Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is a public state park in Illinois near Carlyle in Clinton County. Spanning 12 acres, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

Location & Getting There

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is located near Carlyle, Illinois. The park’s coordinates are 39.4000, -89.6667.

Things to Do

Illinois state parks offer surprising geological diversity — from sandstone canyons and waterfalls in the south to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and Great Lakes shoreline in the north. Popular activities include hiking through dramatic canyon formations at Starved Rock and Matthiessen, fishing for bass and catfish in the state’s rivers and lakes, camping in forested settings along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, biking paved and gravel trails, birdwatching along major migratory flyways (Illinois sits on the Mississippi Flyway), cross-country skiing in winter, horseback riding on dedicated equestrian trails, and exploring historic sites from frontier forts to Lincoln-era landmarks.

Best Time to Visit

Illinois parks shine across all four seasons. Spring (April–May) brings peak waterfall flow at Starved Rock and Matthiessen after snowmelt, plus wildflower carpets in the canyon floors. Summer (June–August) is ideal for swimming, Lake Michigan beaches, and river recreation — but canyon parks get crowded on weekends. Fall (September–November) delivers stunning foliage, especially in the southern Shawnee National Forest region, peaking mid-October. Winter transforms canyon parks into ice wonderlands — frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock are a major winter attraction. All Illinois state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.

Visitor Tips

All Illinois state parks offer free admission — there are no entrance fees or vehicle passes required. This makes Illinois one of the most visitor-friendly state park systems in the country. Camping fees are modest ($8–$35/night depending on amenities). Reservations are made through the Illinois DNR reservation system. Popular parks like Starved Rock fill parking lots before 9 AM on fall and spring weekends — arrive early. Many parks offer excellent lodge accommodations (Starved Rock Lodge, Pere Marquette Lodge, Giant City Lodge) for those who prefer indoor comfort with park access.

Explore More Illinois State Parks

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Illinois. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Illinois guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area — on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres) — provides exceptional outdoor recreation in the heart of the state. Carlyle Lake’s vast open water attracts massive concentrations of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds — the lake is designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. During peak fall migration, 100,000+ ducks and geese use the lake. American white pelicans — with 9-foot wingspans — stop during migration in spectacular flocks. Bald eagles fish the lake year-round. The lake supports excellent crappie, white bass, and largemouth bass fishing. The surrounding grasslands and forest support white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

Nearby Attractions

Carlyle Lake — Illinois’ largest lake — has multiple recreation areas and marinas. South Shore State Park provides additional lakeside recreation. Eldon Hazlet Marina offers boat rentals. Carlyle is a historic town with General Dean Suspension Bridge. Vandalia — Illinois’ second state capital (1820-1839) — has the Old State Capitol and Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site. Kaskaskia — Illinois’ first state capital — has a fascinating history of Mississippi River flooding. Breese offers small-town Midwest charm.

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Sangchris Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (within about an hour’s drive).

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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