How much does camping cost at Boulder Campground?

Camping fees at Boulder Campground range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Boulder Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Boulder Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Boulder Campground before I book?

Yes! Boulder Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Boulder Campground?

Boulder Campground is open April 17 to October 10. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Boulder Campground?

Yes, Boulder Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Boulder Campground have?

Boulder Campground has 82 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Boulder Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Boulder Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Boulder Campground?

Boulder Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Boulder Campground?

Popular activities at Boulder Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Boulder Campground

4.20

535 reviews

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231

FishingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Open April 18 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Unknown provider (managed by Army Corps of Engineers)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Open April 18 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Unknown provider (managed by Army Corps of Engineers)Official Website

Get Directions

Boulder Campground

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BUDDY SITE - STANDARD ELECTRIC: $40.00; FULL HOOK-UP: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-226-3586

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Boulder Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231

Boulder Campground

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231

Nearby places

Carlyle: 5 miles, Salem: 19 miles, St. Louis: 50 miles

Weather at Boulder Campground

Best Time to Camp at Boulder Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Boulder Campground because lake-based recreation is at its peak — boating, swimming, and early-morning fishing are ideal when daytime highs are commonly in the 80–90°F range and evenings cool into the 60s. The campground and marina services are fully staffed and the electric sites make extended stays comfortable; lake breezes often moderate heat on sunny days. Expect busy holiday weekends and higher occupancy, so reserve sites well in advance. Peak months: July, June, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: boating, fishing and lake activities peak in summer; campground busy then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 18 through October 12 for reservations. Off-season closures apply.

About Boulder Campground

Boulder Campground sits on the shore of Carlyle Lake in southern Illinois, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. This large lakefront facility offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and group areas with access to boating, fishing, hiking, and biking trails. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, attentive hosts, and spacious sites with lake views, though lakeside spots can be windy and bugs are common during peak season.

Boulder Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, providing facilities for RVs, tents, and groups. Full hookup and electric-only sites are available, along with specific buddy sites for shared camping experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Boulder Campground because lake-based recreation is at its peak — boating, swimming, and early-morning fishing are ideal when daytime highs are commonly in the 80–90°F range and evenings cool into the 60s. The campground and marina services are fully staffed and the electric sites make extended stays comfortable; lake breezes often moderate heat on sunny days. Expect busy holiday weekends and higher occupancy, so reserve sites well in advance. Peak months: July, June, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation453 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCarlyle Lake covers 26,000 acres and dominates the landscape here. The campground's eastern shore position puts you right on the water, where morning mists lift off quiet coves and sailboats dot the horizon on busy weekends. The surrounding wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds, making this a productive spot for wildlife viewing. Lake breezes blow steadily across open sites, moderating summer heat but sometimes gusting hard enough that campers recommend checking wind forecasts before booking lakeside spots.

Programs & ActivitiesAn amphitheater at Boulder Campground hosts educational programs, providing engaging activities for families and kids.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific information provided.

Groups

Group sites are available for reservation, though the exact number of people and vehicles allowed is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via phone.

AccessibilityAccessible boat ramps and campsites are available. However, some users have noted difficulties accessing water due to boulder paths.

Site SizeReviewers commonly describe the sites as spacious, with many noting large paved pads that are easy to level.

PrivacyThe privacy level varies across campsites. Inner loops tend to be less windy and provide more shade, while sites on the lakefront may experience wind but offer stunning views. Some reviewers noted issues with neighbors infringing on campsite boundaries.

Total Campsites82 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites like 46 during hot weather due to lack of shade. Lakeside sites are prone to wind.

Best CampsitesSites 4, 10, and 12 get mentioned in reviews for full hookups or water proximity. Inner loop sites offer more shade and wind protection, while lakefront sites trade shelter for direct lake views. Some campers noted that not all sites have individual water hookups, so bring extra hose if needed.

Need help booking Boulder Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Boulder Campground offers a wide range of amenities catering to both families and individual campers. Notably, all 82 campsites have a view of Carlyle Lake, with some directly on the shoreline. Each campsite includes electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits. Modern amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are available, along with potable drinking water. The adjacent Boulder Day Use Area provides additional amenities like a boat ramp and fish cleaning station, along with a reservable group picnic shelter.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Boulder Campground offers a range of activities both on and off the water, making it a versatile destination for campers. Popular pursuits include fishing, boating, and hiking. On-site recreational features include a playground and amphitheater for educational programs. The nearby multi-use biking and walking trail adds to the outdoor appeal.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Boulder Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.2

535 reviews

Satisfactory

Boulder Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Boulder Campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic lake views as major positives. However, some complaints include bug infestations, windy conditions on certain sites, and inconsistent rule enforcement.

