Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Rend Lake at this Army Corps of Engineers day-use area. Dam West Area accommodates RVs up to 56 feet with electric hookups and provides standard amenities including restrooms, a dump station, and trash service.
The campground sits in forested terrain along the lake's western shore, offering multiple access options including drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in approaches. Cell service reaches the area, and both pets and alcohol are permitted. For additional overnight options, campers can explore campgrounds around Rend Lake. Sites cost $30 per night with hookup access available for extended stays.
Description
Overview
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, warerfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking fo high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it hre in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Recreation
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Facilities
Dam West Day Use Area features a large picnic shelter with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelter can accommodate up to 100 guests, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock all within walking distance.
Natural Features
Dam West Day Use Area sits along Southwestern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Nearby Attractions
Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center is conveniently located across the street from the Dam West Day Use Area.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundDam West Area (day-Use) is located in Illinois
Directions
From I-57 take take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. Continue for 3 miles, then turn north on Rend City Road. The entrance is on the right after about 4 miles, just past the main dam.
Coordinates
38.0391667 N
88.9858333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 24 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 31 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 44 min from Evansville, IN
