How much does camping cost at South Marcum Campground?

Camping fees at South Marcum Campground are $16 - $44/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Marcum Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

South Marcum Campground 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 South Marcum Campground before I book?

Yes! South Marcum Campground has 2 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 South Marcum Campground?

South Marcum Campground is open March 27 to November 07. 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 South Marcum Campground?

Yes, South Marcum Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does South Marcum Campground have?

South Marcum Campground has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at South Marcum Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at South Marcum Campground. 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 South Marcum Campground?

South Marcum Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Marcum Campground?

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

South Marcum Campground

4.45

1.1K reviews

11623 Trailhead Lane

Top 14% in ILSummer

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Illinois Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois RV Camping Illinois +8 more

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

$16 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 28 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

$16 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 28 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

South Marcum Campground

$16.00 - $44.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Covey Point Buddy Site: $44.00; Electric and Water: $22.00; Full Hook-up (Water, Sewer, & Electric): $26.00; Full Hook-up (Water, Sewer, &Electric):...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

11623 Trailhead Lane

South Marcum Campground

11623 Trailhead Lane

Nearby places

Benton (approximately 8 miles), Mt. Vernon (approximately 20 miles), Marion (approximately 35 miles), Sesser (approximately 15 miles).

Weather at South Marcum Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Marcum Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit South Marcum Campground because Rend Lake is at its warmest and all water-based recreation is at peak — expect daytime highs in the 80s to low 90s°F and overnight lows in the 60s. Swimming, boating, jet-skiing and shoreline bass/crappie fishing are at their best, and campground services (showers, water, electric hookups) are fully available. Be prepared for weekend and holiday crowds and afternoon thunderstorms; reserve early for lakeside sites. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in IL

Summer is best: warm lake water and peak water-based recreation; many positive seasonal reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to November 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 28 through November 9 during peak season.

About South Marcum Campground

South Marcum Campground sits on the shores of Rend Lake near Benton, Illinois, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and primitive options with access to swimming, boating, and fishing on the 18,900-acre reservoir. Facilities include showers, flush toilets, and a dump station, with hiking and biking trails connecting to the surrounding recreation area.

South Marcum Campground provides accommodations for tent camping, RVs, group camping, and primitive camping. The variety of site options caters to different preferences and camping styles.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit South Marcum Campground because Rend Lake is at its warmest and all water-based recreation is at peak — expect daytime highs in the 80s to low 90s°F and overnight lows in the 60s. Swimming, boating, jet-skiing and shoreline bass/crappie fishing are at their best, and campground services (showers, water, electric hookups) are fully available. Be prepared for weekend and holiday crowds and afternoon thunderstorms; reserve early for lakeside sites. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation453 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryRend Lake dominates the scenery, its expansive waters meeting the gentle hills and dense forests of Southern Illinois. Mature trees shade many campsites and provide habitat for white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. The shoreline offers direct fishing access for bass, crappie, and catfish. Rolling fields and wooded areas create varied terrain throughout the campground, though the Owl's Roost Loop sits close enough to the interstate to catch traffic noise.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground exclusively offers campsites suitable for tents, RVs, and primitive camping.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms such as geocaching classes are offered at the visitors’ center. These provide an interactive way to explore the area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during any single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site
tent sites allow up to 4 tents.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties and are well-spaced for privacy. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySouth Marcum Campground provides accessible campsites, flush toilets, showers, parking, and walkways for individuals with disabilities. Accessible trails are also available.

Site SizeThe campsites vary in size, with some described as spacious and large enough for privacy. Specific sites like #121 and #133 are noted for their accommodations and size.

PrivacyThe privacy of campsites is generally high, with many sites described as well-spaced and shielded by mature trees.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in the Whispering Pines loop for shade and quiet surroundings. Avoid steep or uneven sites if leveling is a concern.

Best CampsitesSites T-08 and T-14 get good reviews for lake views and proximity to amenities. Site 141 is also popular. Sites 121 and 133 are noted for size and spacing. Avoid Owl's Roost Loop if you're sensitive to interstate noise.

