Dam East Spillway (Day Use)
Dam East Spillway (Day Use) is an Army Corps of Engineers campground in Illinois. Hookups: electric.
- Type
- Army Corps of Engineers campground
- Location
- Illinois
- Coordinates
- 38.59972, -89.34972
- Hookups
- Electric
- Activities
- Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Historic & Cultural Site
- 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 Spillway (Day Use)
Overview Dam East Spillway Day Use 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 located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake and Kaskaskia River offer 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 open space for children to play. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short walk away. Facilities Dam East Spillway is connected to the Dam East Recreation Area. It has one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as 15 individual campsites that are open year-round. A courtesy dock and two boat ramps are available, including one of the best high water boat ramps on the lake. There is a beach located nearby at the McNair Group Area. 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 re
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 · 15 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dam West Spillway | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 0.8 mi | — | Electric |
| Dam East - McNair Campground | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 1.5 mi | — | Electric & Water |
| Dam West Campground | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 2.0 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Dam West Campground | RV park | 2.2 mi | — | — |
| Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 2.3 mi | — | Electric |
| Carlyle Village Campground | RV park | 2.5 mi | — | — |
Open Dam East Spillway (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.