Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Massive Campground on Illinois’ Largest Man-Made Lake — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area on 26,000-Acre Carlyle Lake, 328 Electric-Hookup Campsites Making It One of Illinois’ Largest Campgrounds, Boat Launch and Marina Access to 26,000 Acres of Open Water, Fishing for Largemouth Bass Crappie Channel Catfish White Bass and Bluegill, Sandy Swimming Beach With Seasonal Lifeguards, Sailing and Water Skiing on Expansive Lake, Hiking Trails Through Grassland and Lakeshore Habitat, Equestrian Trails, Amphitheater With Seasonal Programs, Spectacular Sunset Views Over the Vast Lake, Near Carlyle Clinton County Southern Illinois Approximately 50 Miles East of St. Louis
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is a state recreation area on 26,000-acre Carlyle Lake — Illinois’ largest man-made lake and one of the largest lakes in the Midwest — near Carlyle, Clinton County, southern Illinois, approximately 50 miles east of St. Louis, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The park features 328 campsites with electric hookups making it one of the largest campgrounds in the Illinois state park system, a boat launch with access to 26,000 acres of open water ideal for sailing and water skiing, fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, white bass, and bluegill — with legendary spring white bass runs drawing anglers from across the region, a sandy swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards, hiking trails through grassland and lakeshore habitat with excellent birding, equestrian trails through the southern portion of the park, an amphitheater with seasonal interpretive programs, picnic areas with reservable shelters, a playground, and spectacular sunset views over the vast open lake surface.
Carlyle Lake is enormous — at 26,000 acres, it’s larger than many lakes visitors associate with “real” lake states like Minnesota or Wisconsin. The open-water sailing is exceptional — Carlyle hosts regional sailing regattas — and the spring white bass runs are a Southern Illinois tradition.
With 328 electric-hookup campsites, Eldon Hazlet is one of Illinois’ largest campgrounds — yet it can still fill up on holiday weekends given its proximity to St. Louis and the Metro East area.
Things to Do
- Fishing — bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, bluegill
- Camping — 328 electric-hookup sites
- Sailing — 26,000-ac open water, regattas
- Water skiing — vast lake surface
- Swimming — sandy beach, lifeguards
- Hiking — lakeshore grassland trails
- Equestrian — horse trails
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Carlyle, Clinton County, IL (~50 mi E of STL) |
| Lake | Carlyle Lake — 26,000 ac (IL’s largest) |
| Campsites | 328 — electric hookups (one of IL’s largest) |
| Fishing | Bass, crappie, catfish, white bass |
| Water Sports | Sailing, water skiing |
| Managed By | Illinois DNR |
| Coordinates | 38.6500° N, 89.3500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Carlyle Lake at Eldon Hazlet?
Carlyle Lake at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is 26,000 acres — Illinois’ largest man-made lake and one of the largest in the Midwest. The park near Carlyle in southern Illinois (about 50 miles east of St. Louis) has 328 electric-hookup campsites making it one of Illinois’ largest campgrounds, a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards, sailing and water skiing, fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass (legendary spring runs), hiking and equestrian trails, and spectacular sunset views. Managed by Illinois DNR.
Last updated: May 2026
Wildlife & Nature
Carlyle Lake’s importance as a migratory bird stopover cannot be overstated — the lake sits at the intersection of the Mississippi and Illinois River flyways, creating one of the Midwest’s most significant waterfowl concentration points. The lake’s shallow northern bays provide ideal foraging habitat for dabbling ducks — mallards, blue-winged teal, and northern shovelers tip up to feed on aquatic vegetation. Diving ducks — canvasbacks, ring-necked ducks, and lesser scaup — use the deeper open water. Shorebird migration brings hundreds of species through the exposed mudflats during drawdowns. The lake’s fishery supports channel catfish reaching 30+ pounds. Double-crested cormorants — colonial waterbirds — roost in large groups on standing dead timber.
Nearby Attractions
Carlyle Lake Wildlife Management Area provides additional birding access. Kaskaskia River — Illinois’ second-longest river — provides canoeing. Centralia has the Centralia Foundation for Arts and Education. Salem — birthplace of William Jennings Bryan — has historical attractions. Rend Lake is Illinois’ second-largest lake, offering additional recreation. Effingham has the 198-foot Cross at the Crossroads. St. Louis and the Gateway Arch are 60 miles west.
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