Need help booking South Marcum Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

South Marcum Campground at Rend Lake offers an extensive array of amenities to enhance the camping experience. The campground boasts over 100 reservable campsites and provides electric hookups at all RV sites. Essential facilities include showers, flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Additional features such as a playground within the Whispering Pines loop cater to families. The sites are paved and well-maintained, with accessible drinking water and flush toilets distributed across the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at South Marcum Campground

South Marcum Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, biking, and wildlife viewing. The picturesque setting of Rend Lake enhances these activities.

Biking4.5/5Top 2% in Illinois

Highly regarded paved bike trails (20.6 miles); many positive mentions for biking.

Boating4.5/5Top 4% in Illinois

Boating is a key draw; well-maintained boat/kayak launches and large 18,900-acre reservoir.

Hiking4.0/5

Well-maintained hiking trails connecting to paved concrete paths and scenic views (20.6 miles of trails).

Fishing4.0/5

Rend Lake shore access and noted for bass, crappie, channel catfish; fishing called a popular activity.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Mature trees and shoreline habitat; frequent sightings of deer, wild turkeys, raccoons reported.

Water Sports4.0/5

Coves and launches make it convenient to float or kayak directly from South Marcum.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, wildlife and wooded shorelines create good photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate South Marcum Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.5

1.1K reviews

Recommended

South Marcum Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight South Marcum Campground’s cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and spacious campsites as key positives. However, some complaints focus on unlevel sites and occasional issues with park staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 1082 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1082 reviews.

Site #077Loved
Site #077: Spacious and almost perfectly level.
Site #056Loved
Site #056: Beautiful lake view but slopes toward the lake.
Site #121Mentioned
Site #121: Long and level.
Site #133Issues noted
Site #133: Unlevel due to a large puddle, causing bug issues.

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious sites, proximity to nature, well-maintained shower facilities, and accessible hiking and biking trails.

Based on 1082 reviews

Common Concerns

Unlevel sites, limited full hookups, weak water pressure at some sinks, occasional mismanagement by staff, and site slopes causing difficulty for trailers.

Based on 1082 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve well in advance for full hookup sites, bring leveling blocks for sloped sites, and secure food due to nocturnal scavengers like raccoons. Consider avoiding Owl’s Roost Loop if sensitive to...

Based on 1082 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are the most popular seasons, with reviews praising the lush greenery and wildlife. Winter reviews are limited due to seasonal closures.

Based on 1082 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful COE campground. Nice paved roads and concrete pads." "SUPER clean, and well kept. Grass was freshly mowed." "We love South Marcum & stayed for 2 weeks…nice site, could use more shade."...

Based on 1082 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are well-maintained, with nearby restroom facilities. However, some reviews mention insufficient room for wheelchairs in some areas.

Based on 1082 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews often mention seeing unleashed dogs causing disturbances. Enforcement of leash rules is recommended.

Based on 1082 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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South Marcum Campground

$16.00 - $44.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Covey Point Buddy Site: $44.00; Electric and Water: $22.00; Full Hook-up (Water, Sewer, & Electric): $26.00; Full Hook-up (Water, Sewer, &Electric):...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

Go if

you want a tidy campground with room to spread out and don't mind picking your site carefully for level ground

Skip if

you need every site guaranteed level and flat, or you're sensitive to inconsistent staff interactions

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Campgrounds

Rend Lake

South Marcum Campground

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 50% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 768 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B.Cleanliness
Grade B.Facilities
Grade B.Value

Watch-outs

Grade C.Belonging
Grade C.Scenery
Grade C+.Rules & policies

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Illinois grades overall

About Rend Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding South Marcum Campground, 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.

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South Marcum Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about South Marcum Campground

Campground Map

Weather at South Marcum Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Marcum Campground

Planning Tips

About South Marcum Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking South Marcum Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at South Marcum Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Wayne Fitzgerrell Campground

Crab Orchard Campground

South Sandusky Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about South Marcum Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Marcum Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking South Marcum Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at South Marcum Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Wayne Fitzgerrell Campground

Crab Orchard Campground

South Sandusky Campground