Within the Rend Lake protected area, Dale Miller Youth operates as a US Army Corps of Engineers campground that accommodates RVs up to 99 feet with electric hookups. The facility includes amenities typically found at community parks, including a baseball field, grills, and restrooms, though maintenance of facilities can be inconsistent.
Access roads to the campground are rough, requiring careful navigation for larger RVs. The forested and open terrain near the lake provides opportunities for fishing and short day hikes on established trails. Pet owners will find the campground welcomes dogs, making it one of several pet-friendly campgrounds around Rend Lake in the area.
Description
Overview
Dale Miller Youth 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.
Recreation
Within the area, visitors can access the Rend Lake Bike Trailover 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).
Facilities
Dale Miller Youth Campground has five cabins with open floorplans to accomodate air mattresses or other sleeping equipment. There are also nine (9) RV campsites and several tent sites available, bringing the total capacity to 200 guests. A large enclosed picnic shelter with electricity, tables, a fireplace and grill is provided, along with a private beach, playground, baseball field, basketball court, and tennis court.
Natural Features
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.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Important: Beginning at noon on July 3, traffic on Golf Course Drive will be restricted to Golf Complex visitors and Gun Creek campers and their guests. The Rend Lake Conservancy District Golf Complex, adjacent to Gun Creek Campground, will host a fireworks celebration on July 3rd and 4th featuring food trucks, a rodeo, children's activities, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display on July 3.For additional event details, please contact the Rend Lake Conservancy District at 618-439-4321.We hope you enjoy a safe and fun Independence Day celebration at Rend Lake!
The Dale Miller Youth Area is **currently undergoing renovations** which include the following: - The bunkbeds have been removed from the cabins to allow more space for air mattresses and other equipment. - The interior of the cabins have been painted. - The playground equipment received new kiddie cushion.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDale Miller Youth is located in Illinois near Benton
Directions
From I-57 take take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. After 3 miles turn right on Rend City Road, then right again on Main Dam Road. Continue 3 miles to the camp entrance on the left.
Address
11623 TRAILHEAD LANE
Benton, IL 62812
Coordinates
38.0352778 N
88.9425 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/3/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/3/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 19 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 22 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 36 min from Evansville, IN
