feet of each spot, along with a water hookup for your convenience. Both spots are situated in close proximity to our farm and two other Airbnb homes (please be aware that one home is currently under construction). Just a short 5-minute drive away, you'll find yourself at the Prairie State Power Plant, offering easy access to nearby amenities and attractions. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and rural charm at our shaded RV/Camper spots, where the beauty of nature meets modern comfort.
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$30
 / night
100%
(2)

Kaskaskia River Camping & RV Park

40 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ New Athens, IL
Welcome to the Village of New Athens RV Park! We sincerely appreciate your choice to stay with us. As you settle in, we're thrilled to invite you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our campgrounds and the warmth of our community. Our park offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. You'll find convenient water hookups and sewer connections, along with waterfront views that promise a serene and picturesque experience. Embrace the outdoors at our picnic area and explore the surrounding landscapes, as we happily welcome pets, making your stay pet-friendly. For the adventurous souls, we have hike and bike campsites, providing opportunities for thrilling exploration on our gravel roads. Should you require any essentials during your stay, rest assured, we have gasoline available nearby. And as the evening settles in, gather around the fire pit, where cherished memories are created, fostering camaraderie among fellow travelers. While you're here, don't miss out on the various activities we offer. Cast a line and indulge in the art of fishing, or take to the waters for a boating adventure that promises to be both invigorating and unforgettable. Once again, thank you for being our guest. We look forward to making your time with us truly memorable as you embrace the wonders of our Village of New Athens RV Park. Happy exploring!
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$28
 / night
100%
(13)

The Quiet Countryside

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Vandalia, IL
Easy access for campers located by a pond. Great for fishing and relaxing! 30 AMP electric hookup, can accommodate water fill up and sewer dump. There is a covered pavilion with picnic table and chairs. There is a grill and a fire pit. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway you will love it here! Located close to the interstate. Plenty of restaurants near by and Vandalia lake is 8 minutes from campsite.
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$30
 / night
Saved 11 times

Weekly studio cottage @Carlyle Lake

3 sites ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Carlyle, IL
This property is next to historic Clark Cemetery. It is in a community that primarily belongs to boat club members who access the Boulder boat launch. Although this small community is in the quiet countryside, there is a train that passes through the area periodically that I find pleasant and I hope you will too. Carlyle Lake surrounds this community and supplies the local communities municipal water systems. Most residents are here throughout the entire boating season (early spring through late fall), although there are some that are here year round. The studio cottage is the oldest in the community, as most cottages here belong to RV'ers. I'm hoping to rent out an additional 3 bedroom lake house next to the studio cottage that accommodates up to 8 in the coming year or so.Learn more about this land:This is an open floor plan studio cottage with two twins, full kitchen and 3/4 bath (shower without bathtub), toilet and sink. This has 2 new beds, 2 TV's, 2 small dressers, new dining and living room furniture (except futon) and all new linens. Nightly is no longer available due to hiring out cleaning people. The porch is covered and about the same size as the whole house! Please park directly behind the cottage. You pull in on Clark Cemetery Rd and follow the turn to the left and then right. You will see the basketball hoop at the end of the drive and turn left to pull up to the studio cottage. This is available monthly at $2,000/month. All stays are minimum 7 days. You may stay less than 7 days, but must pay the 7 day rate minimum. Ex: 1-7 days is $700, 8+ days are $800, 900, etc. 28 days or more is $2000 minimum plus the continued discount for 30+ days.
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$100
 / night
96%
(290)

Grove On Top Possum Hill

4 sites ¡ Tents4 acres ¡ Worden, IL
The Legend of Possum Hill is an old one. Most likely named thus even before the settlers arived in St. Louis. Before the great expansion west and before the Gateway Arch graced the sky. Wild was the west and animals roamed at will never having seen a man. The acient Indian tribe of Cahokia once had its own travelers who left their mounded cities of pyramids to explore and hunt for new adventure. It was on one of these travels a great storm arose from the spring sky bringing ice down from the heavens. The Indian party was hard pressed to find shelter from such turbulent winds, rain and it was even claimed they witnessed some snow blended in as well well! This particular spring the waters had risen quite high . With this latest storm the creeks and rivers were rushing over their banks. The Indians knew they had to find high ground. They knew they would only be safe in a shelter high enough the raging waters could not breach. Just when they were giving up hope for a suitable place they passed through a low lands grove treading through ankle deep waters when the land started to rise. And rise it did! Up they went up a steep climb and as they crested they found a large grove of hickories, Sycamore and Oak trees. The Indians prized such trees for their strong hard wood and towering hight. They found safety within them and upon chance several hollows in the ancient trees and quickly sheltered themselves in pairs. They weathered until the suns golden rays stretched accross the small pond. In one hollow a young Indian stirred and and he and his companion left their shelter. Reaching back into the tree they grabbed their packs and found hidden behind them, a family of possums who also hIad hid from the storm. Upon return to Cahokia the young Indian told of their travels and remembering the sheltering family of marsupials, he named the place in their honnor because they shared their shelter. And that is the Legend of Possum Hill.Learn more about this land:4 acres with scattered hickory and oak trees with a small fruit orchard in front of an acre size pond. Plenty of space to have a private camp site and enjoy the sounds of nature. Have a sit by the pond or relax in the shade. The evening could be spent grilling or sitting around the fire ring. Perfect for travelers just wishing for a place to stay while an event is in town or just a place to rest their head on the way through. 16 mies from SIUE and Edwardsvile 45 minutes from most of St. Louis. Far enough out in the country but close enough to the city to not miss out on the fun.
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$15
 / night
Booked 1 time

