Can you reserve a site at Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)?

Yes, Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) have?

1 site in total, of which 0 can be booked.

Are pets allowed at Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use).

Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use), Illinois — 0 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

The facts

0 bookable sites
1 site in total, including non-bookable
1 site for day use only
Up to 75 people per site
Loops: DAM EAST DAY USE

Site types

1 Management

Amenities

Electric hookups
Picnic tables
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)

Check-in 8:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
1	DAM EAST DAY USE	Management	Back In	Paved	—	75	🐾

Getting there

From I-57, take Old U.S. Route 50 west for 37 miles to the Dam East entrance road and turn north. Turn east at the next intersection and continue for 1.2 miles to Dam East Day Use Area.

38.60833, -89.30833 · 38°36'30.0"N 89°18'30.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 88°F in Jul, down to 39°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	39	45	55	67	76	85	88	87	81	70	55	43
Low °F	22	25	35	45	56	65	68	66	58	46	36	26
Precip in	3.0	2.5	3.7	4.9	5.2	4.9	4.2	3.6	3.6	3.4	3.7	3.1

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)

Can you reserve a site at Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)?: Yes, Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) have?: 1 site in total, of which 0 can be booked.
Are pets allowed at Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)?: Yes, pets are allowed at Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use).
Does Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) have hookups?: Electric.

Camping near Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)

Dam East - McNair Campground 0.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam East Spillway (Day Use) 2.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam West Spillway 2.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam West Campground 3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam West Day Use 3.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Coles Creek Day Use 4.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Coles Creek Campground 4.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Lotus Group Area 4.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Boulder Campground 7.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Boulder Day Use 7.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Keyesport Rec. Area 8.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Sandusky Campground 40.6 mi · Campground · we watch it

Contact

Phone 618-594-5253
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)