Illinois / Clinton County / Carlyle

Dam West Spillway

Closed — Day-use area open daily 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The adjacent Dam West Campground operates seasonally from early April through early November.

About

Dam West Spillway is a day-use recreation area situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a 26,000-acre reservoir recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis near the town of Carlyle, the area combines small-town tranquility with access to Illinois' largest man-made lake. The facility features one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, an accessible fishing pier, boat ramps, and courtesy docks. Fishing is a popular activity year-round, with the lake and Kaskaskia River offering bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and walleye. The expansive lake allows for various water sports, and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam. Dam West Spillway is within walking distance of a marina and boat storage facility and is connected to the adjacent Dam West Campground and Day Use Area. Carlyle Lake serves as a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds, with six established Watchable Wildlife Sites featuring viewing towers around the lake. The nearby Carlyle Lake Visitor Center offers information, nature exhibits, and a 215-gallon aquarium displaying native fish species.

Directions

From I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road. Continue for 1/2 mile to Lake Road and turn south, following signs to the park.

Nearby Campgrounds