Lake Carroll is a private 640-acre man-made lake located in Carroll County, Illinois. Access is restricted to members of the Lake Carroll Association and their guests. The lake features 22 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by 14.5 miles of hiking trails.

Two marinas serve the lake - one in the west and one in the east. The west marina provides a boat launch, parking, gas sales, concessions, restrooms, and a small beach. Boat size restrictions apply: runabouts, ski boats, and bass boats must be 21 feet or less, sailboats 24 feet or less, and pontoons 25 feet or less. Kayaking and canoeing are permitted.

The lake is open year-round for fishing, with a diverse range of species including sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, walleye, bass, muskie, northern pike, and catfish. A private fish hatchery stocks walleye annually. All smallmouth and largemouth bass are catch-and-release. Shore fishing is available at both marinas and the 3-Tubes area in the northeast corner.

From April 1 to October 31, docks and boat lifts are allowed in the water. In early November, the lake is drawn down 3 feet to allow shoreline maintenance and reduce winter erosion. The lake has a spillway to control water levels and an emergency spillway for flood management.

Lake Carroll actively monitors and maintains water quality through sediment and nutrient reduction programs. Wildlife in the area includes deer, bobcats, foxes, waterfowl, and songbirds. The surrounding landscape features undeveloped grasslands and woodlands, as well as managed prairie areas.

Paddlers should be aware that this is a private lake with specific rules and regulations. Guests must be accompanied by members, and all boaters must follow Lake Carroll Association guidelines.