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Lotus Group Area
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 · 38.66354, -89.25822 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 group standard 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 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 1 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 1 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 1 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 | Longest reported site fits 35 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 1 sites · 30 ft: 1 sites · 35 ft: 1 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| 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 5:00 PM · Out 4:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Beach accessBoat rampPlayground |
| Phone | 618-226-3211 |
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 The Lotus Group Area is 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 The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. The vast lake allows for plenty of water sports with boat ramps, courtesy docks and a swimming beach being located nearby. 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. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.
Facilities Lotus Group Area offers a secluded group campground in Coles Creek Recreation Area. The facility consists of 10 full-service campsites, a playground, and a comfort station. The site can hold a single group of up to 80 people at a time. The Coles Creek Beach and Day Use Area are a short walk away.
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 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
From I-57, take Old U.S. Highway 50 west for 19 miles, through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road/2400E. After 4 miles turn east on 1700N and continue until the road connects with 2400E. Continue south and turn right just before reaching the Coles Creek entrance road. Proceed north to Lotus Group Area.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · CARLYLE IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersColes Creek Day Use
1 mi straight-line · CARLYLE IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersBoulder Campground
3 mi straight-line · Shattuc IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersBoulder Day Use
3 mi straight-line · CARLYLE IllinoisUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDam East Rec. Area (Day Use)
5 mi straight-line · CARLYLE Illinois
Trip Card — Lotus Group Area
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 · full hookups at 1 |
| Max RV | Up to 35 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233780 · 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.