Dam East - McNair Campground campground
CARLYLE, Illinois

Dam East - McNair Campground

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

48

Total Campsites

Campground

47

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

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.
Dam East - McNair Campground photo 2
Dam East - McNair Campground photo 3

Campsite Inventory

48 sites to choose from

STANDARD ELECTRIC

46total sites

46

Reservable

0

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

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

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

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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