SOUTH MARCUM DAY USE
Benton, Illinois · US Army Corps of Engineers

Photo: Recreation.gov
About
South Marcum Day Use Area— the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.Within the area, visitors can access the Rend Lake Bike Trail—over 20 miles of paved pathways that guide riders through scenic woodlands and across views of Rend Lake and the Big Muddy River. The area offers abundant opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, and general outdoor exploration. Additional recreation features around Rend Lake include an archery complex with a 3D trail and elevated shooting platform, a dog park with a swimming feature, and two public swimming beaches (including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach).For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.South Marcum Day Use Area features a picnic shelter with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelter can accommodate up to 25 guests, and the area has a boat ramp and playground within walking distance.The fields, forests, and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Woodland areas are made up of hickory, oak, and beautiful maples providing habitat to white-tail deer, turkeys, racoons, and many more native species. The shorelines are an excellent viewing area for waterfowl, shorebirds, and bank fishing the known crappie population.Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center Rend Lake Spillway Recreation Area Rend Lake Bike Trail
Directions
From I-57 take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. Continue for 3 miles, then turn north on Rend City Road, turn right on Rend Lake Dam Rd. The entrance is on the left after about 3 miles, just past the main dam.
Location
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.
Details
- State
- Illinois
- City / area
- Benton
- Agency
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Parent area
- Rend Lake
- Campsites
- 1
- Reservable
- Yes
- Typical price
- $30 / day
- Rating
- 5.00 / 5 (4 reviews on Recreation.gov)
- Equipment
- See Recreation.gov
Nearby campgrounds
- DALE MILLER YOUTH 0.4 km away
- SOUTH MARCUM CAMPGROUND 0.6 km away · dump mentioned
- SPILLWAY GROUP AREA 0.7 km away
- NORTH MARCUM DAY USE AREA 1.9 km away
- DAM WEST AREA (DAY-USE) 3.4 km away
- SOUTH SANDUSKY DAY USE 4.4 km away