Carlyle is known for outdoor recreation like camping and fishing
Settled along the reservoir that shares its name, Carlyle is a city of about 3,200. With its surrounding woodlands, this seat of Clinton County has developed a reputation as a destination for the outdoors. “It’s a camping, sailing hotspot,” says Stephen Ellerbrake, a broker with Keller Williams Pinnacle. Combined with lower-than-average real estate prices and easy access to Saint Louis and Scott Air Force Base, Carlyle is popular with potential homeowners who’d like to spend their weekends in the great outdoors.
Real estate prices are lower than metro averages
The central part of Carlyle is laid out in a grid pattern typical of Southern Illinois towns. Lots are typically under a quarter-acre in size, with backyards that end in back-alley outbuildings like sheds or one-car garages. Turn-of-the-century Cape Cods and National homes are typical of the area, selling between $80,000 and $270,000 depending on condition. Midcentury homes are also available, ranging from $105,000 to $215,000. New Traditional and ranch-style homes from the early 2000s are frequently in more spread-out subdivisions further north and west. Lots here are generally somewhat larger, often reaching half an acre. These properties are usually priced from $250,000 to $330,000. The median selling price for single-family homes in Carlyle is around $195,000, lower than the Clinton County median of about $205,000. Average home values are in the $180,000s, about $140,000 less than the St. Louis metro area’s average.
Carlyle Lake is one of the largest in Illinois
Carlyle Lake is the centerpiece of local outdoor recreation. At 26,000 acres in size, it’s popular among anglers, boaters and picnickers. “Outside of the Great Lakes, it’s the largest in the state,” says Ellerbrake. “It’s basically what everyone comes to the area for.” Eldon Hazel State Park is a 3,000-acre green space on the lake’s southwestern shore. In addition to boat access, Eldon Hazel has 9 miles of hiking trails, over 300 campgrounds and hunting grounds for deer and pheasant. Other RV and tent camping sites, including Carlyle Dam West and McNair campgrounds, are available. Governors Run is a public, 18-hole championship golf course with a clubhouse, pro shop and regular tournaments.
Restaurants pay homage to Cajun and African aesthetics
Much of Carlyle’s shopping is along 12th Street and Highway 50. Big-box stores and familiar franchises, including Walmart Supercenter and IGA Grocery, are available. Swamp Tales is a bar and restaurant with a Cajun-infused menu, including po’boy sandwiches, frog legs and gumbo. Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery leans into a safari theme with taxidermied big game animals and a grass hut-style bar. The menu features locally made wine and laid-back fare like fried chicken and pulled pork.
The Clinton County Fair takes place every summer
Held every summer since 1951, the Clinton County Fair is one of the largest annual events in Carlyle. Over a week, visitors and locals can enjoy rides, food and activities like live stock exhibitions, a parade and the crowning of that year’s Miss Clinton County Fair. Carlyle Lake is one of the annual King Kat tournament trail sites, where anglers compete for cash prizes.
Carlyle High has success with its basketball teams
Carlyle Community Unit School District Number 1 serves area students and has a C-plus from Niche. In 2025, Carlyle High School’s boys basketball team reached the regional semifinals, while the girls basketball team reached the regional finals.
Scott Air Force Base and St. Louis are easily accessible
U.S. Route 50 and State Route 127 converge in Carlyle, offering straightforward access to Scott Air Force Base and St. Louis, about a 40-minute and hour-long drive, respectively. Primary healthcare services are available at Clinton County Rural Health Carlyle. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese has emergency services and specialty clinics.
