Boating - For the boating enthusiast, Carlyle Lake is a great place to cruise for pleasure, water ski, or spend the day fishing. The wide-open waters make Carlyle Lake a sailor's paradise. This 15 by 3 1/2 mile body of water is one of the top inland sailing lakes in the nation. All major developed recreation areas have boat ramps with courtesy docks. Small boat access ramps can be found in hunting /fishing parking lots scattered around the lake. Call or Check out the websites below for more information on boat rentals or sailing events.

Boulder Marina – (618) 226-3223
Carlyle Sailing Association Marina - (618) 594-3622
Trade Winds Marina – (618) 749-5649
West Access Marina – (618) 594-2461
Carlyle Lake Boats & Marinas

*Day use fees are charged at specific Corps of Engineers boat ramps. Visitors may pay $3.00 per launch at the boat ramp, or purchase an annual pass for a fee of $30.00. Annual Passes are available at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, the Carlyle Lake Project Office, and at the campground fee booths. Visitors with a Golden Age, Golden Access, or America the Beautiful Pass will receive a 50% discount on all day use fees.

Picnic Shelters – Thirteen picnic shelters are located around Carlyle Lake to help provide the perfect setting for your reunions, picnics and parties. You can reserve a picnic shelter in advance through the NRRS's toll free number for a fee of $30.00. Shelters that have not been reserved are available free of charge, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Trails – At Carlyle Lake there are several hiking trails maintained: Chipmunk Trail located in McNair Recreation Area, Little Prairie Nature Trial located in the Dam West Spillway, and Willow Pond, which is barrier free, located on the south side of the Visitor Center. A bike route map is available at the Carlyle Lake Project Office or at the Visitor Center. There are also several miles of trails winding through ELDON HAZLET STATE PARK (IDNR).

Lodging - For information on Lodging at Carlyle Lake see www.playandstaycarlyle.com

Visitor Center – To help you plan your stay at Carlyle Lake stop by the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area. Pick up literature, shop at the gift shop, or view exhibits; including a 215 gallon aquarium with native fish, and a snake exhibit featuring the massasauga rattlesnake. Then relax and sit back and watch the “Something for Everyone” on the construction of the lake and the recreational opportunities available to you during your stay.