Boulder Campground campground
CARLYLE, Illinois

Boulder Campground

Mostly first-come
82 campsites
Open in maps

82

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Boulder Campground

Overview Boulder Campground is situated on the eastern 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 manmade lake. Recreation Boulder Campground 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 is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam. Facilities Boulder Campground 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 is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam. 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. Nearby Attractions The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available as well as nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish. Charges & Cancellations Camping No Show - Camping no-show customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit their reservation. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. Cancellations - A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

  • 82 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (82).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Boulder Campground photo 2
Boulder Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Boulder Campground special

Boulder Campground lines the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, the largest manmade lake in Illinois, roughly fifty miles east of St. Louis. The campground sits at the edge of gently rolling farmland where the Midwest begins to feel expansive and unhurried, and the broad lake stretching out before you offers a welcome dose of water and sky in a landscape better known for its fields of corn and soybeans. The lake covers over 26,000 acres and serves as the recreational heart of the region. Boating, sailing, and water skiing are popular on the main body, while quieter coves and inlets provide excellent spots for fishing — crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, and white bass all thrive here. A sandy swimming beach near the campground gives families a place to cool off on warm summer days. Spring and fall are especially pleasant, with comfortable temperatures, migrating waterfowl, and fewer visitors than the peak summer months. Summer brings the full energy of lake life, complete with long evenings and spectacular sunsets over the water. The campground is well-shaded and spacious, making it easy to settle in for a long weekend. Boulder Campground is a great pick for Midwestern families, boaters, and anglers looking for an accessible lakeside escape with plenty of room to spread out and a genuine small-town warmth in the surrounding communities.

Campsite Inventory

82 sites to choose from

Unknown

82total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

BBQ

Yes

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

5:00 PM

Check-out time

4:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway surface

Gravel, Paved

ELECTRIC HOOKUPS

Electric Hookups

ELECTRICITY

Electricity

Electricity Hookup

20/30/50

Fire Pit

Yes

Full Hookup

50

Max guests

16, 8

Max vehicle length (ft)

100, 101, 43, 45

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

618-226-3586

Getting There

Address: 25501 Boulder Access RD, Shattuc, IL 62231. From I-57, turn west onto Old U.S. Highway 50. Continue for 19 miles through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road and follow seven miles to the campground.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Boulder Campground.

How do reservations work for Boulder Campground?

Reservation availability for Boulder Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Boulder Campground?

Boulder Campground currently lists Unknown (82).

Where is Boulder Campground located?

Boulder Campground is in Illinois near CARLYLE. Coordinates: 38.6947, -89.2336.

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