Boulder Recreation Area

Boulder Recreation Area is situated 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 manmade lake.

Facilities

The campground sits along the lakeshore and offers ample shade. There are 83 campsites, all of which have a view of the lake with some sites perched directly on the shoreline. Each campsite offers a picnic area, and the campground has modern amenities like flush toilets, showers and drinking water, as well as fuel and boat storage.

Nearby attractions

Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information, a gift shop and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish and a display featuring a live massasauga rattlesnake.

Natural feaures

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.

Recreation

The campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

Driving directions to Boulder Recreation Area

Address: 25501 Boulder Access RD, Shattuc, IL 62231. From I-57, turn west onto Old U.S. Highway 50. Continue for 19 miles through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road and follow seven miles to the campground.

Location and contact info

Boulder Marina Road, IL 62231

For campground inquires, please call:618-226-3586

Boulder Recreation Area details

Campfire allowed
Checkin time: 5:00 PM
Checkout time: 4:00 PM
Max num of people: 8
Max num of vehicles: 1
Max vehicle length: 75
Pets allowed

Camping with an RV

Have you ever wanted to sleep at the foot of a mountain or wake up to the sound of the ocean’s waves gently crashing on the shore? When on a road trip, do you like to stop at every weird and wonderful roadside attraction? Do you ever just want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get out into the great outdoors? Then renting an RV is definitely for you.

Camping in an RV allows you to adventure on your terms. Whether you’re looking to bond over an open fire with family and friends or you just want to get away for a while, there’s no better way to do it than from behind the wheel of an RV.

How Outdoorsy Works

Find the perfect RV

Choose your location, dates, and send the host a request to book.

Delivery or Pickup

Arrange a pick up time with the host or have it delivered to your driveway or destination.

Let us help

Most hosts have the option to deliver and set up the RV right to your destination.

Adventure awaits!

Enjoy the freedom of the open road nd the assurance of 24/7 roadside assistance.

After your trip, return the RV to the host in the same condition you recieved it.

Amenities at Boulder Recreation Area

other
Shade

RV Hookups
Electricity hookup
Sewer hookup
Water hookup

supplies
BBQ
Fire pit
Picnic table

Activities at Boulder Recreation Area

Camping

Hiking

Visitor center

Hunting

Boating

Fishing

Biking

Day use area

RV Travel Tips

Seatbelt and car seat laws for children differ based on which RV you're renting. Let's break down the requirements by RV type for a safe family road trip. Learn more

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Questions about RVs?

Q.
What type of RV should I choose?

Start by determining how many people are planning to travel with you. Going on a solo-journey? Choose a camper van or a teardrop trailer. Bringing the whole family along for the ride? Consider a spacious Class A or five-wheel.

You’ll also want to consider amenities. For example, if you’re planning to cook on the road, you’ll want a kitchenette. If your campground doesn’t have public restrooms, you’ll want to search RVs with bathrooms. Check out full descriptions of our models to help you decide here.

Q.
Do the RVs have bathrooms?

Yes. Class A’s, Class B’s, and Class C’s and five-Wheels typically have bathrooms. Depending on where you plan on camping, you’ll want to double-check the availability of restrooms if selecting a rig without a bathroom. Nervous about renting an RV with a bathroom? Owners can help show you how to clean the tank or will offer to do it for you for a fee.

Q.
How does check-in work?

Once an Owner approves your RV reservation, you can coordinate a time to pick up your rig or have it delivered to your doorstep or campsite. At that point, the owner will do a key exchange with you and walk you through the RV and answer any questions you might have.