Boulder Day Use
Boulder Day Use is an Army Corps of Engineers campground in Illinois. Hookups: electric.
- Type
- Army Corps of Engineers campground
- Location
- Illinois
- Coordinates
- 38.69611, -89.23222
- Hookups
- Electric
- Activities
- Biking, Boating, Camping, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Water Sports, Wildlife Viewing
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 618-226-3586
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Boulder Day Use
Overview Boulder Day Use Area is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Recreation Boulder Day Use Area provides fun both on the water and on shore. A boat ramp and courtesy dock are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground and plenty of wide open space for children to play. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the main dam. Facilities Boulder Day Use Area provides modern amenities like flush toilets and drinking water, as well as one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. It is adjacent to the Boulder Recreation Area, which offers reservable campsites. Natural Features Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several races and regattas. The 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, and
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- Centralia Propane · 16 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder Campground | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 0.1 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Lotus Group Area | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 2.7 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Coles Creek Campground | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 3.1 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Coles Creek Day Use | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 3.2 mi | — | No hookups |
| Keyesport Rec. Area | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 3.4 mi | — | Electric |
| Hickory Shores Resort | Private campground | 3.9 mi | — | — |
Open Boulder Day Use in DryRig
Save it offline, check your rig's clearance on the drive in, and see what's nearby on the map.
Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.