Hot Info
...more
less
Endless possibilities await you at Carlyle Lake. Grab your gear and enjoy the abundant camping opportunities at six developed campgrounds. Hit the water for boating, fishing and swimming; from a relaxing sailboat excursion to fast-paced waterskiing, the 26,000 acres of water in Illinois’s largest man-made lake is ready when you are.
Take a 360 virtual tour of Carlyle Lake. Navigate to specific recreation areas around the lake to view scenes from the area.
Carlyle Lake Paddle Map

Carlyle Lake

Redirecting...

Latest News Releases

Temporary Closure of Dam West Boat Ramp and Lake Road for Celebrate the Earth
4/14/2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Carlyle Lake Project will host the 29th Annual Celebrate the Earth event on Friday, April 25, 2025. To ensure the safety of all participants, the Dam West Boat Ramp,...
Carlyle Lake Increasing Downstream Releases and Pool Elevation Update
4/10/2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake will begin increasing water releases from the main dam on Friday, April 11, 2025. Releases will strategically be raised from 5,000 cubic feet of water...
Carlyle Lake Increasing Downstream Releases and Pool Elevation Update
4/4/2025
In response to current weather conditions and rising water levels, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake will begin increasing water releases from the main dam on Friday, April 4, 2025...

Fishing hot spots

Eagle Watch Event Flyer Link

Carlyle Lake

Contact

Carlyle Lake Project Office
Mailing Address:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Carlyle Lake Project Office
801 Lake Road
Carlyle, Illinois 62231
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Telephone:
Phone: (618) 594-2484 

Email:
CarlyleLake@usace.army.mil

Visitor Center Hours:
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 6 – May 26: Sat & Sun
May 27 – Sept 2: Daily
Sept 7 – Sept 29: Sat & Sun

Tours of the Dam

Tours are offered Memorial Day – Labor Day and take place on Saturdays at 9 a.m. from on top of the dam


Camping Reservations: 
1-877-444-6777


Find us on Facebook