South Marcum Campground

For Illinois locals seeking an exceptional outdoor experience, South Marcum Campground, situated on the picturesque shores of Rend Lake in Benton, IL, is frequently hailed as a top choice. This Army Corps of Engineers managed campground offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities, making it a beloved destination for families, avid cyclists, and water enthusiasts alike. It's a place where the tranquility of the lake meets the convenience of modern camping amenities, creating an ideal setting for your next Illinois adventure.

South Marcum Campground is renowned for its commitment to cleanliness and meticulous upkeep, consistently earning praise from visitors who describe it as "very nice" and "well maintained." The campground offers a variety of sites, including sought-after tent spots that provide privacy and a true connection with nature. One of its standout features is the immediate access to the beautiful Rend Lake, perfect for those who enjoy kayaking, floating, or simply taking in the serene water views. Furthermore, the extensive network of paved bike trails right on your doorstep means endless opportunities for cycling and exploring the stunning Southern Illinois landscape. Whether you've been camping for generations or are just starting your outdoor journey, South Marcum Campground provides a welcoming and high-quality environment that keeps Illinois residents coming back year after year.

South Marcum Campground is conveniently located at 11623 Trailhead Ln, Benton, IL 62812, USA. This prime location places it directly on the banks of Rend Lake, a significant recreational area in Southern Illinois. Its accessibility is a major advantage for Illinois residents, being situated just off Interstate 57. To reach the campground, visitors typically take Exit 71 from I-57, turning west onto Highway 14. After approximately 3 miles, a right turn onto Rend City Road, followed by another right onto Rend Lake Dam Road, will lead you directly to the park entrance. This straightforward route ensures an easy drive for campers traveling from various parts of Illinois, allowing for more time to enjoy the natural surroundings and less time navigating complex directions. The campground's proximity to Benton also means that essential supplies, local dining, and other amenities are within a short drive, offering a comfortable balance between a natural retreat and convenient access to town resources. For Illinois locals, this makes South Marcum an ideal spot for both planned vacations and spontaneous weekend getaways.

South Marcum Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a comprehensive array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors:

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground features over 100 reservable campsites, with all RV sites offering electric hookups (30 and 50 amp available). Some sites also provide full hookups (electric, water, and sewer) for maximum convenience.
• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are available, often noted for their size and privacy, such as the popular T-14 and T-08 sites.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Visitors consistently praise the campground's shower/restroom combinations for being very clean and well-maintained, providing hot showers and flush toilets.
• Drinking Water: Community water spigots are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to potable drinking water.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Playground: A playground is conveniently located, particularly within the Whispering Pines camping loop near the shower house, offering entertainment for children.
• Boat Launch & Docking: With its direct lake access, the campground features boat ramps and docks for easy launching of boats, kayaks, and canoes, encouraging water-based recreation.
• Reservable Sites: Most campsites are reservable up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov, allowing campers to plan their trips well in advance. Long-term reservations are available in specific loops like Beaver Lodge and Whispering Pines.
• ADA Accessible Sites: The campground offers accessible facilities, aiming to provide a comfortable experience for all visitors.
• On-site Hosts: Campground hosts are typically present, offering assistance and ensuring the smooth operation of the facilities.

South Marcum Campground stands out for several key features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise and make it a favorite among Illinois campers:

• Beautiful Rend Lake Views: The campground offers plenty of unobstructed views of Rend Lake, allowing campers to enjoy scenic sunsets and beautiful lakeside tranquility directly from their sites.
• Extensive Paved Bike Trails: A major highlight is the direct access to a network of long, paved bike trails. These trails are perfect for cycling, walking, and jogging, providing miles of scenic routes around the lake.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers consistently commend the sites for being large, well-spaced apart, and offering a good degree of privacy, even in popular loops like Beaver Lodge. This contributes to a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: The campground's exceptional cleanliness and meticulous maintenance of facilities, especially the shower houses and restrooms, are frequently highlighted as top-tier.
• Walking Distance to Lake & Cove Access: Many sites are within walking distance to the lake, and some are right by a cove, offering easy access for floating, kayaking, or bank fishing.
• Hilly Areas with Scenic Beauty: While some areas are hilly, this adds to the scenic diversity and provides opportunities for varied terrain exploration, distinguishing it from flat, open campgrounds.
• Wildlife Viewing: The fields, forests, and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for bird watching and nature photography.
• Affordable Rates: As an Army Corps of Engineers park, South Marcum Campground often provides excellent value, with rates frequently noted as being very reasonable, especially with potential discounts for seniors and veterans.
• Proximity to Attractions: Beyond the campground, visitors have easy access to the Rend Lake Dam, the Rend Lake Visitor Center, local wineries, golf courses, and other Southern Illinois attractions.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about South Marcum Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 11623 Trailhead Ln, Benton, IL 62812, USA

Phone: (618) 435-3549 (Campground Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 618-435-3549

For official reservations and the most up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to visit the Recreation.gov website or call their toll-free number: (877) 444-6777.

South Marcum Campground is an outstanding choice for Illinois locals for several compelling reasons. Its location on Rend Lake provides immediate access to a wealth of water-based activities, from kayaking and fishing to simply enjoying breathtaking lake views, making it a quintessential Illinois outdoor experience. The extensive paved bike trails are a huge draw for active families and individuals, offering a safe and scenic way to explore the area. For many Illinois residents, finding a campground that consistently delivers on cleanliness and provides well-maintained, spacious, and private sites is a top priority, and South Marcum consistently meets these expectations. The combination of modern amenities like hot showers and electric hookups with the natural beauty and recreational opportunities creates a balanced and highly satisfying camping environment. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent camping enthusiast, or a family looking for a memorable getaway, South Marcum Campground offers a reliable, affordable, and immensely enjoyable destination right here in Southern Illinois, making it a true local favorite for connecting with nature and creating lasting memories.

South Marcum Campground

11623 Trailhead Ln, Benton, IL 62812, USA