Dam East - Mcnair Campground

4.30

556 reviews

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL, 62231, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Illinois Swimming Camping Illinois Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois +7 more

Quick Facts

449 ft

Price

$18 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Opened April 4 to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

449 ft

Price

$18 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Opened April 4 to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Dam East - Mcnair Campground

$18.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by season and type of site. Peak season nightly rates for standard electric sites are $20, while non-peak season rates are $18. Group...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$125.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-594-2484

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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 556 reviews

147 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacious

"User sentiment is mixed, with positive comments on cleanliness, spacious campsites, and amenities like hiking trails and swimming areas. Negative experiences include issues with cleanliness, rude hosts, and crowded fishing areas. Overall, the campground is highly rated at 4.35 stars."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL, 62231, USA

Dam East - Mcnair Campground

801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL, 62231, USA

Driving directionsFrom I-57, take Old U.S. Highway 50 west for 22 miles to the Dam East Entrance road. Turn north and continue through the four-way intersection to the McNair Group Area.

The roads leading to the campground are accessible via paved highways and local roads. There are no reports of seasonal closures or difficult terrain.

Nearby places

St. Louis (50 miles, approx. 1 hour), Centralia (25 miles, approx. 35 minutes), Vandalia (45 miles, approx. 50 minutes)

Nearby supplies

IGA Grocery Store (approx. 2 miles), Walmart Supercenter (approx. 3 miles), Carlyle Gas Station (approx. 2 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Dam East - Mcnair Campground

Experience the full tapestry of Midwestern seasons at Dam East-McNair, where summer days unfold in perfect 80°F comfort—ideal for swimming, hiking, and lakeside relaxation. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a painter's palette of warm hues, while winter brings crisp 40°F days perfect for bundled-up nature walks. Spring awakens the campground with refreshing rains and dramatic storm systems that roll across the lake, creating spectacular cloud formations that photographers cherish. Early summer thunderstorms bring nature's own light show, followed by crystal-clear skies that make for unforgettable stargazing nights.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in IL

Summer ideal for swimming, boating and high reviewer satisfaction; peak season activity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn offers foliage, migratory birds and pleasant hiking; reviewers note strong fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers, migrating birds and high satisfaction; season noted as popular and scenic.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park closes Jan–Mar; December visitors liked heated bathrooms and quiet but activities are limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 4 to November 1 is the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opened April 4 to December 31 each year. Reservable from June 20 onward.
Current Alerts: There are no current alerts, though reviews mention ongoing water line installations causing disruptions.

About Dam East - Mcnair Campground

Nestled along the sun-dappled southern shores of Carlyle Lake, Dam East-McNair Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 47 thoughtfully arranged campsites across three distinct loops. The North and South loops (sites 1-32) offer a more intimate camping experience, while the Spillway loop (sites 33-47) provides its own unique charm. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature here—from convenient laundry facilities and clean bathhouses to a refreshing swimming beach where families gather on warm afternoons. Children's laughter often drifts from the nearby playgrounds, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes this campground feel like a home away from home.

Dam East-McNair Campground supports various camping styles, including tent and RV camping, with options for group camping at a reservable picnic shelter. No cabin or glamping accommodations are available.

Historical SignificanceSince its creation in 1967, Carlyle Lake has evolved into Illinois' premier destination for inland sailing, earning a reputation that draws competitive sailors from across the nation. The annual regattas transform the lake into a colorful spectacle of billowing sails and racing hulls, creating an atmosphere of excitement and tradition. Beyond the sailing culture, the area has become a vital sanctuary for migratory birds, with generations of waterfowl returning each season to this protected haven. This rich tapestry of human recreation and natural habitat creates a unique cultural landscape where outdoor traditions are passed down through families year after year.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Midwestern seasons at Dam East-McNair, where summer days unfold in perfect 80°F comfort—ideal for swimming, hiking, and lakeside relaxation. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a painter's palette of warm hues, while winter brings crisp 40°F days perfect for bundled-up nature walks. Spring awakens the campground with refreshing rains and dramatic storm systems that roll across the lake, creating spectacular cloud formations that photographers cherish. Early summer thunderstorms bring nature's own light show, followed by crystal-clear skies that make for unforgettable stargazing nights.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await future documentation, the campground's gentle terrain provides comfortable camping conditions and easy access to all facilities and the shoreline.

Natural Features and SceneryThe shimmering expanse of Carlyle Lake serves as your backyard at Dam East-McNair, where morning mists rise from the water to reveal a landscape teeming with life. Scenic trails wind through diverse ecosystems, offering glimpses of wildflowers in spring, dense green canopies in summer, and frost-kissed grasses in fall. The established Wildlife Watch Sites have become legendary among nature enthusiasts, particularly for the majestic bald eagles that soar overhead and perch in lakeside trees. Bird watchers arrive with binoculars at dawn, hoping to spot everything from graceful herons to colorful warblers, while the surrounding woodlands shelter deer, foxes, and countless other creatures that make this ecosystem their home.

Geological RegionDam East-McNair sits proudly on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made lake and a testament to human engineering working in harmony with nature. This 26,000-acre aquatic playground has transformed the regional landscape into a paradise for water enthusiasts and wildlife alike. The lake's creation brought together diverse habitats that now support thriving populations of bass, crappie, and catfish, while its expansive waters have earned recognition as one of the Midwest's finest sailing venues. During migration seasons, the lake becomes a crucial stopover for thousands of waterfowl, creating spectacular displays that draw visitors from hundreds of miles away.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in available starting at 5 PM.

