Carlyle Lake, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake will begin seasonal facility closures in late September as the 2026 recreation season transitions into fall.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds will remain open through their scheduled closing dates. Dam East-McNair Spillway Loop and Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park remains open year-round. For Illini Campground availability, please contact the State Park Office at 618-594-3015. Closure dates for the 2026 recreation season for all USACE – Carlyle Lake campgrounds are as follows:
- Coles Creek Campground: Sept. 27
- Boulder Campground: Oct. 12
- Dam East-McNair Campground (North and South Loops): Nov. 1
- Dam West Campground: Nov. 1
Camping reservations for all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling R1S at 877-444-6777.
All public beaches at Carlyle Lake, including Coles Creek, Dam West, Harbor Light Bay, McNair and Keyesport will close by Sept.15.
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center will close on the weekdays beginning Sept. 7 but will remain open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 27.
Picnic shelters will be available by reservation through Sept. 30. Beginning Oct. 1, shelters will be available on a first come, first served basis through May 2027. Fish cleaning stations will close by Oct. 15. Day-use areas remain open year-round.
For more information, please contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at 618-594-2484 or email carlyle.lake@usace.army.mil.
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