About Dam West Day Use
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Fishing
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Spring
Boating
Summer
Boating
Swimming
Fall
Boating
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Playground
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
On Site Services
- Playground
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Marina
Reviews (28)
What Guests Are Saying
Dam West Day Use offers a clean and spacious environment, perfect for family gatherings and events. Reviewers appreciated the availability of grills, picnic tables, and the efficiency of the boat rental process. Overall, guests found the facilities accommodating and the staff friendly, making it a desirable location for both relaxation and activities.
What Guests Are Saying
Dam West Day Use offers a clean and spacious environment, perfect for family gatherings and events. Reviewers appreciated the availability of grills, picnic tables, and the efficiency of the boat rental process. Overall, guests found the facilities accommodating and the staff friendly, making it a desirable location for both relaxation and activities.
Review Summary
John P
August 16, 2026
John P
August 16, 2026
John P
August 16, 2026
Ciaira J
July 10, 2026
My family and I had a blast there for my birthday.
Carolyn B
June 1, 2026
The Area Was Nice And Clean Grills Was Available Enough Space For The Whole Family I've Rented This Location Several Time Will Return Soon So Relaxing
Kris S
May 23, 2026
It was awesome
Luis H
January 15, 2026
We had our annual church service; we had a great time.
Luis H
January 15, 2026
We had our annual church service; we had a great time.
Quentin H
June 27, 2025
I rented Shelter #1 on a Friday to be close to the marina where I also rented a boat to take my family out on the lake. Shelter was perfect, large, 8 picnic tables and two grills with plenty of shade. Boat was easy to rent and folks were just great. We grew up camping and fishing and water skiing on this lake in the 70’s and 80’s, but had not returned in many years. We returned for a memorial service on the lake for my folks. Facilities were clean and A/C in restrooms was a welcome relief as temp was in low 90’s! Couldn’t be happier with facility and rental process which was great and very nice folks as well as the marina crew. All super folks. Will come back again as it’s well worth it. Thanks to all of them.
Quentin H
June 27, 2025
I rented Shelter #1 on a Friday to be close to the marina where I also rented a boat to take my family out on the lake. Shelter was perfect, large, 8 picnic tables and two grills with plenty of shade. Boat was easy to rent and folks were just great. We grew up camping and fishing and water skiing on this lake in the 70’s and 80’s, but had not returned in many years. We returned for a memorial service on the lake for my folks. Facilities were clean and A/C in restrooms was a welcome relief as temp was in low 90’s! Couldn’t be happier with facility and rental process which was great and very nice folks as well as the marina crew. All super folks. Will come back again as it’s well worth it. Thanks to all of them.
Location & Directions for Dam West Day Use
801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231 United States
Elevation: 138 ft
Getting There
From I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road/1840 E. William Road will turn into Lake Road/1430 N. Continue on Lake Road south to the day use area, located on the left.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via I-70, with State Route 127 providing direct access south to Carlyle.
Policies & Rules
General
- Day-use hours are daily.
- Firewood brought into this facility must be purchased, or collected locally due to invasive insects.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
- Click here for a virtual tour of Carlyle Lake.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Population: 2,980
Elevation: 456 ft
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