South Marcum Campground

4.46

1.1K reviews

11623 Trailhead Lane

Great HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Illinois Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois Boating Camping Illinois +5 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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

$16 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 28 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Marcum Campground

$16.00 - $44.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $16 for walk-in sites to $44 for premium RV electric sites. Rates vary by season and site type. Discounts, taxes, and incremental...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$44.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 1.1K reviews

145 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11623 Trailhead Lane

South Marcum Campground

11623 Trailhead Lane

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Roads are paved and accessible year-round; occasional minor navigation challenges due to road names not aligning with GPS directions (as noted in user reviews).

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Groceries and essentials available in Benton and Sesser

Walmart mentioned as a frequent supply destination.

Best Time to Camp at South Marcum Campground

Experience the dynamic beauty of Southern Illinois through four distinct seasons at South Marcum. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and blooming wildflowers, creating ideal conditions for early-season camping adventures. Summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and water sports, with temperatures that invite long evenings around the campfire. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant reds and golds, the crisp air and spectacular foliage create a photographer's paradise. While the region experiences its share of rainfall, particularly during transitional seasons, these showers help maintain the lush, green environment that makes this corner of Illinois so special.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in IL

Summer is peak season; lush greenery, wildlife and full activity access praised by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall praised for scenery and pleasant conditions; popular season per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers blooming wildflowers and good early‑season conditions; campground opens in late March.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park is closed mid‑Nov through late March; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips

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

About South Marcum Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Rend Lake, South Marcum Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with over 100 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern comfort with natural beauty. Each site comes equipped with electric hookups and easy access to drinking water, while the campground's hot showers and flush toilets ensure a comfortable stay without sacrificing the outdoor experience. Wake up to panoramic lake views that stretch to the horizon, cast your line right from the shoreline, or explore miles of scenic biking trails that wind through the surrounding landscape. Families return year after year to this meticulously maintained haven, drawn by its reputation for cleanliness, tranquility, and the perfect balance of amenities and authentic outdoor living.

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 SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of Southern Illinois through four distinct seasons at South Marcum. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and blooming wildflowers, creating ideal conditions for early-season camping adventures. Summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and water sports, with temperatures that invite long evenings around the campfire. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant reds and golds, the crisp air and spectacular foliage create a photographer's paradise. While the region experiences its share of rainfall, particularly during transitional seasons, these showers help maintain the lush, green environment that makes this corner of Illinois so special.

Natural Features and ScenerySouth Marcum Campground showcases the breathtaking beauty of Rend Lake, where uninterrupted water views create a constantly changing canvas of light and color. The shoreline offers prime fishing spots where anglers can cast for bass, crappie, and catfish without ever leaving the campground. Towering mature trees provide natural shade and frame peaceful camping spots, while creating habitat for the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. Early risers are often rewarded with sightings of white-tailed deer grazing in nearby meadows, while wild turkeys strut through the campground, adding an element of wilderness to your morning coffee ritual.

Geological RegionSet in the heart of Southern Illinois, South Marcum Campground sits on the shores of the impressive 20,633-acre Rend Lake, one of the region's most spectacular water features. This diverse landscape seamlessly blends rolling fields with dense forests, creating a tapestry of ecosystems that support rich biodiversity. The lake itself, a masterpiece of water management and recreation planning, serves as the centerpiece of this geological wonderland where the gentle hills of Southern Illinois meet the expansive waters that have become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from across the Midwest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

5:00 PM

Check-out

4:00 PM

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

Site layoutCampsites are organized into loops such as Whispering Pines and Owl's Roost, with paved roads and paths.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityTwo walk-up areas available beneath tall pines, with sites noted for scenic beauty and proximity to water.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time prior to arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fees.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingHiking trails are available and well-maintained. Rend Lake’s bike and hiking trails are particularly praised for their concrete paths, scenic views, and suitability for all ages.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with Rend Lake known for its channel catfish and other species. Some campsites offer convenient access to fishing spots.

SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible, but some reviews mention that specific beaches may require driving.

BikingBiking trails are highly regarded, with a total of 20.6 miles of paved paths. The trails are well-suited for casual and serious cyclists alike.

BoatingBoating is a key draw at Rend Lake, with facilities for kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boats. Some campsites provide easy access to the water.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, wild turkeys, and raccoons commonly spotted. Skunks and other nocturnal creatures are also reported.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include raccoons scavenging for food at night and occasional skunk activity. Campsites near steep slopes present leveling challenges.

Fire PolicyLocal firewood purchase encouraged to protect forests. Fire rings provided at each site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Starts at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is Benton Community Healthcare (approx. 8 miles).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available throughout the campground. User reviews do not elaborate on location or pickup schedules.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Rend Lake with easy access for fishing and water activities.

Camp HostCampground hosts are described as friendly and helpful in multiple reviews.

Weather at South Marcum Campground

Reviews

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

Based on 1082 reviews