Illinois / Franklin County

South Marcum Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground closes in stages beginning in early September, with all loops typically closed by mid-October. Reopens in spring.

About

South Marcum Campground is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility located on the southeastern shore of Rend Lake in Franklin County, Illinois. The campground offers 158 reservable campsites organized into multiple loops: Owl's Roost, Beaver Lodge, Buck Ridge, Covey Point, and Whispering Pines, plus walk-to tent sites. Each site includes a picnic table and firepit, with electric hookups provided at all sites except tent sites. The campground provides modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and drinking water. A playground is located within the Whispering Pines loop near the shower house. Rend Lake encompasses 20,633 acres of water surrounded by 19,523 acres of land managed for recreation and wildlife habitat. The lake's woodland areas feature hickory, oak, and maple forests supporting diverse wildlife including white-tail deer, turkey, raccoons, and numerous waterfowl species. Bank fishing directly from the campground is popular, particularly for crappie. The adjacent South Marcum Day Use Area offers a boat ramp and reservable picnic shelter. The campground provides direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail, featuring over 20 miles of paved pathways winding through scenic woodlands with views of Rend Lake and the Big Muddy River. Additional recreation opportunities around the lake include an archery complex with 3D trail, a dog park with swimming feature, and two public swimming beaches including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach. Some loops offer long-term reservation options, and Covey Point and Whispering Pines feature double campsites for larger groups.

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 Road. Continue 3 miles to the park entrance on the left.

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