Agencies
Services
Eldon Hazlet SRA 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.
A campground store and public swimming pool are located at the campground. Camping reservations can be made online at ExploreMoreIL™.
Camping
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.
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.
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.
Reservations can be made online at ExploreMoreIL™ for Class A sites 1-65, Handicap Site 93, Rent-A-Cabins, and shelters. Reservations for regular campsites require a $5 non-refundable reservation fee and payment of the full camping and utility fees at the time the reservation is made.
Campsites may be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights per 30-day period and reservation must be made at least five days before the campsite is needed. Reservations for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Columbus Day weekends require a three-night minimum stay. All other weekends require a two-night minimum stay. Cancellations made five days before arrival will lose the $5 reservation fee, but the remainder of the camping fee will be refunded. Cancellations made less than five days before arrival will be charged the $5 fee and the first nights camping fee; the remainder of the camping fees will be refunded.
The Eldon Hazlet Campground Store, located at the entrance to the Illini Campground, is a 2,000-square-foot store which contains groceries, camping and fishing supplies, clothes, live bait, ice and firewood. A public laundry room and outdoor patio also are available. Please call the store at 618-594-8701 for hours of operation.
Camping Information & Campground Map
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 office.
Hazlet Cottages
Twenty cottages overlooking the lake are available for rent offering spectacular views of the lake and 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, call 618-594-8702 or e-mail HazletCottages@gmail.com or check the website at http://hazletcottages.com/
