Carlyle Lake is Illinois' largest in-land lake, covering 26,000 acres.  There is plenty of room for sailors, jet-skiers, water-skiers, and anyone wanting to boat! 

Public Boat Ramps

There are several locations near Carlyle from which boats can be launched for access to Carlyle Lake, the Spillway, and the Kaskaskia River.  Click here to download the Google Earth file of the locations of the boat ramps.  The table below summarizes the locations of boat ramps convenient to Carlyle:

West Access Marina

A year round facility for large and small boats alike, West Access is located at the southwest end of Carlyle Lake.  The marina is designed for your family's enjoyment with safe, clean facilities complying with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations while satisfying boaters' needs.

The Marina offers a galley with scenic views, a kitchen, dining and sitting areas, and clean restrooms and showers.  A store and gas pump are onsite. 

The marina is located between the Corps of Engineers Dam West Campground and the Visitors' Center and across the road from Governor's Run Golf Course.  Since it is located on the north edge of the City of Carlyle, you can walk or ride a bike to the business district, historic sites, swimming pool, tennis courts and nature trails.  For more information, call 618-594-2461.
Visit website.

Carlyle Lake Sailing Clubs

Located at the southern tip of Eldon Hazlet, the Carlyle Sailing Association is a family-oriented, public sailing club.  Club members and the general public have access to CSA facilities (with a paid fee).  Facilities include a 40-acre sailboat harbor, a galley with restrooms and showers, picnic and play areas, and a large shelter with electricity and barbecue pit.  CSA prides itself on providing its members fun, social activities throughout the year, for hosting junior and adult sailing camps, and hosting regional/national sailing events.   Visit website

Located at the West Access Marina, the Carlyle Yacht Club was founded in 1974 and is a member of the Yachts Clubs of America.  The CYC organizes races, regattas, and off-the-water social events and presentations of interest to boaters.                                                                                                 Visit website

Pontoon Boat Rentals

Carlyle Lake Rentals offers a selection of 8 different pontoon boats for rental.  Rentals is located at the West Access Marina, but can be contacted by calling 618-973-6188.                                                                                       Visit website

Carlyle Shops & Services

The City of Carlyle offers everything you need to facilitate your boating trip to Carlyle Lake.

More information on lodging at the Mariner's Village or Super 8 can be found by clicking here.

Carlyle is also home to 16 sit-down and fast-food restaurants, two grocery stores, and five gas and convenience stores that stock everything you might need to make your boating trip comfortable (click on any of the following links to download a KML in Google Earth).