How much does camping cost at Coles Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Coles Creek Campground range from $20-$250/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Coles Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Coles Creek 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 Coles Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Coles Creek Campground has 6 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 Coles Creek Campground?

Coles Creek Campground is open May 01 to September 25. 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 Coles Creek Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Coles Creek Campground?

Cell phone service at Coles Creek Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Coles Creek Campground have?

Coles Creek Campground has 119 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Coles Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Coles Creek 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 Coles Creek Campground?

Coles Creek 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 Coles Creek Campground?

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

Coles Creek Campground

4.33

616 reviews

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

Top 24% in ILFall

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

466 ft

Price

$20 - $250/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

119 campsites

Season

Open May 2, 2025, cl...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

466 ft

Price

$20 - $250/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

119 campsites

Season

Open May 2, 2025, cl...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Coles Creek Campground

$20.00 - $250.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Buddy Site - STANDARD ELECTRIC: $40.00; Full Hook-up: $30.00; GROUP AREA B: $150.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA A: $250.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-108745:...

Group Site Fee$250.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-226-3211

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Coles Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

Carlyle: few miles, Salem: 19 miles, Odin: 19 miles, Sandoval: 19 miles.

Weather at Coles Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Coles Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Early fall delivers the best blend of comfortable weather, active wildlife, and excellent sailing conditions — think crisp mornings (45–65°F) and warm afternoons (60–75°F) with steady lake breezes that sailors love. Migratory waterfowl stage on Carlyle Lake and shorelines take on a quieter, more wildlife-focused character after the summer crowds, so birding, photography, and shoreline fishing are at their peak. Note that campground services and reservations end on September 27, so plan for early Peak months: September, May, June, October Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in IL

Early fall is 'sweet spot' with mild temps, steady breezes and migratory waterfowl staging.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 2, 2025, closes September 27, 2025 for reservations. Out-of-season period runs September 27, 2025, to May 1, 2026.

About Coles Creek Campground

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.

Coles Creek Campground accommodates a mix of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping areas. Many sites offer full hookups and are either lakeside or a short distance from the water.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall delivers the best blend of comfortable weather, active wildlife, and excellent sailing conditions — think crisp mornings (45–65°F) and warm afternoons (60–75°F) with steady lake breezes that sailors love. Migratory waterfowl stage on Carlyle Lake and shorelines take on a quieter, more wildlife-focused character after the summer crowds, so birding, photography, and shoreline fishing are at their peak. Note that campground services and reservations end on September 27, so plan for early Peak months: September, May, June, October Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation466 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCarlyle Lake covers 26,000 acres and hosts international sailing regattas thanks to consistent wind conditions across its open water. The eastern shore supports migratory waterfowl in spring and fall, with designated Watchable Wildlife Sites for viewing deer, wild turkey, and seasonal bird populations. Sites near the water offer unobstructed lake views but limited shade. Inland sites have better tree coverage. The landscape is mostly flat at 466 feet elevation, typical of reclaimed prairie terrain around the Kaskaskia River basin.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges within the campground, but group camping areas are available.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms such as wildlife presentations and ranger-led activities are held at the amphitheater.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit
total of 14 nights allowed within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number of guests per site not specified.

Groups

Two group camping areas are available. Site sizes and capacities are generous, with comments highlighting cleanliness and ease of access.

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 via Recreation.gov, online or through the app.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites, picnic areas, playgrounds, shelters, and boat ramps. Accessibility features make it suitable for visitors with disabilities, as mentioned in user reviews.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and level, with ample room between sites. Many sites are paved and offer full hookups.

PrivacyThe campground has a mix of private and open sites. Sites near the water offer scenic views but may lack shade, while others have sufficient tree coverage.

Total Campsites119 campsites

Recommended SitesFor families: sites near playgrounds and beaches. For privacy: back-in sites with shade. For views: lakefront sites in Loop L1.

Best CampsitesSites 23 and 24 get mentioned for lake views and space. Loop L1 also has good feedback for scenery and layout. Lakeside sites trade shade for views and breezes.

Need help booking Coles Creek Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Coles Creek Campground offers a comprehensive set of amenities suitable for multiple camping preferences. The campground has 119 campsites and two group camping areas, each equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and electric hookups. Modern facilities include showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, and a dump station. All sites are either directly on the shoreline or a short walk to the lake. Additional features include accessible campsites, boat ramps, courtesy docks, and a designated swimming beach with its own shower facility. Visitors praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms and shower facilities, although some reviews highlight concerns such as water splashing under shower doors and limited secure spaces for belongings.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Coles Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities both on land and water. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and biking. There are multiple playgrounds and an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is a short drive away, and the campground hosts frequent wildlife sightings due to its proximity to Carlyle Lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

616 reviews

Recommended

Coles Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Coles Creek Campground are largely positive, emphasizing its cleanliness, spacious sites, and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty of Carlyle Lake, the amenities provided, and the helpfulness of camp hosts. However, some negative experiences related to management, reservation systems, and unleashed dogs have also been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 616 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 616 reviews.

Site 23Loved
Several users have identified specific sites as particularly enjoyable, such as Site 23, praised for its proximity to the water and full hookups.
Site 027Loved
Site 027 is described as shaded and spacious.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities, spacious and level sites, friendly camp hosts, and beautiful views of Carlyle Lake. "Very clean campground and spacious," and...

Based on 616 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with reservation systems, unleashed dogs causing disturbances, and inconsistent service from camp hosts. Some reviewers noted problems with shower facilities, such as...

Based on 616 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend booking reservations well in advance due to the campground’s popularity. They suggest bringing bug spray, as horseflies and other insects can be bothersome. Another tip is to choose...

Based on 616 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight issues with bugs and crowded conditions, especially on holiday weekends. Spring and fall reviews are generally more positive, emphasizing quieter environments and mild...

Based on 616 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Clean bathrooms and flat camping areas," and "Hosts are friendly and helpful," are frequently cited as reasons for enjoying the campground. Another user remarked, "The beach was beautiful, and...

Based on 616 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features receive good feedback, with accessible campsites and boat ramps highlighted positively. "Accessible campsites are close to the bathhouse," mentioned one user.

Based on 616 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly amenities, such as the dog-friendly beach, are appreciated by pet owners. However, unleashed dogs have caused disturbances, as noted in user complaints. "The beach is clean and...

Based on 616 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want full hookups, clean facilities, and direct access to Illinois' largest lake for boating and fishing.

Skip if

You've had issues with campground host consistency or need guaranteed off-leash dog enforcement.

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

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231

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.

$20.00 - $40.00 / 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

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Campgrounds

Carlyle Lake

Coles Creek Campground

About Carlyle Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Coles Creek 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.