Dam West Overview

Dam West Campground has 108 spacious campsites and is located on the southern shore of Carlyle Reservoir in southern Illinois. All sites have electric hookups and 23 have full hookups. The West Access Marina is also next to the campground.

The seasonal campground is generally open early April to late October. Amenities include potable (drinking) water, flush toilets, trash collection and an RV dump station. The West Access Marina also has a store, boat ramp, boat trailer lot, boat slips and watercraft rentals. Cell service is good in the area. Dam West Beach is also nearby.

Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each site also has a paved parking spur, table, fire ring and grill.

Dam West Campground – Area Recreation & Activities

Outdoor recreation in the area includes boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, swimming, water sports, hiking, biking and picnicking.  Carlyle Lake is also 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.

The 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.

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Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Boat Launch/Ramp
• Boat Trailer Lot
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - Good
• Drinking Water
• Dumpsters
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Marina
• Pets OK
• Swim Beach
• Trash Collection

Activities

• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding (SUP)
• Picnicking
• Swimming
• Water Sports
• Wildlife Viewing