Dam West Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Operates approximately early May through late September. Reservations accepted via Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 14 days per 30-day period. Credit/debit card only; no cash or checks accepted.
Flood Warning issued May 21 at 8:00PM CDT until May 24 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Illinois... Kaskaskia River at Carlyle. River forecasts are based on observed precipitation and forecast precipitation for the next 24 hours. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Kaskaskia River at Carlyle. * WHEN...Until Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...At 16.5 feet, Near this height, downstream agricultural fields begin flooding. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 PM CDT Thursday the stage was 16.7 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 16.7 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below flood stage early Saturday morning. - Flood stage is 16.5 feet.
About
Dam West Campground is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made lake at 26,000 acres. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the campground provides 109 reservable sites ranging from standard electric to full hookup with water and sewer. All sites have paved driveways and can accommodate RVs up to 98 feet on some sites. The campground features modern air-conditioned bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities. Water recreation is the main attraction, with boat ramps, courtesy docks, and marina access on-site. The lake supports year-round fishing for bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and walleye. The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center is adjacent and features nature exhibits including a 215-gallon native fish aquarium. Families will find an on-site playground, amphitheater for educational programs, and a multi-use biking and walking trail across the dam. The area hosts several annual sailing races and regattas, and six Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers are located around the lake for observing migratory waterfowl.
Directions
From I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road. Continue for 1/2-mile and turn north on Lake Road to reach the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 138ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 138ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (618) 594-4410 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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