Spring has arrived, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities at Carlyle Lake will soon open for the 2026 recreation season. This includes the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, campgrounds, and fish cleaning stations, all of which enrich the visitor experience and offer excellent recreational opportunities on public lands.
- Carlyle Lake Visitor Center: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Open Saturdays and Sundays from April 4 – May 24
- Open Daily from May 25 – September 7
- Open Saturdays and Sundays from September 12 – September 27
- Dam West Campground: April 3, 2026 – November 1, 2026
- Dam East-McNair Campground (N & S Loops): April 3, 2026 – November 1, 2026
- Boulder Campground: April 17, 2026 – October 12, 2026
- Coles Creek Campground: May 1, 2026 – September 27, 2026
- Dam East-McNair Campground (Spillway Loop): Open year round
Fish cleaning stations will open in mid-April, and beaches will open closer to Memorial Day weekend, depending on weather conditions.
All USACE campgrounds at Carlyle Lake – Dam West, Dam East-McNair, Boulder, and Coles Creek are fully reservable. Each campsite features a QR code that visitors can scan onsite to make a reservation, if available. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, starting from the current day, through www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
For more information, contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484 or email at carlyle.lake@usace.army.mil.
Release no. 26-012
