Lotus Group Area

Star4.59
14 reviews
801 LAKE ROAD
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

472 ft

Price

$300/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 2 - Septemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Lotus Group Area
$300.00 - $300.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for Group Standard Electric sites is $300 during peak season (May 2 - September 1). Rates are subject to taxes and incremental...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$300.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
618-226-3211
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocationbeachfriendly

"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 Negative reviews mention maintenance issues such as mildew smells in cabins and outdated facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

801 LAKE ROAD

Lotus Group Area

801 LAKE ROAD

Driving directionsFrom I-57, take Old U.S. Highway 50 west for 19 miles, through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road/2400E. After 4 miles turn east on 1700N and continue until the road connects with 2400E. Continue south and turn right just before reaching the Coles Creek entrance road. Proceed north to Lotus Group Area.
Accessible via paved roads, the route includes turns onto local roads and may require attention to signage near the Coles Creek entrance. No seasonal closures or major navigation challenges noted.
Nearby places
CARLYLE (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), SALEM (19 miles, approximately 25 minutes), ST. LOUIS (50 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are accessible in Carlyle, IL, approximately 5 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Lotus Group Area

Summer arrives with gentle warmth and sun-kissed days perfect for lake adventures, while moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for camping comfort. As autumn paints the landscape, crisp air invigorates morning hikes and evening campfires. Winter transforms the area into a quiet retreat, where snow occasionally dusts the frozen shoreline and hardy souls find solitude amid the very cold temperatures—a stark contrast to the bustling summer season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer praised for outdoor activities; site is peak-season open May–Sep for lake fun.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Site is only open May 2–Sep 1; out-of-season reservations not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Official peak season begins May 2; out-of-season reservations not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed out of peak season; winter stays/reservations not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2 - September 1.. 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

Escape to Lotus Group Area, where your gathering becomes part of the grand story of Carlyle Lake—Illinois' magnificent 26,000-acre aquatic playground. This secluded group camping haven beckons water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you're organizing a reunion, planning a scout adventure, or bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, Lotus provides the ideal blend of privacy and endless recreational possibilities along the shimmering shores of the state's largest man-made lake.
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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit, with a rolling limit of 14 nights within 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

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.
HikingA multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam, offering opportunities for hikes.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Carlyle Lake, with year-round availability of species such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, and walleye.
SwimmingThe Coles Creek Beach is located a short walk away, providing access for swimming.
BikingA multi-use biking trail near the dam offers options for cycling enthusiasts.
BoatingCarlyle Lake accommodates water sports and boating activities, with boat ramps and courtesy docks available nearby.
Wildlife viewingCarlyle Lake is home to migratory waterfowl and other birds. Six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers are available around the lake.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and occasional severe weather during off-peak seasons.

Weather at Lotus Group Area

Reviews

4.6
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Lotus Group Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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...
Show more
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),...
Show more
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

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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Lotus Group Area? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Illinois

Campgrounds
Carlyle Lake
Lotus Group Area