Illinois / Clinton County

Dam East Rec. Area

Open — Open year-round as a day use area. Shelter hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. This is not an overnight camping facility.

About

Dam East Recreation Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, offering a peaceful retreat combined with access to Illinois' largest man-made lake. This day use facility provides excellent water access with two boat ramps, including one of the best high water ramps on the lake, plus a courtesy dock for boaters. Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre Carlyle Lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. The lake offers year-round fishing for bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and walleye. A reservable picnic shelter that accommodates up to 75 people is available for group gatherings. The area provides both water-based and shore activities. Visitors can walk or bike across the dam to reach Dam West facilities. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located nearby. Carlyle Lake is home to diverse wildlife and serves as a resting spot for migratory waterfowl, with six established Watchable Wildlife Sites featuring viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

Directions

From I-57, take Old U.S. Route 50 west for 37 miles to the Dam East entrance road and turn north. Turn east at the next intersection and continue for 1.2 miles to Dam East Day Use Area.

Nearby Campgrounds