Review Summaries

Based on 535 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention clean and well-maintained facilities, beautiful lake views, and friendly campground hosts. "The hosts and campsite were amazing," noted one user. Many appreciate...

Based on 535 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include bug issues (particularly mosquitoes and mayflies), lack of water hookups at all sites, windy conditions on lakeside sites, and inconsistent enforcement of pet and tent...

Based on 535 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include complaints about wind at sites like #50 and #37. Sites near the lake, such as #10 and #48, are praised for their views. Buddy sites like #30 are well-liked for shared...

Based on 535 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to bring bug spray and check wind forecasts before booking lakeside sites. "Watch the wind forecast to determine which site to reserve," a user suggested. Others recommend...

Based on 535 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is busy during peak summer months, with bugs being more prevalent. Windy conditions are frequent at lakeside sites, particularly in spring and fall. Winter closures...

Based on 535 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Clean..nice weather...helpful camp hosts...lots of people with dogs...quiet at night," wrote one reviewer. Another noted, "Boulder campground is such an awesome campground!!! Not too many sites that...

Based on 535 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues include difficulty navigating paths of boulders to access water. "Need to put some small rock paths down to the water to make the water more accessible," said one user.

Based on 535 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews include concerns about unrestrained dogs disrupting campsites. "Our dog was almost bitten by an unrestrained dog," noted one reviewer. Others appreciate the enforcement of leash...

Based on 535 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want full hookups and lake recreation with well-maintained facilities and helpful hosts.

Skip if

You're sensitive to wind exposure or heavy mosquito and mayfly activity during summer.

Nearby Campgrounds

Lotus Group Area sits on the shore of Carlyle Lake in southern Illinois, operated by Recreation.gov as a seasonal group campground with tent and RV sites plus cabins. The small facility offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water, with direct access to boating and wildlife viewing on the lake. Strong afternoon winds draw sailors and powerboaters during the warm-weather months when the lake is most active.

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.3

(616)

Coles Creek Campground

801 LAKE ROAD, CARLYLE, IL 62231-9703, USA

Coles Creek Campground sits on the shore of Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest reservoir, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Full-hookup RV sites and tent options spread across a large property with flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry facilities. Campers fish, boat, swim, and bike the surrounding trails, with fall bringing migratory waterfowl and steady lake breezes that draw sailors.

$20.00 - $250.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.3

(556)

Dam East - Mcnair Campground

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL, 62231, USA

Dam East–McNair sits on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake in southern Illinois, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, and a swim beach, drawing families and boaters during the warm-weather season. Reviewers consistently note the spacious, well-maintained sites, though bathroom cleanliness and host interactions can be inconsistent.

$20.00 - $125.00 / night

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231-9703, USA

Dam West Campground sits on Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest reservoir, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The large campground offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and cabins with access to fishing, boating, and biking along the shoreline. Facilities include showers, laundry, and WiFi, with consistent winds making the lake popular for sailing.

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Highly Popular

4.3

(616)

Coles Creek Campground

801 LAKE ROAD, CARLYLE, IL 62231-9703, USA

$20.00 - $250.00 / night

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, 62565, USA

Lone Point sits on the shore of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a large, full-service campground with electric, water, and sewer hookups. The campground offers tent sites, RV sites with full amenities, and group camping options, all within easy reach of the lake for boating and fishing. Shaded, spacious sites and clean facilities draw families and anglers looking for a well-maintained base near the water.

$16.00 - $240.00 / night

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231-9703, USA

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, 62565-9378, USA

Coon Creek sits on the shores of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, offering full-hookup RV sites and tent camping with direct water access. Operated by Coon Creek Recreation Area, this very large campground draws families and anglers to its sandy swim beach, boat launch, and wooded shoreline trails. Campers fish for crappie and bass, swim in the lake's designated beach area, and explore the surrounding Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area.

$18.00 - $48.00 / night

4.7

(97)

Sullivan Marina And Campground

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, USA

Sullivan Marina And Campground sits on the shores of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, operated by Lake Shelbyville Recreation Area Management. This large lakefront campground caters to boaters and water enthusiasts with direct marina access, an on-site restaurant, and both tent and RV sites. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and the annual August fireworks show, though sites are close together.

Campgrounds

Carlyle Lake

Boulder Campground

About Carlyle Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Boulder Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Water-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. Expecially attractive to sailboaters. Illinois' largest lake.

Directions

50 miles east of St. Louis, MO on US 50.