Dam East Recreation Area, near Carlyle, Illinois, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy a mix of camping and outdoor activities. With a variety of sites available for tents, RVs, and even glamping, it’s a convenient choice for different camping styles.

This campground is known for its well-maintained facilities, including drinking water and electric hookups, which make your stay comfortable. Visitors have mentioned that the sites are surrounded by trees, providing a nice sense of privacy, even though it’s a smaller area. One camper noted, “Every camping spot has trees surrounding it, so it’s very nice.”

If you’re into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up the sun, you’ll find plenty to do here. The nearby Carlyle Lake is a popular destination for swimming and boating, and many campers enjoy picnicking in the scenic surroundings. As one reviewer put it, “It’s always a good time. There are plenty of areas to fish, hike, swim, picnic.”

While the campground has some restrictions, like no alcohol or fires allowed, it still offers a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends looking to unwind. Just keep in mind that it can get busy, especially during peak times, so plan accordingly. Whether you’re here for a weekend or just a day trip, Dam East Recreation Area has a lot to offer for a fun-filled outdoor experience.

## Overview

Dam East Recreation Area is 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. 

#### Natural Features:

Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nations 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.

#### Recreation:

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.  
  
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.

#### Facilities:

Dam East features a reservable picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as a boat ramp and courtesy docks. Visitors can walk or bike across the dam to the Dam West facilities and McNair Group Area. 

#### Nearby Attractions:

Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information, a gift shop and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish and a display featuring a live massasauga rattlesnake.

Dam East Recreation Area

Carlyle, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Carlyle, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Carlyle and user-submitted reviews.

Carlyle

The Best Camping Near Carlyle, Illinois

I passed by here and spoke to many people in the area about how the camping was. From the reports I received it seems like this is a great spot for families to have a weekend adventure or even just a daytime trip. The lake it self, which is a popular destination in this part of IL, is buzzing with swimmers,  boaters, beach volleyball players, and happy happy faces. Seems like a great place to check out if you need a place to rest in IL. 

A lite review

 Beautiful area to get out and have a picnic. The area is well maintained and it seems like a lot of people from the city take advantage of this place. Awesome!

Pavilions and Picnics

Small 13 site campground at the Spillway, 1/2 mile past McNair campground.  Sites are near the water.  Not very private as the day use area is here too.  Lots of fisherman

Small fishing campground

We love camping at all the campgrounds on Carlyle Lake. It’s always a good time. There are plenty of areas to fish, hike, swim, picnic.  Looking forward to another great year and fun filled camping and fishing.🎣

HappyCamper

Not free have to pay $18 a night. Every camping spot has trees surrounding it so it’s very 

Cool, safe campsite! 

East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground .   Quiet.  
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

Overall Rating:  4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway.   Spillway is not particularly pretty. 
Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass
Security: No gate
Usage during visit: 60% during the week
Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites:  No
Site Spacing:  Good
Pad surface: Blacktop 
Reservations:   Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov
Campground Noise:   Quiet
Outside Road Noise: No
Through Traffic in campground:    No
Electric Hookup:  Yes
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground 
Potable Water Available: At site
Bathroom: In adjacent day use area
Showers: No.   Nearby - check w host. 
Pull Throughs: Some 
Cell Service (AT&amp;T): 2 bars
Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway 
Recent Weather: 80s 
Insects: no
Host: yes
Rig Size: large 
Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.  

Photos of Dam East Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers