How much does camping cost at Lotus Group Area?

Camping fees at Lotus Group Area range from $200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lotus Group Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lotus Group Area 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 Lotus Group Area before I book?

Yes! Lotus Group Area has 3 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 Lotus Group Area?

Lotus Group Area is open May 01 to September 26. 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 Lotus Group Area?

Lotus Group Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lotus Group Area have?

Lotus Group Area has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lotus Group Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lotus Group Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lotus Group Area?

Lotus Group Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lotus Group Area?

Popular activities at Lotus Group Area include Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lotus Group Area

3.88

14 reviews

801 LAKE ROAD

Peace & QuietGreat for GroupsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Illinois#3 RV Camping Illinois Group Camping Illinois +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

472 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 2 - Septemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

472 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 2 - Septemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Lotus Group Area

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

LTGA-GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $200.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$300.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-226-3211

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lotus Group Area

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Campground Map

801 LAKE ROAD

Lotus Group Area

801 LAKE ROAD

Nearby places

CARLYLE (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), SALEM (19 miles, approximately 25 minutes), ST. LOUIS (50 miles, approximately 1 hour)

Weather at Lotus Group Area

Best Time to Camp at Lotus Group Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably pleasant weather (typical daytime highs around 75–90°F, nighttime lows in the 60s) and the full suite of on-water activities—sailing, boating, swimming and fishing—when Carlyle Lake is at its busiest and most active. Strong afternoon winds make the lake a regional sailing mecca, so sailors and powerboaters will find peak conditions, while warm water and long daylight hours maximize swim and picnic time. Expect busy holiday weekends and regattas, so plan weekday group Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak season with best weather; praised for outdoor activities and sailing winds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 2 - September 1 during peak season. Out of season reservations are not available.

About Lotus Group Area

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.

The Lotus Group Area primarily caters to group camping and accommodates up to 80 people. It is equipped with shelters and campsites with electricity, providing options for RVs and cabins.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably pleasant weather (typical daytime highs around 75–90°F, nighttime lows in the 60s) and the full suite of on-water activities—sailing, boating, swimming and fishing—when Carlyle Lake is at its busiest and most active. Strong afternoon winds make the lake a regional sailing mecca, so sailors and powerboaters will find peak conditions, while warm water and long daylight hours maximize swim and picnic time. Expect busy holiday weekends and regattas, so plan weekday group Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation472 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies lakefront terrain on Illinois' largest reservoir, a 26,000-acre lake that sits at 472 feet elevation. Forest groves provide shade near the sites, opening to views across the water. Carlyle Lake functions as a major migratory bird stopover, and designated Watchable Wildlife Sites near the campground offer good birding. The landscape mixes woodland with open areas typical of converted agricultural prairie.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe site includes five enclosed mini shelters and one large enclosed shelter with tables, water, and electricity. User reviews also mention cabins available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Carlyle Lake Visitor Center hosts nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit, with a rolling limit of 14 nights within 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The group area accommodates up to 80 people.

Groups

The group camping area accommodates up to 80 people and includes five enclosed mini shelters, one large enclosed shelter with tables, water, and electricity, and campsites with electricity.

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 website, app, and contact center.

AccessibilityThe site includes some accessible features such as shelters and campsites with electricity, though detailed accessibility information for individuals with disabilities is not provided.

Site SizeGroup camping area accommodates up to 80 people.

PrivacySites are described as secluded in the official source materials.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Need help booking Lotus Group Area?

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

The Lotus Group Area provides a mix of amenities catering to both group camping and individual needs. It features five enclosed mini shelters with electricity, five campsites with electricity, and one large enclosed shelter equipped with tables, water, and electricity. Additional amenities include a restroom with vault toilets, a playground, a large fire ring, and proximity to the Coles Creek Beach and Day Use Area. While the site lacks flush toilets and showers, these facilities can be found at other Coles Creek sites.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lotus Group Area offers recreational activities both on water and land. Visitors can enjoy water sports, fishing, wildlife viewing, and access to a nearby multi-use biking and walking trail. A playground is available for children, and the Coles Creek Beach and Day Use Area are within walking distance.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the Lotus Group Area. Vault toilets are provided on-site.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.9

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lotus Group Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight mixed experiences at the Lotus Group Area. Positive mentions include the secluded location and suitability for group camping. Negative reviews mention maintenance issues such as mildew smells in cabins and outdated facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the peaceful and secluded location, group-friendly setup, and proximity to recreational features such as the playground and beach.

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes issues with maintenance of cabins, including mildew smells, broken door frames, and outdated kitchen appliances. Lack of flush toilets and showers was also noted.

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Cabin-specific reviews include complaints about mildew smells and broken door frames for cabins near the playground. RV campgrounds were praised for their setup and AC power.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend this site for group camping despite minor maintenance issues. They suggest booking cabins early and bringing necessary supplies as some amenities may be outdated.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Camping experiences vary by season. During colder months, users highlighted the need for upgrades in cabin facilities but still enjoyed the location. Summer months were praised for outdoor activities...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The mildew smell is horrible and the cabin in the center on the playground side needs the whole door frame replaced." - Jeremy-Dollie F. "This site has a mix of cabins and RV hookups (AC power),...

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No details or reviews about pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.

Based on 14 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 a private group setup on Carlyle Lake with electric hookups and don't need flush toilets or showers.

Skip if

You require modern restroom facilities or well-maintained cabin interiors with updated appliances.

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Campgrounds

Carlyle Lake

Lotus Group Area

About Carlyle Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Lotus Group Area, 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.