Coles Creek Day Use
COLES CREEK DAY USE
Part of Carlyle Lake
Overview
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.Facilities
Coles Creek Day Use Area provides modern amenities such as flush toilets, showers and drinking water. Boaters have the convenience of a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy the dog-friendly swimming beach and playground. The area also provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. It is adjacent to the Coles Creek Recreation Area and Lotus Group Area, which offer reservable campsites.
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.
Recreation
Coles Creek Day Use Area 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 is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as a designated swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.
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.Important Notices
Day-use area only.
Shelter hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Shower Facilities only available during peak season.
Firewood brought into this facility must be purchased, or collected locally due to invasive insects.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Click here for a virtual tour of Carlyle Lake and its facilities.
Available Activities
- SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- WATER SPORTS - Jet Skiing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BOATING - Boating
- BIKING - Biking
Directions
<p>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. Address: 16225 Coles Creek RD, Carlyle, IL 62231</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 618-226-3211
801 LAKE RDCARLYLE, IL 62231
