Re: GOOD places to boat and water sports in central illinois......any suggestions
I went to Carlyle a few times last summer, you can usually find a place to ski/tube/board, but there are not many coves to hide out in. I have launched at the "Dam West" and the "Keyesport" ramps and both are nice wide ramps with ample parking, I think it was $3 to launch. You will definitely want to stay to the southern end of the lake (below the train tracks) as it is very shallow and stumpy on the northern end, I see guys fishing up there but I won't take my boat up there. There is a beach where many boats anchor and swim on the east side of the lake, it has been family friendly every time I have anchored there. There are some shallow areas, so I'd suggest getting a map. Also, I am not sure how large your boat is, but on a windy day Carlyle can get a little choppy since it is a big wide lake and the surrounding land is so flat.