Coles Creek Campground campground
CARLYLE, Illinois

Coles Creek Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
148 campsites
Open in maps

148

Total Campsites

Campground

120

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

2

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Coles Creek Campground

Overview Coles Creek 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 and a few miles from the town of Carlyle, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Recreation Coles Creek 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 are multiple playgrounds on-site, as well as a swimming beach and an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam. Facilities Coles Creek 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 are multiple playgrounds on-site, as well as a swimming beach and 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 and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484. 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.

  • 148 total campsites listed.
  • 120 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 2 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard electric (145).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Coles Creek Campground photo 2
Coles Creek Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Coles Creek Campground special

Coles Creek Campground sits on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made lake, offering 148 sites that serve as a prime gateway for outdoor recreation in the southern Illinois heartland. Just 50 miles east of St. Louis, it delivers a genuine lakeside camping experience within easy striking distance of a major metro area. Carlyle Lake spans over 26,000 acres and draws a devoted following of boaters, sailors, and anglers. The lake is one of the best in the Midwest for sailing thanks to its size and consistent winds, while fishermen pursue largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass through the seasons. Coles Creek sits on a scenic stretch of shoreline with its own boat ramp, swim beach, and hiking trails that wind through the surrounding bottomland hardwoods. The campground offers a comfortable mix of electric hookup and basic sites, well-suited for both RV travelers and tent campers. Mature trees provide welcome shade during the humid Illinois summer, and the sites are spaced generously enough to maintain a relaxed feel. Peak season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, with weekends and holidays filling quickly — advance reservations are recommended. Spring and early fall bring milder temperatures, excellent fishing, and a welcome drop in crowds. For families and weekend warriors in the greater St. Louis region, Coles Creek is one of the most reliable getaways around.

Campsite Inventory

148 sites to choose from

STANDARD ELECTRIC

145total sites

118

Reservable

2

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC

2total sites

2

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

BBQ

Yes

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Double, Single

Check-in time

5:00 PM

Check-out time

4:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway surface

Paved

Electricity Hookup

20/30/50

Fire Pit

Yes

Full Hookup

15, 50

Max guests

144, 16, 8, 80

Max vehicle length (ft)

100, 115, 39, 40

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Yes

Sewer Hookup

Yes

Shade

Full, Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

618-226-3211

Getting There

From I-57, take Old U.S. Route 50 west for 19 miles through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road and continue for 4 miles, then turn onto 1700 and continue until the road connects with 2400. Continue south to the Coles Creek entrance. Address: 16225 Coles Creek RD, Carlyle, IL 62231

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Coles Creek Campground.

How do reservations work for Coles Creek Campground?

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

What campsite types are available at Coles Creek Campground?

Coles Creek Campground currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (145), GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC (2), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is Coles Creek Campground located?

Coles Creek Campground is in Illinois near CARLYLE. Coordinates: 38.6569, -89.2603.

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