SOUTH MARCUM CAMPGROUND
Benton, Illinois · US Army Corps of Engineers
Photo: Recreation.gov
About
South Marcum Campground is located on the south-eastern shore of Rend Lake— 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.South Marcum Campground offers 158 reservable campsites each equipped with a picnic table and a firepit. Electric hookups are provided at all sites, excluding tent sites. The campground offers a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests. A playground is also conveniently located within the Whispering Pines camping loop near the shower house.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 Spillway Recreation Area Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center Rend Lake Bike TrailSouth Marcum Campground is conveniently located near the South Marcum Day Use Area, which includes a boat ramp and a reservable picnic shelter. Within the campground, 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).
Directions
From I-57 take exit 71 and turn west onto Highway 14. After 3 miles turn right on Rend City Road, then right on Rend Lake Dam Rd. Continue 3 miles to the park entrance on the left.
Location
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.
Details
- State
- Illinois
- City / area
- Benton
- Agency
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Parent area
- Rend Lake
- Campsites
- 160
- Reservable
- Yes
- Typical price
- $16–$44 / night
- Rating
- 4.51 / 5 (863 reviews on Recreation.gov)
- Equipment
- Tent, RV, Trailer, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up, Hammock
Nearby campgrounds
- DALE MILLER YOUTH 0.3 km away
- SOUTH MARCUM DAY USE 0.6 km away
- SPILLWAY GROUP AREA 1.3 km away
- NORTH MARCUM DAY USE AREA 2.3 km away
- DAM WEST AREA (DAY-USE) 4.0 km away
- SOUTH SANDUSKY DAY USE 5.0 km away