Lotus Group Area

The Lotus Group Area is 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. 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, and its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. Six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers are open to the public around the lake. The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. The vast lake allows for plenty of water sports, with boat ramps, courtesy docks and a swimming beach nearby. 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. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, and a multi-use biking and walking trail is a short drive away at the dam. Lotus Group Area is a secluded group campground in the Coles Creek Recreation Area, consisting of 10 full-service campsites, a playground and a comfort station. The site can hold a single group of up to 80 people at a time. The Coles Creek Beach and Day Use Area are a short walk away. The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.