Coles Creek Day Use Campground
Carlyle Lake, Illinois
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As of October 2026, Coles Creek Day Use Campground is a campground in Illinois with 1 campsite. Coles Creek Day Use Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Coles Creek Day Use Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Coles Creek Day Use Campground is located at 38.6581° N, 89.2664° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 75
Coles Creek Day Use Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Maximum stay: 14 nights
- Military discount available
Published by Recreation.gov for Coles Creek Day Use Campground, read on September 30, 2026.
Campsites at Coles Creek Day Use Campground
- Group 1
Amenities
- restrooms
- showers
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Lake.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife.
All sites at Coles Creek Day Use Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the Coles Creek Day Use Shelter 1 loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|
| G001 | Group | 75 |
About Coles Creek Day Use Campground
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rules and notices at Coles Creek Day Use Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Coles Creek Day Use Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
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.
Coles Creek Day Use Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Coles Creek Day Use Campground?
Coles Creek Day Use Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Coles Creek Day Use Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Coles Creek Day Use Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Coles Creek Day Use Campground have?
Coles Creek Day Use Campground has 1 campsites.
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