Illini Campground

For Illinois residents seeking an exceptional outdoor escape, Illini Campground, nestled within the expansive Eldon Hazlet State Park in Carlyle, offers a truly remarkable camping experience. Widely praised for its pristine condition and incredible lakeside setting, this campground is a gem for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. It's a place where the tranquility of nature meets modern conveniences, providing a perfect blend for a memorable getaway right here in the heart of Illinois.

Eldon Hazlet State Park itself is a sprawling recreational area, boasting a unique position along the shores of Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois. The Illini Campground is a central feature of this park, designed to maximize the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering a comfortable base for exploration. From the stunning sunrises over the lake to the abundant wildlife, every aspect of your stay is geared towards an enriching outdoor experience. Whether you're pulling in a large RV, setting up a cozy tent, or even opting for a rustic cabin, Illini Campground welcomes all to discover the charm of Illinois's natural landscapes.

Illini Campground is strategically located within Eldon Hazlet State Park in Carlyle, IL 62231, USA. This prime address places campers directly on the western shore of the magnificent Carlyle Lake, offering unparalleled access to water-based activities and breathtaking scenic views. Carlyle is a charming city in Clinton County, renowned for its major recreational draw, Carlyle Lake, which attracts over 800,000 visitors annually.

The accessibility of Illini Campground is a significant advantage for Illinois locals. Situated conveniently near major routes, reaching the park from various parts of the state is straightforward. The city of Carlyle provides nearby amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, and local eateries, ensuring that campers have easy access to any supplies or services they might need during their stay. The campground itself occupies almost 1.5 miles of the Carlyle Lake shoreline, with most campsites within easy reach of the water, making it effortless for campers to enjoy the lake. This combination of serene lakeside living and practical accessibility to town conveniences makes Illini Campground a highly desirable and easy-to-reach destination for Illinois residents.

Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park goes above and beyond to provide a range of services that enhance the camping experience, ensuring comfort and convenience for all types of visitors.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of sites to cater to different camping preferences. This includes 328 Class A campsites with 30 and 50 amp electrical hook-ups, accommodating various RV sizes. There are also 36 Class C campsites for walk-in tent camping and two rustic rent-a-cabins.
• Accessible Sites: Seven Class A campsites are specifically designed to be accessible for individuals in wheelchairs, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• Clean Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers benefit from "nice showers" and multiple restroom facilities located throughout the park, ensuring cleanliness and comfort even in an outdoor setting.
• Convenient Dump Station and Water Fill: For RV campers, a "dump station with water fill" is readily available, making pre- and post-trip logistics much simpler.
• On-Site Campground Store: Located at the entrance to the Illini Campground, a well-stocked 2,000-square-foot store offers "groceries, camping and fishing supplies, clothes, live bait, ice and firewood," providing essential items within easy reach.
• Public Swimming Pool: A public swimming pool is located behind the campground store, offering a refreshing option for cooling off, especially during warmer months. The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with a zero entry to 4.5-foot depth and lifeguards, ideal for families.
• Laundry Room: A public laundry room is available at the campground store, adding a significant convenience for longer stays.
• Ample Parking: Plenty of parking is available for vehicles and boat trailers.

Illini Campground is rich with features and highlights that promise an engaging and memorable outdoor experience for every camper, emphasizing both active recreation and serene relaxation.

