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Coles Creek Day Use Area 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 man-made lake. Natural Features: Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nations 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: The 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 white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, 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: Coles Creek has two reservable group picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 75 guests each. The sites provides modern amenities like electric hookups, showers, drinking water and flush toilets. It is adjacent to Coles Creek Recreation Area and Lotus Group Area, which offer reservable campsites. Nearby Attractions: Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information, a gift shop and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish and a display featuring a live massasauga rattlesnake.
From I-57, take Old U.S. Highway 50 west for 19 miles, through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road/2400E and continue for 4 miles, then turn east on 1700N and continue until the road connects with 2400E. Continue south to the Coles Creek entrance.
Love Cole's creek, HATE that all of loop 5 is all reserve only. Was out there all week and there were 7 campers in the whole loop all week until Friday for their 2 day reservations. Anyone wanting to camp on a spur of the moment if weather is nice is out of luck bc you'll have to leave for the weekend campers. Pads are really nice now that they are all blacktop.
We have been to several campgrounds throughout the states YET!!! I have to say, Sherry is one of the sweetest host we have EVER came across. Even her knowledge on camping as well as her surroundings of things to do was very impressive. Her & her husband, Les are two perfect couples for a job of this field. Unlike the other 2 older host which took over when they was gone. They appeared to be just miserable they even had to be there. Your host is whom makes you feel at home..... Those two only made us feel like we should go home. Mind you we was at campsite #2 directly across the road from them. Thank you Sherry for making up where they defaulted
May I add: we only wished coles had some sort of bike trails or even somewhere to ride.
We had a wonderful time at this campground! It was quite, peaceful, and beautiful! We tent camped and brought both of our dogs. The dogs had a great time and enjoyed the lake! The camp hosts were so nice and very informative! We'll definitely be back!!
