Coles Creek Day Use

Coles Creek Day Use Area is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, 50 miles east of St. Louis, where the peaceful retreat of a small town meets the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. The area provides modern amenities such as flush toilets, showers and drinking water, and one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a boat ramp, courtesy docks and a fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy the dog-friendly swimming beach and playground, with plenty of open space for children to play. It is adjacent to the Coles Creek Recreation Area and Lotus Group Area, which offer campsites. The vast lake allows for plenty of water sports, and a multi-use biking and walking trail is a short drive away at the dam. Fishing is a popular pastime, with year-round bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. 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. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds, and there are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake. The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, in the Dam West Recreation Area, has nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.