DAM WEST DAY USE

Carlyle Lake · Illinois · Recreation.gov

DAM WEST DAY USE cancellation alerts

DAM WEST DAY USE is usually sold out. Get a free email when a cancellation opens: pick your dates and we check Recreation.gov every 30 minutes.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) · 2 sites · $30/night

Watch DAM WEST DAY USE for free Book on Recreation.gov · Google Maps

About

Dam West Day Use 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.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.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. 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 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 designated swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam. For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.The day use area has two reservable picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 75 people each, as well as a boat ramp and fish cleaning stations. The facility has access to a marina and boat storage facility. Camping is available at the adjacent Dam West Campground. Visitors can walk or bike across the dam to the Dam East facilities and McNair Group Area.

Amenities

Toilets (flush)
Showers

Availability at DAM WEST DAY USE

CampFinder checks Recreation.gov every 30 minutes, around the clock, and emails you when a booked-up night opens back up. That catches most cancellations, which sit open for hours; at the few campgrounds that refill in seconds it can miss the race. Set up a free availability alert for DAM WEST DAY USE.