• Beautiful Lake Views and Waterfront Sites: Many campsites, especially those on the A loop like Site #7, offer "beautiful views of the lake," with some right "adjacent to Lake Carlyle." Witnessing a "spectacular" sunrise over the lake is a common and cherished experience.
• Spacious and Level Sites: Campers consistently praise the "large spots" and "very spacious site," often noting a "nice, level gravel pad," which makes setting up camp easy and comfortable for any size rig.
• Reliable Utilities: Sites come with "good clean power" (30 and 50 amp electrical hook-ups) and a picnic table and fire ring, providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
• Abundant Wildlife: Visitors frequently report seeing "lots of wildlife," adding to the immersive natural experience and offering opportunities for nature observation.
• Playground Area: A "playground" is available for children, providing a dedicated space for them to play and burn off energy.
• Boat Access and Tie-Ups: Many campers can keep their boats in the coves located along the campground, offering immediate and easy access to Carlyle Lake for boating and fishing.
• Extensive Recreational Amenities: Beyond camping, the larger Eldon Hazlet State Park offers a wide array of activities including an archery range, basketball court, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, an amphitheater, and over 9 miles of hiking trails.
• Hazlet Cottages: For those seeking a blend of camping and lodging comfort, 20 cottages overlooking the lake are available for rent, complete with kitchenettes, cable TV, and private decks. Twelve complimentary boat docks are also available for cottage renters.

As a state park campground, Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park operates under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and their reservation system, ExploreMoreIL™. While individual "promotions" in the commercial sense may not be frequent, the pricing structure and reservation benefits offer excellent value for Illinois residents.

• Standard State Park Rates: Camping fees are generally very competitive, ranging from $18 to $30 per night depending on the site type (e.g., electric vs. full hookup, single vs. double capacity). These rates are designed to be affordable for state residents.
• Online Reservation Convenience: Reservations for Class A sites (1-65), Handicap Site 93, Rent-A-Cabins, and shelters can be made online at ExploreMoreIL™. This system allows campers to plan their trips well in advance.
• Reservation Window: Campsites can be reserved up to 180 days in advance, providing ample time to secure preferred dates, especially during peak seasons.
• Minimum Stay Requirements: While not a discount, understanding minimum stay requirements (e.g., three-night minimum for major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day; two-night minimum for other weekends) helps in planning cost-effectively.
• Cancellation Policy: A transparent cancellation policy is in place, with a $5 non-refundable reservation fee, but the remainder of the camping fee is refunded if canceled five days before arrival (less fees if canceled closer to arrival).

For the most up-to-date pricing and specific availability, it is best to visit the official ExploreMoreIL™ website or contact the park directly.

Ready to experience the beauty and amenities of Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park? Here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: Carlyle, IL 62231, USA (within Eldon Hazlet State Park, the main park office address is 20100 Hazlet Park Rd, Carlyle, IL 62231)
• Park Office Phone: (618) 594-3015
• Campground Store/Pool Phone: (618) 594-8701
• Hazlet Cottages Phone: (618) 594-8702
• Central Reservations (ExploreMoreIL™): (866) 716-6550

For campsite reservations, it is highly recommended to use the ExploreMoreIL™ online portal. For general inquiries about the park, facilities, or specific site regulations, contacting the park office directly is the best approach.

For residents across Illinois, Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for their camping and outdoor recreation needs. Its blend of stunning natural beauty, comprehensive amenities, and commitment to maintenance makes it a prime choice for a wide array of local adventurers.

The overwhelming positive feedback from campers consistently highlights the campground's "very clean and well kept" nature and "beautiful campgrounds with large spots." This dedication to cleanliness and spaciousness ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay, whether you're in a large RV or a humble tent. The "nice, level gravel pad with a very spacious site, good clean power and a picnic table and fire ring" speaks to the quality of the individual campsites, making setup easy and relaxation immediate.

A significant draw for Illinoisans is the direct access to Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in the state. Campsites "right adjacent to Lake Carlyle" offer "beautiful views" and "spectacular" sunrises, providing an unparalleled natural backdrop. The ability to keep boats in nearby coves makes it incredibly convenient for fishing, boating, and enjoying the vast waters.

Beyond the natural setting, the campground boasts impressive facilities that cater to families and diverse interests. The presence of a "nice camp store with swimming pool" and "nice showers" provides modern comforts often sought after in a camping environment. The inclusion of a playground and opportunities to see "lots of wildlife" further enhance its appeal as a family-friendly destination.

In essence, Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park offers a quintessential Illinois camping experience. It combines the serene beauty of Carlyle Lake with top-notch facilities and a well-maintained environment, providing an accessible, enjoyable, and memorable escape for locals seeking to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from home.