Coles Creek Campground

About

Coles Creek Campground occupies a prime position on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made lake at 26,000 acres. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and reservable through Recreation.gov, the campground offers 119 standard electric sites plus two group areas. Each site includes 20/30/50 amp electric service, a fire pit, and picnic table, with paved back-in driveways accommodating RVs up to 78 feet depending on the site. Modern facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and a dump station. The campground features a swimming beach, multiple playgrounds, boat ramps with courtesy docks, and an amphitheater for ranger programs. Carlyle Lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and offers excellent fishing for bluegill, crappie, catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and walleye. The campground operates seasonally with staff present from early May through late September. Sites along the shoreline are popular and book early during peak summer months. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located nearby at the dam, and the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center offers exhibits including a 215-gallon native fish aquarium.

Directions

From I-57, take Old U.S. Route 50 west for 19 miles through Salem, Odin, and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road and continue for 4 miles, then turn onto 1700 and continue until the road connects with 2400. Continue south to the Coles Creek entrance. Address: 16225 Coles Creek Rd, Carlyle, IL 62231.