COLES CREEK DAY USE
Campground · Fee not listed
Fast facts
- Cost
- Not listed. Check locally.
- Type
- Campground
- Phone
- 618-226-3211
- Coordinates
- 38.6581, -89.2664
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
Overview Coles Creek Day Use Area is situated 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. Recreation Coles Creek Day Use Area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish 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, as well as a designated swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam. Facilities Coles Creek Day Use Area provides modern amenities such as flush toilets, showers and drinking water. Boaters have the convenience of a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy the dog-friendly swimming beach and playground. The area also provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. It is adjacent to the Coles Creek Recreation Area and Lotus Group Area, which offer reservable campsites. Natural Features 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. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake. Nearby Attractions The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.
From the managing agency.
Is COLES CREEK DAY USE free?
We do not have a fee on record for COLES CREEK DAY USE. Confirm the cost locally before you go.
How do I get to COLES CREEK DAY USE?
COLES CREEK DAY USE is at 38.6581, -89.2664. We do not hold written directions for this one, so navigate to the coordinates.
Nearby
- Coles Creek Campground0.3 mi
- LOTUS GROUP AREA0.6 mi
- Boulder Campground3.1 mi
- BOULDER DAY USE3.2 mi
- DAM EAST REC. AREA (DAY USE)4.1 mi
- Dam East - McNair Campground4.7 mi
- KEYESPORT REC. AREA5.2 mi
- Dam West Campground5.4 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
