Established Camping
Dam West Campground
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.
Description
US Army Corps of Engineers
Carlyle Lake
Overview
Dam West Campground is a recreation area 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.
Recreation
Dam West 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 is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as 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.
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
Dam West Campground is located in Illinois
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
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
Drive Time
- 50 min from St. Louis
- 1 hr 31 min from Springfield
- 1 hr 42 min from Decatur
- 2 hrs 1 min from Cape Girardeau
