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Rend Lake - COE/South Marcum
Overview
South Marcum is a standout Army Corps of Engineers campground nestled on the eastern shores of Rend Lake near Benton, Illinois. This sprawling recreation area provides a serene setting where the water meets lush Illinois woodlands. Known for its well-maintained facilities and expansive views, it offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing essential comforts.
Location & Surroundings
The park is located just a short drive from Benton, Illinois, offering a perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. Situated on the southern portion of the 19,000-acre lake, the area is characterized by its scenic shoreline and diverse wildlife. Visitors often enjoy the canopy of mature hardwood trees that provide ample shade for many campsites, creating a cool, refreshing environment during the humid summers.
Amenities & Park Features
South Marcum features numerous campsites equipped with 50-amp electric hookups, accommodating a variety of RV sizes. The park is designed with convenience in mind, offering a multi-lane boat ramp for easy lake access, modern shower houses, and clean restroom facilities. Families can take advantage of the on-site playground and picnic shelters, while every site includes a fire ring and picnic table for classic campfire evenings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, with excellent fishing for crappie and largemouth bass serving as a primary draw. Adjacent to the park, the Rend Lake Golf Course offers a challenging round for golfers, while the nearby Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park provides additional hiking and biking trails. For a bit of local flavor, the town center offers charming shops and local dining options just minutes away.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is an ideal match for avid anglers and boaters who want direct access to one of the state's largest lakes. It is also a fantastic choice for families and retirees seeking a quiet, budget-friendly destination with spacious sites and a relaxing atmosphere. If you value natural beauty and a slow-paced environment over high-energy resort amenities, South Marcum is a premier choice for your next Illinois adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jason Easley
Truly enjoyed our stay here. The trees were changing colors. The air had a nice crispness to it. We spent a decent amount of time looking for the geocaches around the area. We will absolutely be back.
TK TK
Great place to ride bikes(paved bike trail) hike, camp, boat. They don’t make it easy to bank fish with loads of rocks and little to no sandbar fishing spots. Playgrounds are ok the playground by visitor center is excellent!
Jane Burt
What a fantastic campground! Immaculate, a lot of wildlife, beautiful lake, and super helpful people at the gate. We travel back and forth from our home in Iowa to our home in the Georgia mountains and are always looking for state parks. I will say, this is one of the very best! Nice job!!!
Tom Volner
Great campground on a beautiful lake. Sites are well spaced out, so your not on top of each other. Just make sure and read the comments so if you need a level spot you don't end up sleeping on a slope. Convenient to town if there is something you forgot or want to go antique shopping.
Scott Lueck
Very nice campground, beaver lodge loop is where we we at. Nice shower/restroom combo. Hilly in areas. Walking distance to lake. Right by the cove to float or kayak. Lots of bike riding paved trails.
Neal Kelsoe
Beautiful and well maintained park that was great for an overnight stop. Gravel pull thru with full hook ups. Quiet, clean and safe.
Darby Beasley-Piatek
One of the most beautiful sites at Rend Lake, always so well maintained by the stewards of the lake the US Army Corps. A true gem.
Paul Johnson
Our favorite campground in Illinois, everything in clean and well maintained, the tent sites (especially T-14 and T-08) are awesome. We love the lake and bike path.
Country Coach Guy
We just got here and we like the place. Water and electric hookup. Right on the lake and on a very specious site. Most of the ACE campgrounds are very specious. The only negatives; does not have the full hookup (dump station on exit) and the sites are the most leveled. Otherwise, great place to stay in So. Illinois.
Beverly
This was our 4th stay here for ten days and it was great! Beautiful trees and abundant wildlife, especially deer of all ages. Our dog was "skunked" on two previous trips, so beware of those stinky critters for your fur babies. Lots of hiking and just enjoying nature. We had #81 this visit and it was good. Fairly level and good view of Rend Lake. Our friends were in #82 had a great lake view, but site was absurdly unlevel. They had to purchase a fence post to prop under the tongue of the trailer and park diagonally. Spaces are well spaced and most had cement pads. They park is close to Benton for all your shopping needs. Would definitely recommend and hope to return.