Dam East Spillway
Closed — Open year-round for camping and day use. Shelter hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 18 at 1:36PM CST until January 19 at 10:00AM CST by NWS St Louis MO
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 11 below expected. * WHERE...Bond IL, Clinton IL, Fayette IL, Marion IL, and Madison IL Counties. * WHEN...From 3 AM to 10 AM CST Monday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken.
About
Dam East Spillway Day Use Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, offering convenient access to Illinois' largest man-made lake. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, this facility provides both day use amenities and year-round camping options. The area features one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, along with 15 individual campsites available throughout the year. Boating infrastructure includes a courtesy dock and two boat ramps, with one rated as among the best high-water boat ramps on the lake. The facility connects to the Dam East Recreation Area and provides access to a nearby beach at the McNair Group Area. Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre Carlyle Lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes. The lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round fishing for bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and walleye. An on-site playground and multi-use biking and walking trail located nearby make this a family-friendly destination. Carlyle Lake serves as a resting spot for migratory waterfowl, and six Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers are available 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 west at the next intersection and proceed west 1.2 miles to Dam East Spillway.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (618) 594-5253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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