Lotus Group Area

801 LAKE ROAD
CARLYLE, IL 62231-1267

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.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Electric hookups: all 1 sites
Water hookups: all 1 sites
Sewer hookups: all 1 sites
Fire pit: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
ADA accessible: all 1 sites
Group sites: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 35 ft
Largest party: 80 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: Boat, CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, Hammock, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 5 PM, check out by 4 PM.

Reviews

8 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Don M

Loop:Ltga

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

This place is fantastic for family reunions or large gatherings. There are 5 cabins with platform bunk beds and 5 full hookup RV sites. You need to bring twin size mattresses if you want to use the bunks. There's a great spot for everyone to gather together and a pavilion if it rains. DO NOT CAMP HERE IN THE FIRST HALF OF JULY!!! That is when my friends and I gather and I do not want to compete with you for the site.

Joseph F

Loop:Ltga

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Great spot tucked back in the trees.

Nicole R

Loop:Ltga

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

They just put in flushing toilets and shower at the site. We had a family reunion there with 45 people and had a great time!!! Highly recommend!!!

Tyra R

Loop:Ltga

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

This was an amazing place for our wedding and our family to gather and enjoy each other and still stay over nights. Please don't treat down the cabins

Don M

Loop:Ltga

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

This site has a mix of cabins and RV hookups (AC power), along with a pavilion. It is an ideal place for families and friends to camp if some people do not have RVs. The only downside is the lack of flush toilets and no showers. But these things are available at the other Coles Creek sites.

Don M

Loop:Ltga

Site:

Reviewed 5 years ago

My only complaint is that someone had kicked in the door to Cabin #2 and thus the threshold was destroyed. When it rained on our weekend there was an inch of water in that cabin the next morning. It may have gone unnoticed until then but it should be addressed.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve