Illinois / Clinton County

Keyesport Rec. Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Day-use area typically operates from late spring through mid-September. Day-use hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. when open.

About

Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families seeking the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, this day-use facility provides recreation both on the water and on shore. The area features a swimming beach, boat ramp, marina with fish cleaning station, playground, and one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. The vast 26,000-acre lake allows for plenty of water sports and is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes. Fishing is a popular pastime, with the lake offering year-round varieties of fish including bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and walleye. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds, with six established Watchable Wildlife Sites featuring viewing towers open to the public around the lake. The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

Directions

From I-70, take State Route 127 south for 10 miles. Turn east on Clinton Road, continue east for four miles to the town of Keyesport, then follow signs to the recreation area.

Nearby Campgrounds