DAM WEST DAY USE
Dam West Beach
DAM WEST DAY USE

Featured amenities

Showers Showers
Playground Playground

About Dam West Day Use

Dam West Day Use Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 mi east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers Showers
Playground Playground
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Marina
Missing information?

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.

Review Summary

4.1
28 reviews
5
60.7%
17
4
17.9%
5
3
0.0%
0
2
14.3%
4
1
7.1%
2

Luis H

January 15, 2026

5

We had our annual church service; we had a great time.

Luis H

January 15, 2026

5

We had our annual church service; we had a great time.

Kris S

May 23, 2026

5

It was awesome

Carolyn B

June 1, 2026

5

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

Ciaira J

July 10, 2026

5

My family and I had a blast there for my birthday.

John P

August 16, 2026

4

John P

August 16, 2026

4

John P

August 16, 2026

4

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.

Nearest town

Carlyle, IL - 1.9 mi

About 5 min to downtown

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

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 7, 2026

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Explore Carlyle, IL

Population: 2,980

Nearby larger city

St. Louis, MO

Approx. 44 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 456 ft

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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers