Home › Illinois › Boulder Day Use
Boulder Day Use
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — CARLYLE · Illinois · Carlyle Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Carlyle Lake |
| Location | CARLYLE · Illinois · Carlyle Lake · 38.69611, -89.23222 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 of 1 sites (up to 20 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 8:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Boat rampFlush toiletsLake accessPlayground |
| Phone | 618-226-3586 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Boulder 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 Boulder Day Use Area provides fun both on the water and on shore. A boat ramp and courtesy dock 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 wide open space for children to play. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the main dam.
Facilities Boulder Day Use Area provides modern amenities like flush toilets and drinking water, as well as one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. It is adjacent to the Boulder Recreation Area, which offers 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 races and regattas. The 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, and there are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484. 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.
Directions, from the listing
(Address: 25501 Boulder Access RD, Shattuc, IL 62231). From I-57, take Old U.S. Highway 50 west. Continue for 19 miles through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road and follow 7 miles to the day use and recreation area.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Shattuc IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersLotus Group Area
3 mi straight-line · CARLYLE IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersColes Creek Campground
3 mi straight-line · CARLYLE IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersColes Creek Day Use
3 mi straight-line · CARLYLE IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersKeyesport Rec. Area
3 mi straight-line · CARLYLE Illinois
Trip Card — Boulder Day Use
CARLYLE · Illinois · Carlyle Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | CARLYLE · Illinois · Carlyle Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233784 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.