The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports.
Amenities
• Biking
• Birding
• Boat Ramp
• Boating
• Drinking Water
• Educational Programs
• Fish Cleaning Stations
• Fishing
• Flush Toilets
• Grills
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Jet Skiing
• Lake Access
• Marina
• Nature Trails
• Picnic Shelters
• Visitor Center
• Restaurant
• Showers
• Swimming
• Tent Pads
• Trash Collection
• Water Skiing
• Wildlife Viewing
Overview
Fishing is a popular pastime, and white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short walk away.
This facility has one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as 15 non-reservable individual campsites that are open year-round. It is connected to the Dam East Recreation Area. There is a beach located nearby at the McNair Group Area.
Dam East Spillway has a reservable group picnic shelter situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois’ largest man-made lake.
The campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs.
A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam. The historic Swinging Bridge is just a short walk down river
DAM WEST REC. AREA:
14440 LAKE ROAD
CARLYLE IL 62231
PHONE: (618) 594-2484
Directions
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 38.63639, -89.37083 38°38’11″N, 89°22’15″W
From I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on Williams Road/1840 E. Williams Road will turn into Lake Road/1430 N. Continue on Lake Road south to the Dam West day use area, located on the left.
Dam West Recreation Area
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 38.62778, -89.35833 38°37’40″N, 89°21’30″W
From I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road. Continue for 1/2-mile and turn north on Lake Road to reach the campground or turn south to reach the day use area.
Dam West Spillway
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 38.60833, -89.35833 38°36’30″N, 89°21’30″W
From I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road. Continue for 1/2-mile to Lake Road and turn south, following signs to the park.
