Public Campground
South Marcum Campground
South Marcum Campground, near Benton, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. With full-hookup sites available at a reasonable price, it’s a popular choice for campers who want to kick back and relax by the water.
This campground is known for its spacious sites that provide a bit of privacy, making it a great place for families or groups. Many visitors have praised the clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms, and the friendly atmosphere created by both staff and fellow campers. As one happy camper noted, “We love this campground as it is on the water, quiet, and the people are all very friendly.”
Outdoor activities abound here, with Rend Lake offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating right at your doorstep. The scenic views, especially at sunset, are a highlight, and wildlife sightings, including deer and turkeys, add to the charm of the area.
While some campers have mentioned that certain sites can be tricky to level, bringing along extra leveling blocks can make your stay more comfortable. Overall, South Marcum Campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature.
Description
Overview
South Marcum Campground 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
South Marcum Campground is conveniently located near the South Marcum Day Use Area, which includes a boat ramp and a reservable picnic shelter. Within the campground, 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
South Marcum Campground offers 158 reservable campsites each equipped with a picnic table and a firepit. Electric hookups are provided at all sites, excluding tent sites. The campground offers a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests. A playground is also conveniently located within the Whispering Pines camping loop near the shower house.
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.
Nearby Attractions
Rend Lake Spillway Recreation AreaRend Lake Project Office/ Visitor CenterRend Lake Bike Trail
Detours Nearby

North Sandusky Campground
8 min away

Touch of Nature Education Center
39 min away
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
Location
South Marcum Campground is located in Illinois
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 Rd. Continue 3 miles to the park entrance on the left.
Address
South Marcum Campground
11623 Trailhead Lane
Benton, IL 62812
Coordinates
38.033844 N
88.940156 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 12/11/25
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
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly































