Dam West Day Use

About

Dam West Day Use Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, approximately 50 miles east of St. Louis. Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. The day-use area provides access to the vast lake for water sports, fishing, and swimming at a designated beach. The facility offers two reservable group picnic shelters with electricity, each accommodating up to 75 people. Boat ramps and courtesy docks provide lake access, with a marina and boat storage facility nearby. Fish cleaning stations serve anglers targeting the lake's year-round populations of bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and walleye. Multiple playgrounds are available for families, and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam. The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located within the Dam West Recreation Area, features nature exhibits and a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish. This is a day-use only facility; overnight camping is available at the adjacent Dam West Campground.

Directions

From I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road/1840 E. William Road will turn into Lake Road/1430 N. Continue on Lake Road south to the day use area, located on the left.