It seems appropriate for one of the largest campground in the Illinois state park system to be located on the largest manmade lake in Illinois. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is a 3,000-acre site on the west shore of Carlyle Lake, a Kaskaskia River impoundment. The site is located 3 miles north of Carlyle and 2 miles east of Illinois Route 127 in Clinton County.

The site is leased by the Department of Natural Resources from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which built the 26,000-acre lake. It is named for a Carlyle attorney who organized the Kaskaskia Valley Association. Eldon Hazlet was the first president of the organization, which promoted construction of two of Illinois? three largest reservoir/recreational complexes - Carlyle Lake and Lake Shelbyville - plus other improvements on the Kaskaskia River.

Annually, more than 800,000 visitors come to the park to camp, boat, fish, hunt, picnic, bird watch and to hike over 9 miles of trails in the park, or attend the sailboat regattas held almost every summer weekend. Whatever type of recreation you choose, it?s probably offered at Carlyle Lake.

Wildlife abounds at Eldon Hazlet, in part due to the natural resource management program implemented at the park. Various types of warm season grasses and legumes are planted to provide supplemental cover and food for wildlife. Brush piles and nest structures such as bluebird boxes have been placed throughout the park. The restoration of natural habitats such as prairie and wetlands has also benefited the local wildlife populations.Picuture of wetland and shorebird

Across from the site office, a 3-acre tallgrass prairie can be viewed with more than 50 species of native plants. Numerous species of wildflowers bloom in the summer including compass plant, blazing star, purple coneflowers, rattlesnake master, American feverfew and stiff tickseed.

Deer, red foxes, raccoons, squirrels, woodchucks, quail, doves and songbirds, including bluebirds, are among the wildlife species to be seen. More than 200,000 waterfowl stop at the lake on their migratory travels north and south each year and can be seen from the park. Along with waterfowl, other types of birds commonly seen at the park include wading birds such as herons and egrets, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors.

Twenty lakefront cottages are available for rent in the park. The cottages are located on the Carlyle Lake shoreline offering a spectacular view of the lake. The 780 square foot units contain a kitchenette, bar, living area, bedroom, loft and deck. The kitchenette is equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and sink. Other amenities include cable tv, linens, and cookware. Twelve complimentary boat docks are available to cottage renters upon request. For more information on prices and availability, please call 1-877-342-8862 or 618-594-3386.

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is probably best known for its camping facilities. The Illini Campground has 328 Class A campsites with 30 and 50 amp electrical hook-ups, 36 Class C campsites for walk-in tent camping and two rustic rent-a-cabins. Cabin Reservation Form | Campground Reservation Form

Seven Class A campsites are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. The campground occupies almost 1 1/2 miles of the Carlyle Lake shoreline, and most of the campsites are within easy reach of the water. Many campers keep their boats in the coves located along the campground. Illini Campground Map

Three shower buildings are located in the campground, plus numerous privy toilets. Recreational amenities include several sets of playground equipment, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, an amphitheater, and hiking trails. Plenty of parking is available for vehicles and boat trailers. To register for a campsite see one of the campground hosts or a site security officer.

Reservations can be made for Class A sites 1 -65 (reservation sites map). Reservations are accepted by mail only in January and starting in February, by mail or in-person for the remainder of the year. A maximum of six reservations per person, per envelope are accepted. A non-refundable fee of $5 plus the first night's camping fee must be included with the reservation. Contact the park office for further information at 618-594-3015.

The Eldon Hazlet Campground Store, located at the entrance to the Illini Campground, is a 2,000 square foot store with contains groceries, camping and fishing supplies, clothes, live bait, ice and fire wood. A public laundry room and outdoor patio are also available. Please call the store at 618/594-3387 for hours of operation.

South Shore State Park is a 3-mile long park located on Carlyle Lake's southeast side, approximately 3 miles east from the City of Carlyle on Route 50. The park provides recreational opportunities, including a small boat access, day-use areas for picnicking, a 3/4 mile hiking trail, as well as outstanding bank fishing opportunities. Observing wildlife, especially white-tailed deer, is another popular activity. For more information on South Shore State Park, call Eldon Hazlet Site Office at 618-594-3015.

Group Camping

Youth group camping is available at the Osage Youth Group Area. With easy access to the lake and plenty of hiking trails, this area is a favorite of Scout and Church groups. The campground has a picnic shelter, privy toilets and drinking water. Although the area is not reservable, it is very large and can accommodate hundreds of campers. Youth groups may schedule nature hikes or interpretive programs by calling the site interpreter.