Dam East - Mcnair Campground

4.7·124 reviews
·Carlyle Lake

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Bbq

    (1 of 47 campsites have Bbq)

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 5:00 pm)

  • Checkout Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 4:00 pm)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 10)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Playground

    (15 of 47 campsites have Playground)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

  • Site Access

    (46 of 47 campsites have Site Acceses)

  • Water Hookup

    (35 of 47 campsites have Water Hookup)

Natural Features

McNair-East Spillway Loop campsites - Credits: USACE
East Spillway Loop Map - Credits: USACE
Kaskaskia River Trail - Credits: USACE
McNair Campground Map - Credits: USACE
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.

Recreation

McNair Group Area shelter - Credits: USACE

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.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 117ft

  • tent-Up to 117ft

  • trailer-Up to 117ft

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.

Additional Information

Campsites