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Established Camping

Dam West Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dam West Campground, near Carlyle, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for families and outdoor lovers alike. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to various camping styles, ensuring everyone can find their perfect setup.

This campground is known for its spacious sites and clean facilities, making it a comfortable place to unwind. Visitors rave about the well-kept grounds and the inviting beach area at Carlyle Lake, which is perfect for swimming and picnicking. One camper noted, “The sites are beautiful and well maintained! Great place to bike, hike, and swim at the beach.”

While the campground doesn’t take reservations, it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. It’s wise to arrive early or plan ahead if you want a prime spot. The campground also offers amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, so you can enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

For those looking to explore, there are plenty of trails for biking and walking nearby, along with easy access to local conveniences like Walmart and McDonald's. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Dam West Campground provides a welcoming atmosphere and a great base for outdoor adventures.

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Location

Dam West Campground is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

801 LAKE ROAD
Carlyle, IL 62231-9703

Coordinates

38.6277778 N
89.3583333 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 5, 2025

Lakeside Escape

We camped right on the lake with a great view.  This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper.  There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning.  Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured.

Site50
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Dam West Campground by Cody S., January 5, 2025
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2021

Nice Campground, Fills Up Quickly

We arrived at this campground at 11am on a Friday only to find that that the first-come, first-serve sites were already full. From driving around it looks like a very nice campground. The location of prime and the beach at Dam West is great for the kids! We spent an afternoon there and enjoyed a picnic and swimming. Our advice would be reserve a spot ahead of time and do some months in advance is possible. After talking to the campground host, it sounds like they go fast.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Dam West Campground by Brooke C., October 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Dam West Campground by Brooke C., October 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Dam West Campground by Brooke C., October 11, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

We camp here every summer!

We love Lake Carlyle and Dam West is a great place to camp. CLEAN (and air conditioned) bath houses. The sites are beautiful and well maintained! Great place to bike, hike, and swim at the beach. Close to Wal-Mart and McDonalds!! 😉

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2019

Our Favorite Campground!!!

We have been visiting this campground for 4 years! The campground has it all. Full hookups, reservable sites, walk up sites, and all sites are large! Full hookup sites are booked solid so make sure you go online 6 months out or you are out of luck. The campground is perfect for taking long walks and bike riding.
There are two swimming pools close by but none in the campground.
This is a COE campground and takes our senior pass. This is, by far, one of the nicest campgrounds we have been to and we are so fortunate that it’s so close to home.

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2019

First come first serve!

This is an ACOE so it is inexpensive and clean😊. There's lots of shade, level lots and waterfront sites. Though there is no water access on each site, it's not far from anyone. Tents are permitted on grass, which you will want to do because the pads have a large gravel on them. Sites are not reservable and campground has been crowded the entire time I have been here. Two weeks is the maximum stay. And it is enforced. [$18 per night]. They do accept America the beautiful pass.

  • Review photo of Dam West Campground by Jubilee C., June 9, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prices and fees for camping at Dam West Campground on Carlyle Lake?

Dam West Campground is an Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) facility, making it an inexpensive camping option. The campground offers a variety of sites including full hookups and non-hookup options. Prices are typically lower than private campgrounds in the area. Full hookup sites are in high demand and should be reserved 6 months in advance to secure a spot. Some first-come, first-serve sites are also available, but these fill up quickly, especially on weekends. For the most current pricing information, it's advisable to check the official ACOE website or contact the campground directly before planning your trip.

What recreation activities are available at Dam West Recreation Area?

Dam West Recreation Area offers numerous activities for visitors. The beach is a highlight, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The lake provides excellent opportunities for various watersports, and there's a marina available. The area is great for biking and hiking with well-maintained trails. Wildlife observation is rewarding, with many migrant waterfowl including pelicans, egrets, and blue herons. The campground's layout makes it ideal for long walks, and the spacious grounds allow for plenty of outdoor recreation. For those wanting convenience, the location is also close to town amenities like Walmart and restaurants.

Is there a map available of Dam West Campground in Carlyle, Illinois?

Yes, maps of Dam West Campground are available. The campground features different sections with various site types including full hookups, water/electric, and basic sites. Maps can be obtained at the entrance station upon arrival or from the official Army Corps of Engineers website for Carlyle Lake. A map is helpful for identifying the waterfront sites, which are particularly desirable, and for locating amenities like bathhouses and the beach access points. Having a map will also help you navigate the campground's road system during your stay.

What do visitor reviews say about Dam West Campground and beach?

Dam West Campground is consistently praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained grounds. Campers appreciate the spacious, level sites, many with beautiful lake views. The campground features clean, air-conditioned bathhouses with separate toilet and shower rooms. The beach area is particularly popular for families with children. Campers note that while not all sites have water hookups directly at the site, water sources are conveniently located throughout the campground. The atmosphere is described as peaceful and heavenly, with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Full hookup sites are highly sought after, and the campground is not open year-round. Most sites are well-spaced, and many offer shade, though some lakefront locations have limited tree cover.