Each year, more than 800,000 visitors come to Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, a gorgeous 3,000 acre site located on the west shore of Carlyle Lake. Main features include a swimming pool and opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching and hiking.

Hazlet is best known for its camping facilities. It boasts one of the largest campgrounds in the Illinois State Park system. The Illini Campground has hundreds of campsites with electrical hook-ups, walk-in tent camping and two rustic Rent-A-Cabins. Campsites are within reach of the lake.

Don’t like to camp? Then you should think about staying at the Hazlet Cottages. Cottage renters will be able to relax while enjoying spectacular views of the lake.

Another perk of Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is that you can bring your pets.

And if you are a sailing enthusiast, you will feel right at home at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area. Carlyle Lake is one of the Midwest’s most popular sailing destinations. Regional and national regattas are held there, and, in 1994 the U.S. Olympic Festival games sailing competition was hosted by the park and Carlyle Sailing Association.

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