Fishing, boating, and swimming on Rend Lake draw campers to South Marcum Campground, a US Army Corps of Engineers facility near Benton, Illinois, with more than 100 reservable sites spread across multiple loops. Some sites sit directly on the water, while others are tucked into wooded sections farther from the shoreline. Site 56, noted by several visitors, occupies the tip of a point with open sightlines over the lake and reasonable separation from neighboring sites. Campers looking at places to camp around Rend Lake will find South Marcum among the larger and more developed options in the area.
The layout gives most sites enough space that neighbors don't feel immediately adjacent, and RV pads are paved and generally level, though site 49 has been flagged as difficult to level without extra blocking. Hookup availability varies by site: some have full electric, water, and sewer, while others, including sites 86 and some in certain loops, have electric only. AT&T cell service runs at roughly two bars LTE, which is workable but not reliable. Matt M. notes the bathrooms are "nice and clean," an observation repeated across multiple reviews.
One consistent trade-off is highway noise. I-57 runs close enough that traffic sound carries overnight, especially on still nights. A train line and occasional aircraft add to the ambient noise. The campground road crosses the dam on the way in, where deer sightings are common. The Whispering Pines loop includes a playground, and bathhouses with hot showers are available throughout the property. Pet-friendly camping near Rend Lake is the norm here, as pets are welcome throughout South Marcum.
Nearby alternatives worth considering include Spillway Group Area to the west and Benton KOA to the south, which suits campers who prefer a private campground setup. South Marcum's season runs from late March through early November, with nightly rates from $16 to $44 depending on hookup type. Those with a federal senior pass can access sites at half price. Reservations are available and worth making early for lakeside sites, particularly on summer weekends.
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouth Marcum Campground is located in Illinois near Benton
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 CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
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
- 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
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
