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
Luis H
August 7, 2023
Easy to get to and accommodations were great. Great access to beach and restrooms.
Luis H
August 7, 2023
Easy to get to and accommodations were great. Great access to beach and restrooms.
Patricia P
July 7, 2023
The perfect pavilion at Carlyle Lake…close to bathrooms, between both playgrounds, close to boat ramp and the beach! This is our 2nd Friday with family and we had the entire park to ourselves which was awesome for having all I’m the kids and then being able to run free. Downside was the second time they did not put out a trash can although they knew the pavilion was reserved. They dropped them late in the evening as we were leaving - be sure to bring trash bags in case this happens to you when hosting a large group.
Patricia P
July 7, 2023
The perfect pavilion at Carlyle Lake…close to bathrooms, between both playgrounds, close to boat ramp and the beach! This is our 2nd Friday with family and we had the entire park to ourselves which was awesome for having all I’m the kids and then being able to run free. Downside was the second time they did not put out a trash can although they knew the pavilion was reserved. They dropped them late in the evening as we were leaving - be sure to bring trash bags in case this happens to you when hosting a large group.
Triauna M
June 25, 2023
Dam West's beautiful surroundings was the perfect background for my family picnic. My family enjoyed themselves so much we booked the same shelter for the next month and plan to book every summer for our reunion.
Triauna M
June 25, 2023
Dam West's beautiful surroundings was the perfect background for my family picnic. My family enjoyed themselves so much we booked the same shelter for the next month and plan to book every summer for our reunion.
Rahim S
September 6, 2022
Needed a trash can near by but other then that great time..
Rahim S
September 6, 2022
Needed a trash can near by but other then that great time..
Jason M
September 5, 2022
Nice and perfect
Jason M
September 5, 2022
Nice and perfect
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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