Illinois' Sailing Capital, Just East of St. Louis
Why Rent On Carlyle Lake
Carlyle Lake is Illinois’ largest manmade lake, and with its consistent winds and wide-open water, it is recognized as one of the top sailing lakes in the entire country. Located less than an hour east of St. Louis, this beautiful destination draws families, anglers, and water sports lovers from across the region. A waterfront vacation rental here is the ideal way to experience it all.
Lakehouses for Every Kind of Family
Vacation rentals near Carlyle Lake offer cozy cabins for smaller families and large lakehouses that sleep 12 or more guests. Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and relaxing outdoor lake views are standard features. Pet-friendly options are easy to find, and many properties sit close enough to the water that you can hear it from the porch.
Sailing, Boating, Swimming, and World-Class Fishing
Beyond sailing, Carlyle Lake is renowned for outstanding fishing, with a bounty of crappie, catfish, walleye, and bass. Eldon Hazlet State Park on the eastern shore offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful swimming beach. The Dam West Recreation Area is a favorite spot for birdwatching and quiet afternoon picnics.
History, Culture, and Annual Festivals
The Clinton County Historical Society Museum brings the region’s Native American and pioneer heritage to life through engaging exhibits. Annual events including the Carlyle Lake Duck and Goose Festival, the Carlyle Lake Regatta, and the Carlyle Lake Fish Fest make the calendar here feel genuinely lively throughout the year.
A Lake Destination That Delivers
Staying in a lakeside rental at Carlyle Lake means your family gets private space, a full kitchen, and the freedom to structure each day however you choose. The combination of water recreation, nature, history, and easy access to St. Louis makes this one of the most rewarding family destinations in the state.
- Surface area (mi)
- 65.37
- Max depth (ft)
- 35.1
- Elevation (ft)
- 1459.97
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 85
Popular activities
- Fishing
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Boating
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Marinas on Carlyle Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Carlyle Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Carlyle Lake. Beach users must stay within these designated areas, which are marked by buoys to ensure safety. Life jacket loaner stations are also available at these beaches.
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Carlyle Lake is a popular destination because it offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, with several marinas and campgrounds available. The lake is also known for its scenic beauty and wildlife, including guided birdwatching tours and annual sailing regattas.
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The daily creel limits and minimum length requirements for Carlyle Lake are as follows: Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass, 14 inches, 6 fish per day; White, Black, or hybrid Crappie, 10 inches, 15 fish per day; Walleye and Sauger, 14 inches, 6 fish in combination. White Bass have no limit if under 17 inches, but a 3-fish limit if 17 inches or longer, combined with Striped and Yellow Bass.
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Both Keyesport Beach and Dam West Beach are good for families. Keyesport Beach is quieter and has restrooms and playgrounds, while Dam West Beach, near the Visitor Center, also has showers and can be more convenient, despite being more crowded on summer weekends. Both have roped-off swimming areas.
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Towns near Carlyle Lake include Aviston, Bartelso, Beckemeyer, Breese, Germantown, and Huey. These towns are all located in Clinton County, Illinois, and are in close proximity to Carlyle Lake. They are part of the local communities surrounding the lake.
