Dam East Spillway (day Use)

Dam East Spillway Day Use Area is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, 50 miles east of St. Louis — the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Dam East Spillway is connected to the Dam East Recreation Area. It has one group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as 15 individual campsites that are open year-round. A courtesy dock and two boat ramps are available, including one of the best high water boat ramps on the lake, and there is a beach nearby at the McNair Group Area. The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. The vast lake allows for plenty of water sports, and fishing is a popular pastime — the lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round varieties 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, with a multi-use biking and walking trail a short walk away. 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 six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers are 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.