Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)
Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) is an Army Corps of Engineers campground in Illinois. Hookups: electric.
- Type
- Army Corps of Engineers campground
- Location
- Illinois
- Coordinates
- 38.60833, -89.30833
- Hookups
- Electric
- Activities
- Biking, Boating, Day Use Area, Fishing, Picnicking
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 618-594-5253
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)
Overview Dam East Recreation Area is situated on the southern 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 The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks 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. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short walk away. Facilities Dam East has a courtesy dock and two boat ramps, including one of the best high water ramps on the lake. Visitors can walk or bike across the dam to the Dam West facilities. 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 annual races and regattas. 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. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake. Nearby Attractions Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, in
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 · 14 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dam East - McNair Campground | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 0.9 mi | — | Electric & Water |
| Dam East Spillway (Day Use) | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 2.3 mi | — | Electric |
| Dam West Spillway | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 2.7 mi | — | Electric |
| Dam West Campground | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 3.0 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Dam West Campground | RV park | 3.2 mi | — | — |
| Carlyle Village Campground | RV park | 3.2 mi | — | — |
Open Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) in DryRig
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Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.