Check-out

Check-out required by 4 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites are designed for single capacity, but group sites accommodate up to 80 people.

Groups

One reservable group picnic shelter accommodating up to 80 people is available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree loops: North and South loops (sites 1-32) near Carlyle Lake; Spillway loop (sites 33-47) below the main dam.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via mobile app, or by phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe facility is 100% reservable, but group areas may be available first-come, first-served if not reserved.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for cancellations made before arrival. Late cancellations incur an additional fee of the first night's site charge.

AccessibilityAccessible amenities include flush toilets, showers, parking, walkways, playgrounds, and trailheads. Some users highlighted the accessibility features positively: 'Restrooms were clean and air-conditioned,' and 'Accessible parking and walkways make it easy for all visitors.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with features such as asphalt pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some sites are noted as spacious: 'Nice large sites well separated,' while others are criticized for narrow roads affecting RV navigation.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; many sites are described as spacious and quiet, while others are close to neighboring sites, reducing privacy. User quotes include, 'Very private, no one bothers you,' and 'Site #28 is very close, with its fire ring only about ten feet from the back of our camper.

Total Campsites47 campsites

Recommended SitesSpillway Loop is ideal for privacy and wildlife viewing. North Loop offers family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and spacious sites.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Dam East-McNair Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming at a designated beach, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Carlyle Lake supports boating and water sports. Specific reviews highlight the quality of amenities such as hiking trails, biking paths, and the swimming beach.

HikingA multi-use trail is available for hiking and biking. User feedback highlights its accessibility and scenery: 'Great hiking trail in the campground,' and 'Beautiful walking and biking trails along the river and across the dam.'

FishingFishing is popular, with the lake offering a variety of fish species year-round, including bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and more. However, some reviews noted overcrowding near fishing areas: 'The people who turned up to fish the spillway kinda ruined the experience.'

SwimmingThe campground features a sandy swimming beach with a gentle slope, making it suitable for children: 'The beach area slopes very gently out into the water so the kids could wade out quite a ways.'

BikingBiking paths are accessible and connect to nearby attractions, including Carlyle Lake and the dam: 'Rode our bikes into Carlyle for donuts in the morning,' and 'Wonderful hiking trails; beautiful location.'

BoatingNearby Carlyle Lake offers boating opportunities with boat ramps and courtesy docks available. The lake is recognized as one of the nation's top inland sailing lakes.

Wildlife viewingCarlyle Lake features six established Watchable Wildlife Sites. Wildlife sightings include migratory waterfowl and bald eagles: 'A pair of bald eagles flew over us on several occasions,' and 'Lots of wildlife, including bald eagles.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoons have been reported as aggressive, especially near food storage areas. Biting flies can be problematic seasonally.

Active AlertsThere are no current alerts, though reviews mention ongoing water line installations causing disruptions.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but require locally purchased or collected firewood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 9 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesCarlyle Medical Center (approx. 3 miles), Carlyle Police Department (approx. 3 miles), Dam East Ranger Station (approx. 1 mile)

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available, but reviews indicate instances of dog waste and improper trash handling: 'The campsite had at least six piles of dog crap in the grass.' Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose to Carlyle Lake and the spillway, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and sailing.

Camp HostCampground hosts have mixed reviews. Some visitors praise their friendliness and attentiveness, while others report rudeness and lack of support.

Weather at Dam East - Mcnair Campground

Reviews

4.3

556 reviews

Satisfactory

Dam East - Mcnair Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is mixed, with positive comments on cleanliness, spacious campsites, and amenities like hiking trails and swimming areas. Negative experiences include issues with cleanliness, rude hosts, and crowded fishing areas. Overall, the campground is highly rated at 4.35 stars.

Review Summaries

Based on 556 reviews

What Campers Love

Users often praise the quiet and clean environment, accessibility, and well-kept facilities. Quotes include, 'Very clean well taken care of,' and 'The campground was spacious and clean.'

Based on 556 reviews

Common Concerns

Significant complaints include moldy shower curtains, rude hosts, and disturbances caused by nearby fishermen or raccoons. Noted issues: 'Camp host was extremely rude,' and 'Raccoons tore a hole in...

Based on 556 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing a 'Y' connector for shared water hookups, securing trash bins against raccoons, and choosing RV spots over tent camping due to wildlife disturbances.

Based on 556 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground attracts visitors year-round, with higher satisfaction during spring and summer. Winter visitors appreciated the heated bathrooms and quiet atmosphere. Reviews indicate maintenance...

Based on 556 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Cleanest bathrooms and shower house you’ll find.' 2. 'It’s a very nice quiet campground with fishing and other activities right there.' 3. 'Campground hosts were amazing! Everything was clean.'

Based on 556 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 37: 'Perfect peaceful site facing the spillway.' Site 23: 'Our site had a nice view of Carlyle Lake, and the campground was very quiet at night.' Site 45: 'Very sunny, no shade.'

Based on 556 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible amenities like paved parking and walkways received positive feedback. 'Accessible playground and shower house,' and 'Accessible trails make hiking enjoyable for all.'

Based on 556 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences with pets; most owners followed leash rules, but there were complaints about loose dogs and dog waste: 'Two big dogs running loose by campsite 21.'

Based on 556 reviews

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