Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area encompasses more than 3,000 acres on the west shore of Carlyle Lake. There is a wealth of recreational activity available which explains why nearly one million people visit Eldon Hazlet each year. This park has the largest camping area in the state of Illinois with a majority of the camp sites located on the shoreline of Lake Carlyle. There is a campground store onsite that has groceries, fishing supplies, food, and laundry facilities. There are also 20 lakefront cottages for guests that prefer more modern accommodations.

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is home to the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, a snake that is listed on the Illinois Endangered Species List and is the state’s smallest venomous snake, measuring less than 30 inches. Guests need not worry about an encounter with this snake. It is not aggressive and rarely seen.

The park also has a 3-acre tall grass prairie with more than 50 native plant species. Boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, sailing, and wildlife observation are among the recreational choices at Eldon Hazlet.

For more information about Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, write or call:

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
20100 Hazlet Park Road
Carlyle, IL 62231
(618) 594-3015

Directions:
From Mt. Vernon, take Interstate 64 east 25 miles and go north on Highway 127 for 16 miles to Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.

From Effingham, take Interstate 57 south 41 miles to Highway 50 and go west 16 miles to Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.

From St. Louis, take Interstate 70 east 52 miles to exit 52 and go south 11 miles to Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.

Back to Illinois Parks Index