Best Camping near Carlyle Lake

98% (609 reviews)

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Carlyle Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Carlyle Lake

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Dam West Recreation Area and Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents In Carlyle Lake

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Illini Campground

366 sites · RVs, Tents In Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

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Washington County Campground

39 sites · RVs, Tents In Washington County State Recreational Area

Boulder Campground

82 sites · RVs, Tents In Carlyle Lake

Coles Creek Recreation Area and Campground

119 sites · RVs, Tents In Carlyle Lake

Stephen A. Forbes Campground

55 sites · RVs, Tents In Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

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Pyramid Campground

68 sites · RVs, Tents In Pyramid State Recreation Area

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Gun Creek Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Rend Lake

Hickory Grove

45 sites · RVs, Tents In Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

White Oak Campground

90 sites · RVs, Tents In Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

Sam Dale Lake Campground

69 sites · RVs, Tents In Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Horseshoe Lake Campground

48 sites In Horseshoe Lake State Park

Horseshoe Lake Group Camp

1 site In Horseshoe Lake State Park

Wayne Fitzgerrell Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents In Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

Dale Miller Youth Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Rend Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlyle Lake

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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. Such as pony rides, birthday parties, weddings, camp outs, and so much more. We sell fresh laid farm eggs for $5 cash a dozen. To purchase eggs, call or text Nancy (618)601-4645 Pony rides are $30 cash, and by appointment only. They are hand led, and approximately 20-30 minute. The child will be hand led around the farm. If you would like to schedule a ride please message Maryann @ (618)610-9282. 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 the 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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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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The way back

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Brighton, IL

Wanna get away? This is a no frills simple site. There is city water hookup and a standard RV 50amp/110v service on site.. Thats about it. You'll likely have no other human contact, just you and the stars. Relax and enjoy. Private, quiet and peaceful.

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Camp Lakewood Campground

58 sites · RVs10 acres · Effingham, IL

Welcome to Camp Lakewood Campground! We are your premier Campground in Effingham, Illinois. We are proudly family-owned and operated by Kiefer Campgrounds. Kiefer Campgrounds are part of a collection of parks that spare no expense to ensure your stay with us is nothing less than the BEST! We are ideally located within 1 mile of I-70 and I-57, and we are open year round. We are also golf-cart friendly. Please visit www.camplakewoodcampground.com or give us a call at 217-342-1111 for more details.

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(21)

MC Lodging

15 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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Hidden Waters At Buttercup Ranch

3 sites · Tents30 acres · Millstadt, IL

Camp on our farm! Canoeing, fishing, and farm tour are available while you relax in the great outdoors. Lush greenery, beautiful lakes, and friendly animals will surround you. Secluded primitive campsites also have firepits (wood included) for cooking. Shared flushable porta -potty for your convenience.

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(61)

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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Triangle H Farm, LLC

8 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Edwardsville , IL

Once a large cattle operation, Triangle H Farm has evolved through being a corn, soybean and horseradish farm before its present use as a horse boarding, training, and lesson facility. As a matter of fact, depending upon the season, you can schedule a tour of our horseradish farm. We are top 10 producers of horseradish in the nation! Come see our 100 acres of camping possibilities and enjoy nature at its finest! We look forward to having you with us.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or plug in your RV (30 or 50 amp, or 110 volt) on our 110 acre horse farm. Choose between staying up closer to the barns or out in the timber. We have a nice primitive spot under a 100+ year old cottonwood tree that is near a stream. There is a picnic table there as well. About 1.25 mile down the trail from the main barn is a walnut grove with a picnic table. The same stream runs past the walnut grove. There is a spot for a fire too. If you want more rustic, feel free to cross the creek to the timber and choose a primitive camping spot there. Enjoy mowed trails to hike or bike. Water (from hydrants and hoses) and portopotty are up near main barns. We have 60 horses on the farm as well as goats, cats, and chickens. We do not offer access to horses unless you're in a riding lesson, or have scheduled a pony riding session. We look forward to sharing our little piece of heaven with you!

Booked 3 times

Middle Eden

2 sites · Tents16 acres · Fairview Heights, IL

We are developing an agroforestry biome that mimics the original pre-Columbian oak/hickory savanna! Learn more about this land: Camp in a beautiful, 16 acre permaculture paradise, surrounded by oaks, pecans, apples, hazelnuts, mulberry, and black/honey locust. We have an established campfire area with free firewood. It's a short 500 foot walk from parking to the campfire area and diverse tenting locations. Our RV area is closer to the road, but there is no turn around for RVs. They must be backed in.

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Atkins' Acres Educational Farm

1 site · Tent17 acres · Millstadt, IL

We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit educational farm. We teach gardening techniques, 4-H programs, Jr Master Naturalist programs, and how to be good stewards of the environment. We are taking row crops out of service and restoring the land to it's previous native condition. Tours are available at no cost by request. Note - the camping area is approximately 200 yards from where you will park. If we are available, we can support with moving your supplies. However, if we are not home at the time of your arrival, you will need to walk your supplies in.

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Kaskaskia River Camping & RV Park

41 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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Timberline Ridge

2 sites · Lodging, RVs40 acres · Carlinville, IL

Escape to our charming tiny log cabin nestled in the heart of nature. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a serene retreat, our cozy cabin offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Located in an open area, the cabin sits near several camper sites, creating a warm, communal atmosphere. Enjoy shared amenities like a fire pit and a peaceful pond—perfect spots to unwind and connect with fellow travelers. Relax on the spacious deck and soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With nearby hiking trails and quaint local shops, there’s plenty to explore during your stay. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature in our tranquil hideaway.

The best camping near Carlyle Lake guide

Overview

Camping at Carlyle Lake means access to over 1,500 options, all set near Illinois’ largest manmade lake. You’ll find everything from wooded tent clearings to lakeside spots with easy access for fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. Prices start as low as $10 a night, with an average stay around $42—budget-friendly, even for longer trips. Campsites like Grove On Top Possum Hill (159 reviews) put you among mature oaks with wide-open skies, while Happy Trails Farm Resort (86 reviews) is known for its well-kept grounds and friendly hosts. The Farm Girl and Friends (68 reviews) sits right on the edge of prairie grassland, making it a solid pick for wildlife spotting. Showers, pet-friendly rules, and campfires are standard at most sites. You won’t need to look far for a spot that fits your style—Carlyle Lake covers the basics, then goes further with wide-open water, trails, and plenty of space to spread out.

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