Dam West Area (Day-Use)

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4 reviews
Dam West Area (Day-Use)

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Dam West Area (Day-Use)
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(618) 724-2493

What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanspaciouslocation

"Reviewers are very positive about Dam West Area (Day-Use), especially Picnic Shelter 6. They highlight the cleanliness, good facilities, and attractive lakeside setting that works well for picnics and boating access."

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About Dam West Area (Day-Use)

Nestled along the pristine shores of Rend Lake, Dam West Day Use Area welcomes families and outdoor enthusiasts to a waterfront haven where adventure meets relaxation. Whether you're launching your boat from the convenient ramp, pedaling the scenic Rend Lake Bike Trail, or gathering under the spacious picnic shelter while kids explore the playground, this versatile recreation spot puts you steps away from a full-service marina and fishing dock. From sunrise fishing expeditions to sunset wildlife watching, every visit promises new discoveries on the water and along the wooded shorelines.
Dam West is a day-use area (Dam West Day Use Area) featuring picnic and day-recreation facilities; no overnight camping is described in the provided information.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape unfolds in a tapestry of open fields, mature hardwood forests, and the shimmering expanse of Rend Lake itself. Stately oaks, hickories, and maples create a canopy that shelters white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and raccoons, while the lake's edges come alive with waterfowl and shorebirds throughout the seasons. Anglers find their paradise along the accessible shorelines, where patient bank fishermen are regularly rewarded with prized crappie, making this a destination where nature's beauty and abundant wildlife create an unforgettable backdrop for every outdoor pursuit.
Geological RegionSouthern Illinois
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe day-use area features a large picnic shelter with tables, grills, and drinking water; the shelter can accommodate up to 100 guests. A boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock are within walking distance of the shelter.

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Groups
Alarge picnic shelter is available that can accommodate up to 100 guests, suitable for group day-use gatherings.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFacilities include a large picnic shelter, grills, drinking water, a boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock; these features are located within walking distance of one another.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Day-use area offering a variety of outdoor recreation including paved biking trails, boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Additional nearby recreation features include an archery complex, a dog park with a swimming feature, and public beaches.
Hiking
Hiking and general outdoor exploration available; nearby trails include the Blackberry Nature Trail and other woodland paths.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities along shorelines and bank fishing noted; Rend Lake has a known crappie population.
Swimming
Two public swimming beaches are available (including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach) and a dog park with a swimming feature.
Biking
Rend Lake Bike Trail provides over 20 miles of paved pathways through woodlands and along views of Rend Lake and the Big Muddy River.
Boating
Boat ramp, marina, and dock provide access for boating on Rend Lake (the project contains 20,633 acres of water).
Wildlife viewing
Woodland and shoreline habitats support waterfowl, shorebirds, white-tailed deer, turkeys, raccoons, and other native species for viewing.
Beach activities
Two public swimming beaches nearby; beaches used for swimming and shoreline viewing.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Dam West Area (Day-Use)

31
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 10 mph
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on Rend Lake with shoreline access; boat ramp, marina, and dock are within walking distance.

Campground Map

Dam West Area (Day-Use)
Driving directionsFrom I-57 take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. Continue for 3 miles, then turn north on Rend City Road. The entrance is on the right after about 4 miles, just past the main dam.
Accessible from I-57 via exit 71 onto Route 14, then north on Rend City Road.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Dam West Area (Day-Use) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are very positive about Dam West Area (Day-Use), especially Picnic Shelter 6. They highlight the cleanliness, good facilities, and attractive lakeside setting that works well for picnics and boating access.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the clean bathrooms, the spacious pavilion/shelter, and its attractive overlook of the water. The location is described as ideal for combining picnicking with boating, with a boat dock...
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Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Picnic Shelter 6 appears to be a strong choice for groups wanting both a nice picnic spot and convenient boat access. Expect clean restrooms nearby and a good water view without being directly on top...
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Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Clean bathrooms close by and a spacious pavilion overlooking the water." "Close to a boat dock but not so close it ruins the beauty." "perfect for picnic & boating"
Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 in the Picnic Shelter 6 loop is repeatedly highlighted as spacious and well-situated, with a pavilion that overlooks the water. Reviewers note that it is close to a boat dock, making it...
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Based on 4 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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