Located in the picturesque town of Carlyle, Illinois, Dam East - McNair Campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a relaxing getaway. Nestled along the shores of Carlyle Lake, this campground offers a variety of amenities and activities to ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.
The campground features spacious sites for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile destination for campers. For those who enjoy hiking, there are short trails that provide scenic views of the lake and surrounding nature. The highlight of the campground is its family-friendly beach, which boasts clean sand and a gradual increase in water depth, making it safe for swimmers of all ages. Free life jackets are available, and depth markers are placed to ensure safety.
Additional amenities include:
Visitors are welcome to bring sun shades and coolers to enhance their beach experience. A $5 day pass is required for those without an annual pass or camping reservations. The campground is well-maintained and offers plenty of space, even during peak times, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Customer feedback highlights the cleanliness of the beach, the convenience of the amenities, and the overall family-friendly atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate the gradual water depth and the availability of free life jackets, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for children. The proximity of parking to the beach and the presence of a playground and shaded benches add to the convenience and comfort of the experience.
Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip, a day of hiking, or a relaxing day at the beach, Dam East - McNair Campground is the perfect destination. Come and experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Carlyle Lake has to offer.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Swings
Tent sites
Camping fee
Credit cards
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Parking is close to the beach access and there is a small playground and a bunch of benches with some shade. The beach is clean and the there is a nice gradual increase in the water depth. There is a poll at the ends of the swimming area to indicate the depth if you have swimmers that need life jackets. They also provide free life jackets. We were sharing the beach with a handful of other families and we had plenty of space. You can bring sun shades and coolers. They do want you to pay for a $5 day pass if you do not hold an annual pass or have camping reservations.
Nice campground on south end of the lake with beach, short hiking trails, restrooms, etc.
I actually stayed at the Spillway loop but the showers are here at McNair, so explored the McNair campground as well. Beautiful sites with trees and separation from other campers. Trails, dump station, wonderful showers. Another terrific Corps of Engineers campground. $18 for electric sites $9 for electric sites with the America the beautiful pass.
Nice campground, beautiful settings, restrooms were clean and the shower was acceptable. I would recommend this campground for anyone looking for a place to stay in the area!
Lot 30 McNair Access Campground Pros: The hosts - Amazingly friendly and attentive. We could tell they care and try to keep the facility in order. The 2 friendly black cats (there are 3, 1 isn't friendly and stays away) while some people may not enjoy this, it was nice to have a little animal company. Bathroom/shower was very clean and well stocked We were close to the playground Now having said that... Cons: Check in is not until 5 pm and checkout is at 4pm, very odd and difficult to plan around.. There was a wedding when we were there so the campground was full and rather noisy. Distance to the beach is a good walk. The pack of raccoons that will literally jump on your picnic table with no fear would not leave. We were told by the campers next to us to keep all food in our cars. Unfortunately later we witnessed these same campers throwing food into the woods 🙄 Our lot was quite the walk to the shower/bathroom facility. Not set up for tents ideally a camper is better.
Great place for breakfast. I wouldn't know about much else. Staff is extremely attentive, and the food Wow! Hopefully y'all enjoy as much as we did
This campground is quiet, clean, and the host is great. I brought my family and we all had an awesome time. One thing to note though is be ready for a lot of bugs. There were tons of gnats and mosquitoes flying around. Hopefully it was just that time of year and the bug situation improves, but be ready for it.