Dam West Campground

Star4.62
1.2K reviews
801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231-9703, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

446 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

109 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dam West Campground
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 to $60 depending on the site type (standard electric, premium waterfront, etc.). Additional fees such as reservation service fees...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$60.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
618-594-4410
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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

317 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. "Hosts were friendly and helpful," and "The sites are large, the bathroom and showers are clean, and fellow campers were considerate." Complaints include issues with the reservation system and occasional rude staff encounters."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Dam West Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road. Continue for 1/2-mile and turn north on Lake Road to reach the campground or turn south to reach the day use area.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is located on William Road, which is easily navigable for most vehicles, including RVs. There are no seasonal closures mentioned for this route.
Nearby places
St. Louis (50 miles, approximately 1-hour drive)
Carlyle (2 miles, approximately 5-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available nearby in Carlyle, including Walmart, McDonald’s, and local stores. A Mexican restaurant is located near the entrance to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Dam West Campground

Spring arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and fishing, while summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for water activities despite the characteristic Midwest humidity. Fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of colors with crisp, pleasant weather that makes for unforgettable camping experiences. Though winter's chill closes the campground, the other three seasons offer distinct charms for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in IL

Peak season for fishing, boating, beach activities; overwhelmingly positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Comfortable temps, scenic beauty and bird migration enhance fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers gentle breezes and good hiking/fishing; positive seasonal mentions in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility operates Apr–Nov; winter closures/reduced service noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 4th to November 1st annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates from early April to late November for reservations, with peak season from April to October.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are currently listed.

About Dam West Campground

Discover your perfect lakeside escape at Dam West Campground, where modern comfort meets natural beauty on the shores of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Expertly maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this beloved recreation destination seamlessly blends contemporary amenities with prime waterfront camping spots, creating an outdoor experience that draws families and adventurers back year after year.
Dam West Campground supports diverse camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Sites are spacious, with access to hookups and modern amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 5 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 4 PM.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 14 nights at a time during any 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Dam West Campground is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. There is also a playground and amphitheater for educational programs. "Fishing was great," and "Bike trails are wonderful." Several reviewers praised the lake's beauty and recreational opportunities.
HikingA multi-use trail is available for biking and walking. "Bike trails are wonderful," although one user noted, "The bike trail needs to be marked clearer."
FishingFishing is a major attraction at Carlyle Lake, which offers year-round varieties like bluegill, crappie, and catfish. "Fishing was great," and "The lake is beautiful with great fishing opportunities."
SwimmingSwimming is available at nearby beach areas. "There are 2 little beach areas off this campground in case you don't want to go to the big public one."
BikingBiking trails are praised by visitors. "Bike riding is the best," and "Nice biking paths accessible from the campground."
BoatingBoat ramps and courtesy docks are available. "Great for boaters and jet skis," and "Easy access to our boat keeping it docked on the lake."
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to migratory waterfowl and other birds. Reviewers noted the abundance of wildlife: "Lots of little critters to see."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPrimary hazards include proximity to wildlife, which necessitates careful food storage. Campfires must be safely managed to avoid smoke disturbances.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are currently listed.

Weather at Dam West Campground

Reviews

4.6
1.2K reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Dam West Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. "Hosts were friendly and helpful," and "The sites are large, the bathroom and showers are clean, and fellow campers were considerate." Complaints include issues with the reservation system and occasional rude staff encounters.
Review Summaries
Based on 1224 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive themes include clean facilities, spacious sites, and helpful staff. "Cleanest restrooms and showers I have seen anywhere!" and "Great location and campground."
Based on 1224 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints involve issues with rude campground hosts, inconsistent reservation policies, and limited availability of full-hookup sites. "The camp host was rude," and "Reservation system of...
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Based on 1224 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring additional water hoses for non-full-hookup sites, and arrive early for first-come, first-served sites. "Be sure to fill up and bring a LOT of hose or be prepared to tote a bunch of water."
Based on 1224 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with reviews praising fishing, boating, and beach activities. Winter comments are sparse, indicating seasonal closures or reduced activity.
Based on 1224 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is always clean and well maintained." "The showers are always very clean." "The sites are spacious and provide privacy."
Based on 1224 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include mentions of spacious, level, and shaded sites. "Site 41, my favorite site, was very large and paved."
Based on 1224 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Having the streets and parts of the camping area concrete made it easier to get around with wheelchair access."
Based on 1224 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but one reviewer mentioned being asked to leave due to their dog's barking: "Make sure your dog doesn't bark or you will be asked to leave."
Based on 1224 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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