Dam East Rec. Area

Carlyle Lake, IL · ≈29.7 mi to Mount Vernon
Sites
0
Max rig
Pull-through
No
Hookups
30A
ADA
To town
29.7 mi
Signal

✓ Best for

  • Boaters and fishing enthusiasts
  • Bikers seeking outdoor recreation
  • RVers with electric hookups
  • Pet-friendly camping trips

✕ Not ideal for

  • Large RVs without electric needs
  • Travelers needing water/sewer hookups
  • Those seeking accessibility features

Connectivity

Best bet: AT&TStrong 5G signal here · 3 of 3 carriers reach here
Verizon5G
AT&T5G
T-Mobile5G
Rig compatibility

Will your rig fit?

Site-level rig length data isn't reported for this campground.

Amenities & features

Amenities
Electric hookupsPets allowedPit toiletsShade
Activities
BikingBoatingDay Use AreaFishingPicnicking
CampIntel Score

How we score

We score what we can verify.
Tight for big rigsRig fit
Some travel requiredAccess
Basic amenitiesConvenience
Verdicts come from our Rig fit, Access & Convenience sub-scores — each built only from verifiable Recreation.gov data.

Where it is

Nearest town: Mount Vernon, ~29.7 miGet directions ↗

Photos

Photos: USACE

Overview

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.

Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers · Developed campground