McNair Campground is off to the side of one of Illinois’ most famous lakes. Open from April through November, this campground lets visitors take advantage of the warm summer months or stop by in the fall to see the leaves change color. Camping has always been my go-to activity if I need a break from my usual routine, and the McNair Campground is next on my list.

The Carlyle Lake Dam East-McNair Campground is split into three areas: the north loop, the south loop, and the spillway loop.

There are 47 reservable sites all of which have electrical hookups. The Spillway loop is the closest to the Carlyle Dam, but I would want to set up my camp on the south loop to be closest to the beach.

Carlyle Lake, a 25,000-acre reservoir, is our state’s largest manmade lake.

You will have more than enough elbow room to recreate on Carlyle Lake. Built in 1967, the Carlyle Dam modified the flow of the ​​Kaskaskia River to mitigate the risk of floods. Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that 1.74 million people visit the lake every year, many of whom stay at the McNair Campground.

Benches and picnic tables are sprinkled across the campground, some in the woods and others right next to the lake.

Definitely plan to bring some charcoal to set up the grill at one of the picnic pavilions. Be sure to stash your trash, as raccoons occasionally set up camp in the area as well.

Visitors to McNair Campground should make plans to explore Eldon Hazlet State Park which is located just a 15-minute drive away.

Eldon Hazlet State Park has six trails across its 3,000 acre site. The park offers views of McNair Campground from across Lake Carlyle.

Cherokee Trail Loop in Eldon Hazlet State Park is ideal for hikers of all levels.

Open year-round, this 2.1-mile loop trail will take you along Lake Carlyle on a mostly flat path. Eagle-eyed hikers might be able to spot a deer or fox camouflaged among the wilderness, but be sure to watch your step as some bridges and steps have tripped up hikers recently.

Back at the campgrounds, there are many spots to explore including McNair Beach.

Many guests go for a swim in the shallow part of the reservoir, while others might bring a kayak and paddle around. This is not the best spot for fishing, so if you are wanting to drop a line, I’d suggest going south of the dam to the tailwater to catch some bluegill, white bass, walleye, and carp.

NcNair Campground has places to wait out rainstorms or simply get out of the sun.

There are picnic tables to accommodate many parties wanting to dine in the picnic area. Bathrooms have air conditioning and the shower house is praised for its water pressure.

McNair Campground has sites specifically for campers, trailers and RV’s.

There is a single waste water hookup near the entrance to the campground, and for every two sites there is a drinkable water hookup that neighboring campers can share. Additionally, there are large grassy spaces where groups can set up tents if they would rather get a little closer to the great outdoors.

After taking a morning hike and spending the afternoon on the beach at McNair Campground, the part of me that craves a natural getaway would feel restored. While some stop by McNair Campground for just a day, others will set up for up to two weeks to take in every bit of this special spot in southern Illinois. Be sure to make a reservation online a few weeks in advance of your trip so spots don't fill up.

To wrap up your visit in Carlyle, consider treating yourself to a wine tasting at the nearby Twelve Oaks Vineyard. The family-owned vineyard makes guests feel right at home, so much so that many get concerned about going up a private driveway when they are driving up.

Whatever brings you to the Carlyle Lake area, there will be something for everyone whether that’s sunbathing, fishing, hiking or sipping wine.

What’s your go-to activity on camping trips?