Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
Learn more
The Keyesport access point provides boat ramp facilities for paddlers and boaters on Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made lake located about 50 miles east of St. Louis. This site is one of eleven boat ramps positioned around the lake's perimeter, offering convenient launch access for kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. There is no outboard motor size limit on the lake, making it suitable for a variety of watercraft.
Paddlers should note that Carlyle Lake offers extensive recreational infrastructure, including nearby campgrounds (Boulder, Dam West, and Dam East-McNair are all reservable within 10 miles) and day-use areas with amenities like picnic shelters, fish cleaning stations, and restroom facilities. The lake is particularly popular with sailors and anglers. For those seeking a longer paddle, three additional boat ramps provide access to the Kaskaskia River above and below the reservoir, expanding exploration opportunities in the region.