Dale Miller Youth

4.47

45 reviews

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Family FriendlyPeace & QuietSummer Destination

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

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 12 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 12 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Dale Miller Youth

$150.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard Nonelectric fees range between $150.00 (non-peak) and $175.00 (peak season). Additional fees of $75 during peak season and $50 during...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$175.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 45 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousbeachfriendly

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Dale Miller Youth

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Driving directionsFrom I-57 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.

Accessible from I-57 via paved roads. Directions include turns onto Route 14, Rend City Road, and Main Dam Road, which are straightforward and suitable for vehicles.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Benton (approximately 5 miles) and nearby towns like Mt. Vernon, where visitors can access groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Dale Miller Youth

Each season paints Dale Miller Youth Campground with its own unique palette. From May through September, the campground comes alive as warm sunshine beckons visitors to dive into lake adventures, evening campfires, and outdoor games that last until dusk. These peak months showcase Southern Illinois at its finest, with long days perfect for swimming, hiking, and creating unforgettable summer memories. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of colors, while winter brings a quieter charm to the grounds. Though colder temperatures and occasional snowfall may limit some activities, the off-season offers its own peaceful beauty for hardy souls seeking solitude and the crisp clarity of winter air mixing with morning mist off the lake.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in IL

Peak season (May–Sep); warm months maximize beach, swimming and boating per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into fall; lake activities decline and fewer review mentions for fall-specific benefits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open in spring shoulder season; activities start up though reviews emphasize warmer months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed November 2 through March 28; winter use not applicable.

Planning Tips

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

About Dale Miller Youth

Nestled along the southeastern shores of Rend Lake, Dale Miller Youth Campground offers an exceptional outdoor experience that brings groups together in nature's embrace. This versatile destination welcomes up to 200 guests across its thoughtfully designed accommodations, including five spacious cabins with open floor plans perfect for group gatherings, nine well-appointed RV sites, and scenic tent camping areas scattered throughout the property. Beyond just a place to sleep under the stars, the campground creates lasting memories with its private beach where laughter echoes across the water, a vibrant playground where young adventurers can explore, expansive sports fields for friendly competitions, and a generous picnic shelter equipped with electricity for celebrations and gatherings that stretch into the evening hours.

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

Historical SignificanceWhile Dale Miller Youth Campground may not boast ancient artifacts or historic battlegrounds, its true significance lies in the countless stories written here by each new generation of visitors. This special place serves as a blank canvas where youth groups, families, and friends create their own rich history through shared adventures, first-time camping experiences, and traditions that bring them back year after year.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Dale Miller Youth Campground with its own unique palette. From May through September, the campground comes alive as warm sunshine beckons visitors to dive into lake adventures, evening campfires, and outdoor games that last until dusk. These peak months showcase Southern Illinois at its finest, with long days perfect for swimming, hiking, and creating unforgettable summer memories. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of colors, while winter brings a quieter charm to the grounds. Though colder temperatures and occasional snowfall may limit some activities, the off-season offers its own peaceful beauty for hardy souls seeking solitude and the crisp clarity of winter air mixing with morning mist off the lake.

ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle elevation of Southern Illinois' rolling landscape, where the land meets the expansive waters of Rend Lake in perfect harmony.

Natural Features and SceneryThe southeastern banks of Rend Lake provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures at Dale Miller Youth Campground. Here, emerald grassy fields invite barefoot races and impromptu games of catch, while shaded wooded areas offer cool retreats and nature exploration opportunities. The crown jewel remains the direct water access, where the lake's gentle waves lap against the shore, creating a natural soundtrack for relaxation. Throughout the grounds, visitors share their space with the area's abundant wildlife – graceful deer emerge at dawn and dusk, wild turkeys strut through the meadows, and diverse waterfowl paint the sky with their seasonal migrations, transforming each visit into a living nature documentary.

Geological RegionPositioned along Rend Lake's southeastern shores, the campground showcases the best of Southern Illinois' diverse landscape. This remarkable setting seamlessly blends expansive grassy fields ideal for recreation, carefully maintained playground areas that spark imagination, exclusive private beaches for swimming and sand castle building, and immediate access to one of the region's most beloved water bodies. The geological tapestry creates a natural amphitheater where land and water meet, offering visitors a front-row seat to the beauty of the Illinois countryside.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 2 PM.

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

Site layoutCabins grouped together near grassy fields; RV and tent sites spread out.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation about walk-up availability not provided in authoritative sources.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before scheduled arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fee. Changes to the reservation cost $10 unless modifying nights within the same booking.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

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.

HikingHiking trails are available, although user reviews do not provide detailed descriptions of trail lengths or difficulty levels.

FishingFishing is permitted, but additional details on species or fishing conditions are not provided.

SwimmingThe campground features a private beach suitable for swimming and relaxation. One review notes the beach is spacious and includes a picnic area.

BikingCampers are encouraged to bring bikes to enjoy paths around the campsite, which were particularly liked by children.

BoatingBoating opportunities exist near the private beach, but docking facilities and boat types are not detailed.

Beach activitiesThe private beach offers both swimming and picnicking opportunities. Some reviews praise it as a beautiful and relaxing location.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent complaints about strangers accessing private beach despite signs. Maintenance issues with cabin doors, water faucets, and electrical breakers have been reported.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Visitors are encouraged to purchase firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours specified in provided materials.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Benton Hospital (approximately 5 miles), local police stations, and ranger stations within Rend Lake Recreation Area.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated near Rend Lake with direct access to a private beach.

Camp HostHosts available at South Marcum Campground for key collection and assistance.

Weather at Dale Miller Youth

Reviews

4.5

45 reviews

Recommended

Dale Miller Youth is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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