How much does camping cost at Dale Miller Youth?

Camping fees at Dale Miller Youth range from $150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dale Miller Youth first-come first-served or reservation?

Dale Miller Youth accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dale Miller Youth before I book?

Yes! Dale Miller Youth has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dale Miller Youth?

Dale Miller Youth is open March 28 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dale Miller Youth?

Yes, Dale Miller Youth has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Dale Miller Youth?

Fire policies at Dale Miller Youth: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dale Miller Youth have?

Dale Miller Youth has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dale Miller Youth?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dale Miller Youth. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dale Miller Youth?

Dale Miller Youth offers: Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dale Miller Youth?

Popular activities at Dale Miller Youth include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dale Miller Youth

4.27

45 reviews

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Family FriendlyPeace & QuietGreat for GroupsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Illinois Group Camping Illinois Family-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois +8 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 12 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Rend Lake Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 12 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Rend Lake Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Dale Miller Youth

$150.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

DALE MILLER YOUTH -GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $150.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$175.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Dale Miller Youth

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Campground Map

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Dale Miller Youth

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Nearby places

Benton (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes), Mt. Vernon (approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes), Carbondale (approximately 45 miles, 1 hour).

Weather at Dale Miller Youth

Current alerts(6)

During the Peak season , an additonal fee of $75.00 will be added to the Use fee charged on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On the Non-Peak season , an additional fee of $50.00 will be added to the use fee charged on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Prior approval for the placement of non-camping equipment including portable toilets, inflatables, refrigerators, etc. required. Please contact the Project Office for additional information, (618) 724-2493.
Register with gate attendant at South Marcum Campground upon arrival to pick up cabin keys.
Reservations require a primary occupant to be 18 years of age or older and to be present on-site for the duration of the stay.

Best Time to Camp at Dale Miller Youth

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Dale Miller Youth Campground because warm, long days (typical highs 80–90°F / 27–32°C, nights 60–70°F / 15–21°C) make Rend Lake ideal for swimming, boating, and long evening campfires. Private beaches, playgrounds and water access are all at their peak, and fishing and boating facilities are fully active. Expect higher weekend crowds and reserved-group usage—book cabins or RV sites well in advance for July and August. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open May 12–Sep 6; summers 80–90°F ideal for beach, boating and swimming.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 28 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 12 - September 6 (peak season); Closed November 2 - March 28.

About Dale Miller Youth

Dale Miller Youth sits on Rend Lake in southern Illinois, operated by the Rend Lake Project Office as a group-oriented campground with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. The property includes a private beach, flush toilets, hot showers, and electric hookups. Campers fish, swim, boat, hike, and bike during the seasonal operating window.

Dale Miller Youth offers a variety of camping accommodations, including cabins, RV sites, tent sites, and group camping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Dale Miller Youth Campground because warm, long days (typical highs 80–90°F / 27–32°C, nights 60–70°F / 15–21°C) make Rend Lake ideal for swimming, boating, and long evening campfires. Private beaches, playgrounds and water access are all at their peak, and fishing and boating facilities are fully active. Expect higher weekend crowds and reserved-group usage—book cabins or RV sites well in advance for July and August. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation469 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies flat terrain at 469 feet elevation where Rend Lake meets open grassland. Large fields suitable for sports and games stretch between wooded pockets that provide scattered shade. The private beach gives immediate water access for swimming and sand activities. Deer appear at dawn and dusk, wild turkeys move through the grass, and waterfowl use the lake seasonally. The landscape is functional rather than dramatic. Wide open spaces broken by tree lines, with the lake as the visual anchor.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are five cabins available, each with an open floor plan capable of accommodating 3-4 air mattresses. The cabins feature two windows and two electrical outlets but do not allow window A/C units due to past damage concerns.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs are mentioned as an activity, but specific details about topics or schedules are not provided.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit
maximum 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Capacity for up to 200 guests across cabins, RV, and tent sites.

Groups

Group site details include a total capacity of 200 guests and amenities like a large enclosed shelter with electricity, a private beach, and sports courts.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, contact center, or in person.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed, although one user appreciated the site's accommodation for a handicap hunt.

Site SizeCabins can fit 3-4 air mattresses; the campground also includes large grassy areas for tents and RVs.

PrivacyThe campground offers a private beach and enclosed shelter, but some reviews mention issues with strangers accessing the beach and facilities despite signs indicating they were reserved for campers.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesCabins can accommodate 3-4 air mattresses comfortably. RV sites are farther from cabins, which may not suit large groups wanting proximity.

Best CampsitesCabins are the main draw for groups. Each cabin fits 3-4 air mattresses on the open floor plan, though some reviews mention tripped electrical breakers and maintenance issues with amenities. Specific site numbers aren't noted in reviews, but campers recommend bringing bikes to explore the paths between camping areas.

Need help booking Dale Miller Youth?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

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. The cabins have an open floor plan. Campers should bring their own equipment (air mattress, cot, etc.) to sleep on. Window A/C units are NOT allowed due to damage occuring to windows and screens within the cabins.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

This campground provides a mix of recreational activities suitable for various interests. Activities include swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and team sports like basketball and baseball. There is also a private beach for relaxation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

Rate Dale Miller Youth

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From Booking Sources

4.3

45 reviews

Satisfactory

Dale Miller Youth is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight the campground as peaceful, well-equipped, and affordable, with some complaints about strangers accessing reserved areas and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, private beach, spacious cabins, and numerous recreational activities are frequently praised. Users also appreciate the affordability and group-friendly amenities.

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with strangers accessing the private beach and reserved areas. Maintenance problems such as broken faucets and tripping breakers were also mentioned.

Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in the Dale Miller Youth loop frequently came up in reviews. Issues noted include broken faucets, tripping breakers, and strangers accessing private areas.

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bikes for the paths. Campers should bring air mattresses or cots for cabin sleeping arrangements. Some users suggest bringing signs to ward off strangers accessing private areas.

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews from warmer months highlight the enjoyment of the private beach and outdoor activities. Issues with maintenance and strangers accessing reserved areas were noted year-round.

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Peaceful and quiet! Beautiful place to go camping!' - April Capps 2. 'Great place for family reunions! Nice big area, beautiful views and a private beach.' - N Palmer 3. 'Wonderful setting and...

Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has hosted accessibility-focused events like handicap hunts, which were appreciated by attendees.

Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific reviews highlighting pet experiences were not provided.

Based on 45 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're planning a group outing and want lake access with cabin options and developed amenities.

Skip if

You need guaranteed site privacy or want to avoid occasional maintenance hiccups with electrical systems.

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Campgrounds

Rend Lake

Dale Miller Youth

About Rend Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Dale Miller Youth, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Rend Lake, IL, located in the heart of southern Illinois, is a natural haven for wildlife and a recreational haven for visitors. Rend Lake consists of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land. Campers will delight in the nearly 800 sites found in 5 public campgrounds on Rend Lake. Boaters are provided access to the lake through the numerous boat ramps. Beaches, picnic sites and trails provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor fun. Nearby attractions such as the 27-hole championship Rend Lake Golf Course, Southern Illinois Artisans Shop, and the Rend Lake Resort provide special opportunities for the recreationist.

Directions

Located near Mt. Vernon, IL, 15 miles south of junction of I-64 and I-57.