Dam East Spillway (Day Use)
Campground · Illinois · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- 1
- Bookable site
- up to 75
- People per site
- 420 ft
- Elevation
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 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
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.
The facts
- 1 bookable site
- 1 site for day use only
- Up to 75 people per site
- Loops: DAM EAST SPILLWAY
Site types
- 1 Group Shelter Electric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, grills.
1 campsite at Dam East Spillway (Day Use)
Check-in 8:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAM EAST SPILLWAY | Group Shelter Electric | — | Paved | — | 75 | 🐾 |
Getting there
38.59972, -89.34972 · 38°35'59.0"N 89°20'59.0"W
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, 1.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Dam East Spillway (Day Use)
- Can you reserve a site at Dam East Spillway (Day Use)?
- Yes, Dam East Spillway (Day Use) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Dam East Spillway (Day Use) have?
- 1 site.
- Are pets allowed at Dam East Spillway (Day Use)?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Dam East Spillway (Day Use).
- Does Dam East Spillway (Day Use) have hookups?
- Electric.
Camping near Dam East Spillway (Day Use)
- Dam West Spillway 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam East - McNair Campground 1.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam West Campground 2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) 2.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam West Day Use 2.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Coles Creek Day Use 6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Coles Creek Campground 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lotus Group Area 6.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Boulder Campground 9.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Boulder Day Use 9.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Keyesport Rec. Area 10.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- North Sandusky Campground 41 mi · Campground · we watch it
Contact
- Phone 618-594-5253
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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