Boulder Day Use in IL -- Campground & RV Camping

Boulder Day Use Area sits on the eastern shore of 26,000-acre Carlyle Lake, adjacent to the Boulder Recreation Area campsites. The facility features a full-service marina, a boat ramp, a courtesy dock, and a fish cleaning station. On-site amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, open green space, and a reservable group picnic shelter accommodating up to 75 people. The lake supports water sports, sailing, and fishing for crappie, bass, and catfish, with a multi-use biking and walking trail located a short drive away at the main dam.

Getting there: (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.

• Moderately separated here.
• Sits on broad, near-level ground.
• The Carlyle Reservoir shoreline is 0.1 mi off.
• Open country, with nothing named rising within 30 miles.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 2, true dark-sky territory.