Illinois / Clinton County

Boulder Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 18, 2025 through October 13, 2025. All sites are reservable via Recreation.gov.

About

Boulder 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. The campground offers 82 electric campsites, all with lake views and some perched directly on the shoreline. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit. Modern amenities include flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. The campground is adjacent to Boulder Day Use Area which provides a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. The 26,000-acre Carlyle Lake, created in 1967, is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and offers year-round fishing for bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and walleye. On-site facilities include a playground and amphitheater for educational programs. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife and serves as a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. Six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers are open to the public around the lake. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam, and the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center features nature exhibits including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

Directions

Address: 25501 Boulder Access Rd, Shattuc, IL 62231. From I-57, turn west onto Old U.S. Highway 50. Continue for 19 miles through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road and follow seven miles to the campground.

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