The best camping near Carlyle Lake

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

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Carlyle Lake

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Carlyle 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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Sugarloaf Creek

1 site · RV7 acres · Dupo, IL

A wooded, country oasis located 20 minutes away from downtown St. Louis. Plenty of city adventures to be had or relax on the peaceful deck overlooking a small creek. Some nearby local hiking spots near the Mississippi River flood plains. Fire pit available for use. Water and 30 AMP electric hookup.

I-55 RV Park

20 sites · RVs3 acres · Edwardsville, IL

Welcome to I-55 RV Park We are a brand new, big-rig friendly RV park right off the highway where we will do our utmost to make your stay relaxing and memorable. Please note, we do not have a bathhouse at this time. We look forward to having you stay with us! Come enjoy a nice and relaxing stay at our brand new RV park. We are big rig friendly with 20 full-hook up sites (water, electric, sewer). We are located right off Highways I-55 and 143 at Exit 23. Edwardsville, Plummer Family Park, World Wide Technology Raceway, Nickel Plate Bike Trail, Downtown St. Louis, and many other tourist destinations are nearby.

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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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Fresh Retro Glamping

1 site · Lodging1 acre · St. Louis, MO

Stay in the heart is St. Louis on The Hill near all of the big attractions! You will have your own private yard space and your 200 sq. ft. cabin has heating and air conditioning . The list of attractions within 1.5 miles of your Fresh Retro Glamping cabin includes: Berra Park, Forest Park, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, The Muny, The Science Center, Missouri Botanical Gardens, The History Museum and Tower Grove Park. Walk the safe vibrant neighborhood to enjoy the parks with playgrounds, many restaurants, delis, Italian groceries, piazza, and coffee shops.

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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.

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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!

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Urban Surprise

1 site · RV1 acre · St. Louis, MO

Located just minutes from downtown St. Louis, Urban Surprise is in a secure parking area with 30 amp, water, and sewer. Close to many popular spots including Busch Stadium, Arch, Forrest Park, St Louis City SC and Convention Center. Whether you're staying for a long visit or just a quick stop, there is lots to see and do nearby. The large gravel lot (22'x60') where you'll be staying is in a fenced area with cameras and good lighting. Gate opens to 15'. Must be self-contained as there are no bathrooms on site. Potable water is available via spigot. Wifi is included. No fires and please clean up after your pets. The location is urban. It's not in a tranquil country setting. Lots of hustle and bustle, city sights and sounds. Located in the neighborhood of Hyde Park. Lots of interesting architecture and history. There is also an Airbnb located at this property and can be booked separately. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/815996783041353041?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=5012e5e0-3425-4ca5-ac41-51d5afd9f2e8

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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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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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The Farm Girl and Friends

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Litchfield, IL

This land is a working animal farm. There are many farm animals to see here. You can pet goats, donkeys, rabbits, and many more. Located off of the Litchfield exit on interstate 55 just 52 miles from STL... Bring your Camper or pitch a tent on site of a working animal farm. If you like panoramic views of gorgeous sunsets, petting farm animals, relaxing in a peaceful setting this place is for you. Just minutes from shopping and restaurants in Litchfield. It’s about a 5 minute drive to Gillespie lake where the fishing is excellent also they have a really nice beach roped off for swimming and it’s free of charge. Experience taking a nice hot shower in an outdoor shower. Also there is a sink with running water available and a private porta-potty. There is one 50 amp electric outlet for a camper Available for an additional $10 a night fee. Which can be reduced to 30 amps if needed. Please let us know at the time of booking to reserve the electrical outlet otherwise we cannot guarantee availability. This is a delightful place to be if your searching for that farm experience! Come visit for a night or stay a few days I’ve been told by many of my visitors that they want to live here! Warning if you are not fond of animals or if you are allergic to cats or dogs this probably isn’t a good choice for you. Update due to social distancing and Covid-19 we have widened our campsites to create more privacy. We are honored to be chosen for Illinois and featured in the October 1 edition of Outside magazine. Like us on Facebook on The Farm Girl and Friends Petting Zoo page

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.