Can you reserve a site at Keyesport Rec. Area?

Yes, Keyesport Rec. Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Are pets allowed at Keyesport Rec. Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Keyesport Rec. Area.

Keyesport Rec. Area, Illinois — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western 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 small towns 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. There is an on-site playground as well as a swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

Facilities

Keyesport provides 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. Families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground.

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.

Contact Info

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

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: KEYESPORT DAY USE

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.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Keyesport Rec. Area

Check-in 8:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
1	KEYESPORT DAY USE	Group Shelter Electric	—	Paved	—	75	🐾

Getting there

From I-70, take State Route 127 south for 10 miles. Turn east on Clinton Road, continue east for four miles to the town of Keyesport, then follow signs to the recreation area.

38.73333, -89.27444 · 38°43'60.0"N 89°16'28.0"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, 8.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Keyesport Rec. Area

Can you reserve a site at Keyesport Rec. Area?: Yes, Keyesport Rec. Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Keyesport Rec. Area have?: 1 site.
Are pets allowed at Keyesport Rec. Area?: Yes, pets are allowed at Keyesport Rec. Area.
Does Keyesport Rec. Area have hookups?: Electric.

Camping near Keyesport Rec. Area

Boulder Day Use 3.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Boulder Campground 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Lotus Group Area 4.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Coles Creek Day Use 5.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Coles Creek Campground 5.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam West Day Use 8.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam West Campground 8.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) 8.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam East - McNair Campground 9.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam West Spillway 9.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam East Spillway (Day Use) 10.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Sandusky Campground 48 mi · Campground · we watch it

Contact

Phone 618-594-5253
Book Recreation.gov

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

Keyesport Rec. Area