Keyesport Rec. Area

Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, 50 miles east of St. Louis — the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Keyesport provides one group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp, courtesy docks and fish cleaning station, and families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground. The vast lake allows for plenty of water sports, and fishing is a popular pastime, with year-round varieties such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. A multi-use biking and walking trail is a short drive away at the dam. 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.