Shooting House 2

1 site ¡ RV30 acres ¡ Mount Vernon, IL
Peacefully secluded and nestled in a private wooded setting with fully graveled spots and available power this location has several miles of atv and hiking trails and is loaded with wildlife. If fishing is your thing don't forget your fishing poles! This is also a fantastic spot for finding old bottles and jars. For an additional fee there will also be horse and buggy rides to show you some key historical points along the Goshen Trail. Water is readily available on-site, ensuring your basic needs are met as you embark on a rustic and adventurous camping journey. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable stay, and if you have any further questions or inquiries, please feel free to reach out. Your peaceful and scenic escape awaits!
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$50
 / night
100%
(36)

Emerald Acres Farm

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Worden, IL
Welcome to Emerald Acres, our hobby farm with 2 llamas, Nigerian dwarf goats, 1 pot bellied pig, and a few chickens, cats, and Stella, the livestock guardian dog! Our beautiful peaceful property is just 20 minutes from SIUE. It is a wonderful countryside property with forest and pastureland.
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$20
 / night
96%
(142)

Happy Trails Farm Resort

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Granite City, IL
Happy Trails farm is a beautiful refreshing place that you can relax, and connect with the family farm life. We were established Oct. 27th, 2007, and it's our "Acres of Diamonds" (Earl Nightengale). There are 20.11 acres of farm life to share with you. We do many things to help keep the farm going, and moving towards being self supporting. We sell fresh farm eggs, offer many on the farm and off the farm services. Such as pony rides, birthday parties, weddings, camp outs, and so much more. We also house and run Happy Trails Horse Rescue (501c3) non for profit, and accept donations. Some of the things you will experience and see are: volunteers helping out, horses, mules, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, turkey, goats, llama, and many others. We are a small and important resource to the overall well being of community. We look forward to seeing you on the farm! Check-in is between 2pm-9pm. No late night check-ins. Cancellations must be made by 2pm the day before your reservation. Happy Trails Farm Resort is a great place to get lost and find a connection.  We are a small homestead family farm with many farm animals. Come pitch a tent under the farm stars. Happy Trails :)
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$36
 / night
Booked 3 times

Bubba J's RV Park

13 sites ¡ RVs3 acres ¡ Nason, IL
Welcome to Bubba J's RV Park. 85' + Pull Throughs with FULL hookups - 20/30/50 Amp Electric - year-round water (bring a pressure regulator, our water pressure is great!)- 4" sewer. Huge clean restrooms (sorry, no showers). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit (firewood NOT provided so please bring your own).
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$42
 / night

The best camping near Carlyle Lake guide

Overview

About

Test your sailing chops on the largest man-made lake in Illinois. This 26,000-acre reservoir largely located in Clinton County is recognized as one of the nation's top 10 inland sailing lakes. Carlyle hosts several annual races and regattas and was the site of the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival. Or, you could just swim, fish, picnic, bird-watch or camp.

The massive lake allows for a multitude of water sports. Anglers find an abundance of white bass, bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass and walleye. Sandy beaches are made for decompressing and play host to an array of migratory waterfowl and other birds. The lake offers six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers.

The southern and eastern shores boast multiple group and recreation areas. Carlyle Dam West Campground offers 109 campsites (65 reservable) for tents and RVs near the water. Enjoy modern amenities and an easy walk or bike across the dam to the Dam East facilities.

Notable campgrounds

  • Coles Creek Campground: Nestled on the east side of Carlyle Lake, Coles Creek offers serene lakeside camping spots.
  • Boulder Campground: Enjoy a mix of natural beauty and modern amenities at Boulder, ideal for family camping trips.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak season weekends, to ensure your spot at Carlyle Lake's popular campgrounds.
  • Consider mid-week camping when sites are less in demand for a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation at this sought-after destination.
  • Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding the perfect campsite.

When to go

The prime time to visit Carlyle Lake is between May and September when the weather is warm and all facilities are open. However, for those seeking tranquility, the off-peak seasons offer a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds. Winter months can be less ideal due to cold temperatures and limited services.

Know before you go

  • Always practice water safety and be aware of weather conditions before venturing out on the lake.
  • Some areas may experience seasonal closures; check the latest updates before your visit.
  • Accessibility varies across different recreation areas, so plan according to your needs.
  • Visitor Center hours are from 10am to 6pm, with varying schedules throughout the year.
  • Remember to bring essentials for outdoor activities, as amenities may be limited in certain areas.

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