East Dam - 1

Located on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake near Huey, Illinois, this access site offers **two boat ramps** and a courtesy dock, making it a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The facility is situated about 50 miles east of St. Louis and is known for having one of the best high-water boat ramps on the lake, which is particularly valuable during seasonal water level fluctuations. The day use area includes picnic facilities and a group shelter, making it suitable for group outings.

**Access & Facilities:** To reach the site from I-70, take State Route 127 south to Carlyle, then turn east on William Road (which becomes Lake Road). Follow Lake Road south to the day use area on your left. The site is part of a larger recreational complex with nearby campgrounds available for overnight stays. For current conditions, hours, and any day-use fees, contact the facility at 618-594-5253.

**About Carlyle Lake:** Illinois' largest man-made lake offers expansive paddling opportunities with calm, protected waters ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Multiple boat ramps are situated around the lake's perimeter, and there are no outboard motor size restrictions. This makes it a popular destination for both paddlers seeking peaceful water and motorboat operators.

Overview
Dam West Day Use Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.Recreation
The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the...

Overview
Dam West Day Use Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.Recreation
The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There are multiple playgrounds on-site as well as a designated swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.
Facilities
The day use area has two reservable picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 75 people each, as well as a boat ramp and fish cleaning stations. The facility has access to a marina and boat storage facility. Camping is available at the adjacent Dam West Campground.

Visitors can walk or bike across the dam to the Dam East facilities and McNair Group Area.
Natural Features
Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas.

Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.
Nearby Attractions
Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

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