Dam West Spillway

Star4.73
11 reviews
Dam West Spillway

Quick Facts

Price

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Dam West Spillway
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(618) 594-2484

What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanshowers

"Reviewers are very positive about Dam West Spillway (and closely related Dam East/McNair Spillway loop), describing it as peaceful, clean, and well maintained, with great opportunities for outdoor recreation. Guests consistently praise the scenery, water/electric sites, friendly hosts, and good value, with several calling it one of their favorite campgrounds."

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Best Time to Camp at Dam West Spillway

The beauty of Dam West Spillway lies in its year-round appeal. Anglers find solace here in every season, from crisp winter mornings to golden summer evenings. The lake truly comes alive during racing season, when colorful sails dot the horizon and the excitement of annual regattas transforms the water into a spectacular sporting venue.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Dam West Spillway

    Nestled along the southern shores of Carlyle Lake, Dam West Spillway offers the perfect blend of waterfront adventure and relaxation. Whether you're casting a line from the accessible fishing pier, gathering under the group picnic shelter, or strolling to the nearby marina, this lakeside retreat puts 26,000 acres of pristine water at your doorstep.
    Dam West Spillway is a day-use/recreation site connected to the Dam West Recreation Area, which offers a campground. The facility includes a reservable group picnic shelter and shore/water access but the specific campsite types (tent, RV, primitive, cabins, glamping) are not specified.
    Historical SignificanceSince its creation in 1967, Carlyle Lake has earned its reputation as one of America's premier inland sailing destinations. The lake's consistent winds and expansive waters draw sailors from across the country, with colorful sails dotting the horizon during the annual races and regattas that have become cherished traditions on these waters.
    Weather and SeasonsThe beauty of Dam West Spillway lies in its year-round appeal. Anglers find solace here in every season, from crisp winter mornings to golden summer evenings. The lake truly comes alive during racing season, when colorful sails dot the horizon and the excitement of annual regattas transforms the water into a spectacular sporting venue.
    Natural Features and ScenerySpanning 26,000 acres of shimmering water, Carlyle Lake serves as both a sailor's paradise and a vital sanctuary for migratory waterfowl traveling the Mississippi Flyway. The lake's diverse shoreline ecosystem comes alive with the changing seasons, offering wildlife enthusiasts six dedicated Watchable Wildlife Sites complete with public viewing towers. From these vantage points, visitors can observe great blue herons gliding over the water, eagles perching in towering trees, and countless waterfowl species that call these shores home during their annual migrations.
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityAccessible fishing pier is provided.
    Sites SizeGroup picnic shelter; campground available in the Dam West Recreation Area (types not specified).
    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesFacilities include one reservable group picnic shelter (up to 75 people), an accessible fishing pier, and proximity to boat ramps, courtesy docks, a marina and boat storage facility. A multi-use biking and walking trail is a short distance away at the dam.

    Best Campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    One reservable group picnic shelter is available and can accommodate up to 75 people.
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Reservation PlatformsOne group picnic shelter is reservable. For facility-specific information and reservations call (618) 594-2484.
    Cancellation PolicyOne reservable group picnic shelter (accommodates up to 75 people).

    Amenities available

    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    Dam West Spillway offers a range of water- and shore-based recreation tied to Carlyle Lake, including boating, fishing, biking/walking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive exhibits at the nearby visitor center. The lake supports organized sailing events and a variety of water sports.
    Hiking
    A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam, providing opportunities for walking and trail-based recreation.
    Fishing
    Fishing is popular year-round; listed species include bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. An accessible fishing pier is available.
    Biking
    A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam for biking and pedestrian use.
    Boating
    Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby; the site is within walking distance of a marina and boat storage facility. Carlyle Lake is noted as a top inland sailing lake and hosts sailing races and regattas.
    Wildlife viewing
    Carlyle Lake supports abundant wildlife, including migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers around the lake.
    Cultural and Educational Programs
    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center (located in the Dam West Recreation Area) provides information and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.
    Water Sports
    Lake supports a variety of water sports and is recognized for sailing; it hosts annual races and regattas.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards


    Weather at Dam West Spillway

    30
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 72%
    Wind: 6.2 mph
    Overcast

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresOn the southern shore of Carlyle Lake; boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby and a marina and boat storage are within walking distance.

    Campground Map

    Dam West Spillway
    Driving directionsFrom I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle and turn east on William Road. Continue for 1/2-mile to Lake Road and turn south, following signs to the park.
    Accessible from I-70 via State Route 127 south to Carlyle, then east on William Road and south on Lake Road following park signs.
    Nearby places
    St. Louis — 50 miles

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.7
    11 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Dam West Spillway is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers are very positive about Dam West Spillway (and closely related Dam East/McNair Spillway loop), describing it as peaceful, clean, and well maintained, with great opportunities for outdoor recreation. Guests consistently praise the scenery, water/electric sites, friendly hosts, and good value, with several calling it one of their favorite campgrounds.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 11 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers highlight the peaceful, beautiful setting with views of the spillway/tailwater and Kaskaskia River, noting it’s an excellent place to walk, fish, bike, hike, camp, and relax. They appreciate...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The only recurring issue mentioned is the Corps of Engineers’ 14-day stay limit, which some guests feel is too short for such a desirable park. One reviewer also notes that a specific site (46) is...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers suggest choosing sites 44 or 45 over 46 if possible, since 47 is very close to one side of 46. One guest emphasizes that it’s a wonderful place to wake up and fish, especially with the...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "One of our favorite places. Peaceful, beautiful, friendly people. Great place to walk, fish, bike, hike, camp, and just chill." "A beautiful well maintained Corps of Engineers campground with so...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site 46 is described as an “ok spot” with water and electric and bathrooms nearby, all blacktop and back-in, but the reviewer recommends sites 44 or 45 as better choices because site 47 is very close...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Some practical layout details are noted: sites are blacktop and back-in with nearby bathrooms at least around site 46, which may make setup and access easier for many campers. However, there are no...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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