St. Louis District > Missions > Recreation

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

US Army Corps of Engineers

St. Louis District Website

/ / /

Carlyle Lake: Choose Your Adventure

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.

View Map

Carlyle Lake Virtual Tour

Take a 360 virtual tour of Carlyle Lake. Navigate to specific recreation areas around the lake to view scenes from the area.

Website

Paddle Carlyle Lake

Carlyle Lake Paddle Map

View Map

Carlyle Lake

Notice of Availability

Application for Lease of Real Property at Carlyle Lake – Notice of Availability: Notice No. DACW43-9-25-255

Latest News Releases

Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration

6/10/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,600 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16,...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announces Commercial Concession Opportunity at Carlyle Lake

6/10/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, is pleased to announce an exciting commercial concession opportunity at Carlyle Lake, Illinois’ largest man-made lake. The Corps of Engineers is...

Enjoy a Safe and Fun Summer at Carlyle Lake

5/19/2025

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is excited to welcome visitors to Carlyle Lake for another recreation season. Carlyle Lake is the perfect destination for a variety...

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