North Marcum Day Use Area
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, tureky, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.
North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each. Additionally, the area has a boat ramp, playground, swimming beach, and dock all within walking distance. The beach offers areas for boaters, swimmers, and pet lovers alike. Swimmers will have a buoyed area that separates them from boats to swim in. Boaters also have a sandy mooring area, outside the designated swimming area safety zone, to bring the boats in and allow their passengers to use the safe swimming area. There is also a designated area that is dog friendly, allowing swimmers and their dogs to enjoy the beach together!
Need to Know
No alcoholic beverages within the designated beach area.
Beach users must stay within designated swim areas.
At the beach, pets are allowed only in the designated areas.
Off-road vehicle use must have prior approval.
Daily fees apply for boat ramp and beach use.
This is a day use facility. Camping is prohibited at this location.
See Park Information Guide for additional rules and regulations.
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.
Natural Features
North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a swimming beach make this day use area desirable for a day on scenic Rend Lake.
Recreation
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Rend Lake Project Office 11981 Rend City Rd BENTON IL 62812-9803
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 618-724-2493
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From I-57 exit 77- go west on IL Route 154 for .25 miles. Turn left onto Gun Creek Trail. Go south 3 miles to Marcum Branch Road. Turn right on Marcum Branch Road. Go 1.5 miles to park entrance.
Available Campsites
- Site 8, Loop PICNIC SHELTER 7,8, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 7, Loop PICNIC SHELTER 7,8, Type Group Shelter Electric
