Established Camping
Coles Creek Recreation Area
Coles Creek Recreation Area, near Carlyle, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With spacious sites that offer a mix of shade and open areas, it’s perfect for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.
This campground boasts clean facilities, including well-kept bathrooms and a dump station, which visitors have praised. Many sites are conveniently located near the water, making it easy to enjoy fishing or just relaxing by the lake. As one camper noted, “The whole campground is fairly flat, so the sites are level and easy to get into.”
Families will appreciate the playground and picnic areas, along with a beach nearby for swimming and sunbathing. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it a great place to unwind and connect with nature. Campers have shared that it’s a wonderful spot for making new friends and enjoying quality time together.
Coles Creek is also a short drive from local stores and restaurants, so you won’t be too far from supplies or a good meal. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, this campground offers a welcoming environment and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Description
US Army Corps of Engineers
Carlyle Lake
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.
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.
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.
Location
Coles 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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
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
