Coles Creek Rec Area

Coles Creek Recreation Area is a furrific spot for your Fido-friendly Illinois outdoor getaway! The picture-perfect scenery at this campground won’t come at the cost of your creature comforts -- the campground has electricity, water, and sewer hookups, as well as access to showers and laundry facilities.

And what scenery it is! Set on the side of the gorgeous Carlyle Lake, just 50 miles away from St. Louis, the campground is well-shaded by stately, mature trees. Most of the sites have waterside views, and the ones that don’t are never more than a quarter of a mile away from the water.

Coles Creek offers a couple of different ways to stay. Aside from the 119 standard family sites, there are a couple of group sites that are just paw-fect for a family reunion, anniversary, or other celebration. There’s no entrance fee to the recreation area, and sites start at just $16. While there are some first-come, first-served sites available, it’s still best to make your reservation early, particularly if you’ll need to stay at one of Coles Creek’s accessible sites.

You and your pooch are sure to sniff out something to do during your stay! Carlyle Lake is something of a place of pilgrimage for keen anglers, as it’s well-stocked with bluegill, crappie, catfish, and several species of trout. You can cook your catch at one of the grills provided at each site. Non-furry family members will surely appreciate the playground, and they may want to investigate the swim beach, too -- unfortunately though, your pupper will have to stay on dry land. The immediate area doesn’t offer much for serious hound-dog hikers, but the 10-mile Carlyle Lake Multi-Use Trail is still well worth investigating.

WiFi isn’t available at Coles Creek, but all cellular networks should receive decent voice and data service. Fires are permitted, and you’ll find drinking water available on-site. Remember to bring waste bags to clean up after your buddy, and have a grrr-eat time at Coles Creek Recreation Area!