Carlyle Lake Corps Campgrounds
There are five campgrounds situated on the Lake that are operated by the Corps of Engineers.  They are Dam West, Dam East, McNair, Boulder, and Coles Creek. 

Dam West, Dam East, and McNair Campgrounds are located closest to Carlyle, while Coles Creek and Boulder are located just 15 minutes north east on Carlyle off of Boulder Road.  Each of the Corps campgrounds include sites that offer great views of the Lake, except Dam East is located on the east side of the Kaskaskia River in the Spillway below the Dam.

The Carlyle Corps of Engineers can be contacted by calling 618-594-2484 or by visiting them on the Internet.  Campground reservations can be placed using either the Recreation.gov or the Reserve America websites.  Reservations can also be made by phone by calling 877-444-6777 or 877-833-6777 (TDD).

Dam West Campground

Dam West is probably the Corps' most popular campgrounds.  It includes many campsites located directly on the Lake.  Dam West is located also next door to West Access Marina and only a short drive from the Dam West Recreation Area (picnic areas, playgrounds, and beach).  Dam West is also closest to the City and its restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, and bike routes. 

Dam West is generally open from April to November and has 119 campsites. Electric and water hookup is available at 113 sites and 20 sites have full hookup.  Shower and restroom facilities are located at Dam West.

Dam East Campground

If you looking to take in some fishing with your camping at Carlyle Lake, you may strongly consider Dam East Campground.  Dam East has 15 campsites, is open all year, and is located right on the eastern bank of the Kaskaskia River in the Spillway area below the Dam.  Bank and boat fishing is extremely popular in this area of the Lake.

Each campsite at Dam East has electric hookup.  Dam East is also located just a short drive from the City and short walk or bike ride to the top of the Dam with its scenic views of Carlyle Lake.

McNair Campground

McNair is also located just a few minutes east of Carlyle, just off of U.S. Route 50 / Franklin Street.  McNair offers 32 campsites that are tucked away beneath a thick canopy of trees.

Some of the campsites at the top of the hill in McNair offer views of Carlyle Lake through trees.  In 2009, McNair will be open exclusively to walk-in campers.

Shower and restroom facilities are located at McNair.  A small playground and a beach is also located at McNair.  An unmarked trailhead to the Chipmunk Hiking Trail is located at the top of McNair.  The Chipmunk Trail is a short but scenic trail through a thick covering of trees and includes foot bridges to cross small creeks that run into the Lake.

Coles Creek Campground

Coles Creek is the Corp's largest campground with 148 campsites.  Many are located directly on the Lake and have great, scenic views. 

In 2009, Coles Creek is scheduled to be open for its entire season! Approximately 20 sites at Coles Creek offer full hookups.  Coles Creek offers a beach, a boat ramp with a large parking lot, restroom and shower facilities, and a Frisbee golf course. 

Boulder Campground

Boulder is the Corps campground that is farthest from Carlyle at about 15 minutes, but it also provides some of the best views of the Lake of any of the Corp's campgrounds.

Boulder has 87 campsites, none of which provide full hookups.  Shower and restroom facilities, however, are located on site.  A small playground is at Boulder, and a boat ramp and adjoining parking lot is located there, as well.  Boulder Campground is located right next to the Boulder Marina, which offers its sailors modern concrete docks, and air-conditioned lounge, and private shower facilities. 

Although the farthest from Carlyle, Boulder is still an easy drive to Carlyle should its campers need to visit Carlyle for groceries, supplies, or to dine in one of our selection of restaurants. 

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

Eldon Hazlet is one of the most popular camping areas in the State. Illini Campground has 328 Class A campsites with 30 and 50 amp electrical hook-ups. Many can accommodate 30 to 40-foot RVs. Thirty-six Class C campsites are available for walk-in tent camping, and two rustic cabins can be rented as well. Illini Campground is situated along 1.5 miles of the Carlyle Lake shoreline, and most campsites are within easy reach of the water. A nearby cove is close enough to allow many campers to keep their boats in the water while camping. Illini Campground is situated near bath and shower facilities, public laundry facilities, the Campground Store (a 2,000 square foot store with groceries and supplies), and a swimming pool with wading and swimming areas made for families with small children. For more information about the Park and about camping reservations, contact Park staff at 618-594-3015.
Visit website.

Hickory Shores Resort

Hickory Shores Resort maintains 147 campsites available for use by tent campers or those with RVs. Most provide full utility hook-ups (sewer, water and electric). Hickory Shores offers two swimming pools; a “country store” with groceries and supplies; courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis; three playgrounds and video games; and a mini golf course. Hickory Shores is located approximately ten miles north of Carlyle near the western shore of the Lake. Call 618-749-5288 for information and reservations.
Visit website.

Explore Carlyle Lake Campgrounds in Google Earth

Click here to download a KML in Google Earth to explore the locations of Carlyle Lake Campgrounds. 

Click here to download the Carlyle restaurant KML and click here to download a KML detailing the location of Carlyle's grocery and gas stations/convenience stores. 

Back To Top