Hide-A-Way Campground | Carlyle Lake

Hello, fellow Illinoisans! If you’re searching for that ideal spot to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy some quality time by the water without traveling too far, then Hide-A-Way Campground at Carlyle Lake in Keyesport is a destination you absolutely need to know about. For us living in the Prairie State, Carlyle Lake represents a vast expanse of recreational opportunity, and finding a "super friendly, fun camp" right on its doorstep is a genuine treasure. Hide-A-Way Campground offers that perfect blend of lakeside serenity and convenient access to all the activities Illinois’ largest man-made lake has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast, prefer the simplicity of tent camping, or are looking for a cozy cottage experience, Hide-A-Way Campground provides diverse options to suit your style. It's more than just a place to park your rig; it's a community-oriented campground that prides itself on creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for all its guests, all year long. Let’s dive into what makes Hide-A-Way Campground at Carlyle Lake a top choice for your next local Illinois adventure.

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Hide-A-Way Campground is conveniently situated at 1610 Mulberry St, Keyesport, IL 62253, USA. This prime location places it directly in Keyesport, a charming town that sits right on the western shore of Carlyle Lake. Carlyle Lake itself is a massive body of water, making it a significant hub for recreation in Southern Illinois. Its sheer size and clear waters are a major draw for visitors from across the state and beyond.

For us Illinois residents, the accessibility of Hide-A-Way Campground is a major advantage. Keyesport is located approximately 50 miles east of St. Louis, making it an easy drive for those in the Metro East area, and reasonably accessible from other parts of Illinois via major interstates like I-70 and I-57. The drive to Keyesport is generally straightforward, leading you to a peaceful retreat that still offers the convenience of being near local amenities. The town of Keyesport itself is described as "nice," adding to the overall pleasantness of the location and ensuring that while you're enjoying the campground, you also have easy access to any necessities or local spots you might want to explore.

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Hide-A-Way Campground at Carlyle Lake is designed to offer a variety of camping experiences, from rustic to more comfortable, ensuring there's something for every type of camper. Their range of services and amenities caters to both short-term visitors and seasonal campers:

• Diverse Campsite Options: Offers various types of campsites including primitive (non-electric), electric-only, electric & water, and pull-through sites. These are available in various sizes to accommodate everything from large RVs to tents.
• Seasonal Campsites: Provides seasonal sites (open May 1 to October 1) where campers can leave their RVs and decks on-site year-round, complete with water hookups, electric meters, picnic tables, fire rings, and personal keys to private seasonal showers.
• Cottage Rentals: Fully furnished cottages are available for those who prefer more of the comforts of home, requiring only personal items like towels and food.
• Hookups: Most RV and electric sites include 20-30-50 amp electric, water, and cable TV hookups.
• Basic Site Amenities: All sites come with a picnic table and fire ring. Non-electric sites also have picnic tables and fire rings, with numerous water spigots located throughout the park.
• Restrooms and Showers: Features clean restrooms and hot showers. Seasonal campers have access to private seasonal showers.
• Camp Store: A convenience store on-premise to keep campers stocked with necessities.
• Laundry Facilities: On-premise laundry for guest convenience.
• Pump-Out Service: Weekly pump-out service is available for a fee.
• 24-Hour Security: Provides a secure environment for all guests, with gate codes and car passes to manage entry.
• Recreational Equipment: Availability of equipment for activities like horseshoes, badminton, basketball, and volleyball. Also offers board games and free VCR movie rentals.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Allows pets, but they must be on a leash at all times or inside. Pet owners are responsible for cleanup.

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Hide-A-Way Campground at Carlyle Lake boasts several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in Illinois:

• Direct Access to Carlyle Lake: The primary highlight is its location directly on Carlyle Lake, Illinois's largest man-made lake. This provides immediate access to a wide array of water activities.
• Year-Round Operation: As noted by a reviewer, it’s a "nice, year around campsite," offering flexibility for planning trips beyond just the traditional summer season.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Reviewers describe it as a "super friendly, fun camp," indicating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for families and groups.
• Variety of Camping Styles: The availability of primitive sites, electric/water hookup sites, pull-throughs, and fully furnished cottages ensures that visitors can choose the camping experience that best suits their comfort level and equipment.
• Water Sports Hub: Carlyle Lake is renowned for boating, sailing (one of the top ten sailing lakes in the country), fishing (year-round varieties like bluegill, crappie, catfish, bass, walleye), and swimming. The campground's proximity to marinas, boat ramps, and potentially rental facilities (like those at Keyesport Harbor for jet skis and paddleboards) enhances the water recreation opportunities.
• Seasonal Camping Benefits: The option for seasonal campsites with year-round storage and personalized amenities like private shower keys is a significant draw for dedicated campers who want a consistent base at the lake.
• Organized Activities: While not extensively detailed, mentions of "organized activities" and "all free activities and all events" suggest that the campground provides entertainment and social opportunities for guests.
• Proximity to Carlyle Lake Attractions: Beyond the campground, visitors can explore the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, multi-use biking and walking trails near the dam, and various playgrounds and picnic areas around the lake.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Carlyle Lake is home to abundant wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl and other birds, with designated Watchable Wildlife Sites around the lake, offering excellent opportunities for nature observation.

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To inquire about reservations, seasonal site availability, or general questions for Hide-A-Way Campground | Carlyle Lake, you will need to contact them directly. While a phone number was not explicitly provided for this specific Carlyle Lake location in the initial data, general campground practice suggests reaching out via a central office number or their website if available. Given the provided address, you can use it to search for their official contact details:

• Address: 1610 Mulberry St, Keyesport, IL 62253, USA

For the most accurate and up-to-date contact information, including specific phone numbers for reservations or general inquiries for Hide-A-Way Campground at Carlyle Lake, it is highly recommended that you search online for their official website or listings on popular camping reservation platforms. This will ensure you connect directly with the Keyesport location.

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For us Illinoisans, Hide-A-Way Campground at Carlyle Lake is an ideal choice for a local getaway, perfectly blending the charm of a friendly campsite with the expansive recreational opportunities of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Its location in Keyesport provides a peaceful retreat that is still remarkably accessible from various parts of the state, making it a convenient option for a weekend trip or a longer vacation without extensive travel.

What makes this campground particularly suitable for locals is its year-round availability and diverse offerings. Whether you're an avid RVer looking for a seasonal spot, a family seeking a cozy cottage, or a tent camper wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, Hide-A-Way provides a tailored experience. The direct access to Carlyle Lake means endless possibilities for boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing – activities that define summer for many Illinois families. The "super friendly, fun camp" atmosphere ensures a welcoming environment where memories are easily made.

Choosing Hide-A-Way Campground means supporting a local business that caters to the recreational needs of our community. It offers a chance to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature and loved ones, all within the beautiful backdrop of Southern Illinois. For anyone in Illinois seeking a reliable, enjoyable, and accessible camping experience by the water, Hide-A-Way Campground at Carlyle Lake stands out as an excellent choice, promising fun and relaxation for all seasons.