
Dam East - McNair Campground
48
Total Campsites
Campground
47
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Dam East - McNair Campground
Overview Dam East-McNair Campground is situated on the southern 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 man-made lake. Recreation The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, 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. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam. Facilities The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, 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. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance 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. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484. 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. 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.
- 48 total campsites listed.
- 47 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- Most common site type: standard electric (46).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Campsite Inventory
48 sites to choose from
STANDARD ELECTRIC
46
Reservable
0
Accessible
GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC
1
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE DRINKING WATER
Accessible Drinking Water
ACCESSIBLE FLUSH TOILETS
Accessible Flush Toilets
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Accessible Parking
ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND
Accessible Playground
ACCESSIBLE SHOWERS
Accessible Showers
ACCESSIBLE TRAILS
Accessible Trails
ACCESSIBLE WALKWAYS
Accessible Walkways
Accessibility
Yes
BBQ
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Group, Single
Check-in time
05:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Check-out time
04:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
DAY USE AREA
Day Use Area
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
100, 117, 50, 55
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
618-594-5253
Getting There
From I-57, take Old U.S. Highway 50 west for 22 miles to the Dam East Entrance road. Turn north and continue through the four-way intersection to the McNair Group Area.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Dam East - McNair Campground.
How do reservations work for Dam East - McNair Campground?
Reservation availability for Dam East - McNair Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Dam East - McNair Campground?
Dam East - McNair Campground currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (46), GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC (1), MANAGEMENT (1).
Where is Dam East - McNair Campground located?
Dam East - McNair Campground is in Illinois near CARLYLE. Coordinates: 38.6083, -89.3250.
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