Carlyle Lake SFWA
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- dnr.illinois.gov(618) 425-3533
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Carlyle Lake SFWA is a state fish and wildlife area in Fayette County, in Vandalia.
Fees and passes
Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.
Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
See the park’s wording
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Things to do
Fishing
Hunting and Fishing
Carlyle Lake is known as one of the top waterfowl hunting areas in the state. The Department of Natural Resources also provides opportunities for hunting white-tailed deer, turkeys, squirrels, quail, rabbits, and doves. Trapping is permitted after duck season and requires a permit from the site manager.
Fishing is available on more than 2,000 acres of the lake and on the Kaskaskia River. Two boat ramps on the Kaskaskia River providing fishing access.
Bird watchers will enjoy observing bald eagles, ospreys, cormorants, and great blue herons, as well as numerous species of shorebirds and songbirds.
Site Hunting Information
A state fishing license is usually required.
Accessibility
Physical Accessibility at Carlyle Lake
- Carlyle Lake terrain is considered rugged.
- Park has gravel parking lots but has one accessible concrete parking pad connecting to the concrete sidewalk at all the lots.
•
Accessible vault toilets are available at Cox Bridge
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 712 N. 300 St
Vandalia, IL 62471 - Nearest town
- Vandalia
- Coordinates
- 38.9610, -89.0940
- Phone
- (618) 425-3533
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Illinois State Parks (IDNR state parks and recreation areas) — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- IDNR All Parks list (AEM content-fragment list JSON) + each unit's landing page for official title, coordinates, address, phone
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology