Lotus Group Area
Campground · Illinois · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- 1
- Bookable site
- 35 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 80
- People per site
- 1
- Accessible site
- 457 ft
- Elevation
Overview
The Lotus Group Area is on the eastern 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. The vast lake allows for plenty of water sports with boat ramps, courtesy docks and a swimming beach being located nearby. 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 and plenty of open space for children to play. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.
Facilities
Lotus Group Area offers a secluded group campground in Coles Creek Recreation Area. The facility consists of 10 full-service campsites, a playground, and a comfort station. The site can hold a single group of up to 80 people at a time. The Coles Creek Beach and Day Use Area are a short walk away.
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.
The facts
- 1 bookable site
- 1 accessible site
- Vehicles up to 35 ft
- Up to 80 people per site
- Loops: LTGA
Site types
- 1 Group Standard Electric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Sewer hookups
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
1 campsite at Lotus Group Area
Check-in 5:00 PM · Check-out 4:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | LTGA | Group Standard Electric | — | Paved | 35 ft | 80 | ♿ 🐾 |
Getting there
38.66354, -89.25822 · 38°39'48.8"N 89°15'29.6"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, 6.3 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 Lotus Group Area
- Can you reserve a site at Lotus Group Area?
- Yes, Lotus Group Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Lotus Group Area have?
- 1 site.
- What is the maximum RV length at Lotus Group Area?
- 35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Lotus Group Area?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Lotus Group Area.
- Does Lotus Group Area have hookups?
- Electric, Water, Sewer.
- Are campfires allowed at Lotus Group Area?
- Campfires are allowed at Lotus Group Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Lotus Group Area
- Coles Creek Campground 0.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Coles Creek Day Use 0.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Boulder Campground 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Boulder Day Use 2.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use) 4.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Keyesport Rec. Area 4.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam East - McNair Campground 5.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam West Campground 5.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam West Day Use 6.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam West Spillway 6.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dam East Spillway (Day Use) 6.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- North Sandusky Campground 43.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Contact
- Phone 618-226-3211
- 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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