Within Carlyle Lake's protected waters, Coles Creek Recreation Area spans 219 sites across multiple loops managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The campground sits on the lake's east side, away from the busier Hazlet State Park area, with most sites offering full hookups including 30 and 50 amp service.
All campsites sit either directly on the shoreline or within a short walk of the water. The terrain remains fairly flat throughout, making sites level and accessible for RVs, with several pull-through options available. Joel R. notes that "all the campsites are either on the shoreline or a short walk to the lake." A dedicated full hookup loop serves RVers, while four additional loops provide electric-only sites for varied camping preferences.
Rangers patrol daily, maintaining the facility's reputation for cleanliness that consistently impresses visitors. The bathhouse and restroom facilities receive particular praise from campers. A playground, fish cleaning station, boat ramp, and laundry area support family camping and fishing activities. The campground includes both reservable sites and a first-come, first-serve section.
Carlyle Lake draws anglers and boaters, recognized as one of the nation's top inland sailing destinations. However, campers should expect bugs during warmer months and plan for a 15-minute drive to reach stores and restaurants. The single dump station serves the entire facility, which can create wait times during busy periods. Pet-friendly camping near Carlyle Lake accommodates families traveling with dogs.
For those seeking alternatives, Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides a different lakeside experience just west of this location.
Description
Overview
Coles Creek Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis and a few miles from the town of Carlyle, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.
Recreation
Coles Creek 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 the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There are multiple playgrounds on-site, as well as a swimming beach and an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.
Facilities
Coles Creek Campground offers 119 campsites and two group camping areas. Each campsite comes eqipped with electric hookups and provides a picnic area with picnic table and fire pit. All sites are either directly on the shoreline or a short walk to the lake. Modern amenities like showers and flush toilets are provided. The campground is adjacent to the Coles Creek Day Use Area which features a reservable picnic shelter, as well as a designated swimming beach with its own shower facility.
Natural Features
Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.
Contact Info
Between 05/02/2025 and 09/27/2025 this location is staffed. Please call (618) 228-2197 to speak with local staff. From 09/28/2025 to 05/01/2026 this location is unstaffed. Please call (618) 594-2484 for general information.
Charges & Cancellations
Camping No Show - Camping no-show customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit their reservation. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. Cancellations - A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundColes Creek Recreation Area is located in Illinois
Directions
From I-57, take Old U.S. Route 50 west for 19 miles through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road and continue for 4 miles, then turn onto 1700 and continue until the road connects with 2400. Continue south to the Coles Creek entrance. Address: 16225 Coles Creek RD, Carlyle, IL 62231
Address
801 LAKE ROAD
Carlyle, IL 62231-9703
Coordinates
38.6569444 N
89.2602778 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 3/14/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/14/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/14/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 3/14/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/14/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 44 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 45 min from Decatur, IL
- 2 hrs 10 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
