Eldon Hazlet State Park - United States
Discover the RVezy RV rental marketplace
About Eldon Hazlet State Park
RV quick facts for Eldon Hazlet State Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full hookups | Electric hookups at most campsites; select sites offer water and sewer |
| Dump station | On-site RV dump station available for registered campers |
| Max RV length | Large pull-through and back-in sites accommodate most Class A, Class C, and fifth-wheel rigs |
| Reservation window | Reservations through the Illinois DNR Camp Illinois system, typically up to six months in advance |
| Cell service | Generally reliable on major US carriers across the campground loops |
| Road restrictions | No tunnels, mountain passes, or weight-restricted approaches; paved interior roads |
| Generator hours | Quiet hours enforced overnight; generator use restricted during quiet hours per park rules |
Featured RV rentals for Eldon Hazlet State Park
Delivery only
SuperhostBest time to visit Eldon Hazlet State Park
Late spring through early fall is the prime window, with May, June, and September offering warm days, active wildlife, and manageable humidity. July and August are peak season for boating and swimming on Carlyle Lake but bring heat, storms, and weekend crowds, so reservations are essential. Early spring and October are quieter shoulder periods with cool nights and good birding, though some loops and amenities may be on a reduced schedule.
Cold winter conditions; campground services limited
Cold and often icy; limited amenities
Shoulder season; variable weather
Mild with spring storms
Warm and green; strong camping month
Peak boating season begins
Hot and humid; holiday weekends book out fast
Peak season; storms possible
Warm days and cool nights; excellent shoulder month
Fall color and quieter loops
Cool; some loops close for the season
Cold; most campground services closed for winter
Things to do at Eldon Hazlet State Park
- Boating and Sailing on Carlyle Lake EasyRV parking available
Carlyle Lake is the largest man-made lake in Illinois and a top destination for sailing, power boating, and personal watercraft. The park marina offers launch ramps and slips, with easy access from the main campground.
- Fishing at Peppenhorst Branch and Main Lake EasyRV parking available
Anglers target largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish from shoreline points and boats. Several fishing access points include nearby parking suitable for trucks and tow vehicles.
- Cherokee Hiking Trail ModerateRV parking available
The Cherokee Trail is a multi-loop footpath winding through wooded ravines and along quiet coves of Carlyle Lake. It offers several miles of rolling terrain and is the park's primary hiking option.
- Equestrian Trails and Horse Campground ModerateRV parking available
Eldon Hazlet maintains designated bridle trails and a separate equestrian camping area for riders bringing horse trailers. The routes explore prairie restorations and woodland edges away from the main campground.
- Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing EasyRV parking available
The park's mix of prairie, forest, and lakeshore makes it a productive stop for birders, with waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds common throughout the seasons. Fall and spring migrations bring especially diverse species to Carlyle Lake.
- Picnicking at Lakeview Shelters EasyRV parking available
Multiple picnic areas overlook Carlyle Lake with shaded tables, grills, and reservable shelters. Parking lots at the larger shelters accommodate trucks, vans, and most motorhomes.
- Swimming Beach Access EasyRV parking available
Designated swim areas along Carlyle Lake provide sandy entry points for summer visitors. Day-use parking is near the main park road and easy to reach from campground loops.
RV delivery to 20 campgrounds
Skip the pickup. Skip the towing. Get an RV delivered and set up at your campsite so you can arrive, unpack, and start your trip stress-free.
Choose your perfect RV
Browse RVs that offer delivery to your site and book the one that fits your budget and adventure style.
Lock in your campsite
Reserve your campsite with the hookups and amenities you need. We’ll help you find RVs that meet site requirements.
Arrive and relax
Your host delivers and sets up the RV before you get there. Just show up and start enjoying your trip.
Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
RV Rentals Eldon Hazlet State Park
Eldon Hazlet State Park, IL, United States
How to get to Eldon Hazlet State Park
The park is about 50 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri (roughly a one-hour drive) and about 65 miles southeast of Springfield, Illinois (around 75 minutes). From Interstate 64, exit at IL-127 and head north through Carlyle, then follow signs west of the lake to the park entrance. Roads into the park are flat, paved, and RV-friendly with no tunnels or steep grades, though drivers should watch for low-clearance picnic shelters and tight turns inside some campground loops. The nearest major airport for fly-and-rent trips is St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
RVezy rentals
- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability