Pro scans every minute· 119K campsites tracked

Hard to Book

South Marcum Day Use Campground

Rend Lake, Illinois

Sold out? We check South Marcum Day Use Campground for cancellations and email you the moment a site opens.

Cancellation alerts

Sold out for your dates?

ArriveLeave

Free to start. Email alerts included.

As of October 2026, South Marcum Day Use Campground is a campground in Illinois with 1 campsite. South Marcum Day Use Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks South Marcum Day Use Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
South Marcum Day Use Campground is located at 38.0358° N, 88.9468° W.

people allowed on each site: 25

South Marcum Day Use Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for South Marcum Day Use Campground, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at South Marcum Day Use Campground

Group 1
Accessible 1

Amenities

potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at South Marcum Day Use Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the PICNIC SHELTER 9 loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Access
009	Group	25	Accessible

About South Marcum Day Use Campground

Overview

South Marcum Day Use Area— the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. 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.

Recreation

Within the area, visitors can access the Rend Lake Bike Trail—over 20 miles of paved pathways that guide riders through scenic woodlands and across views of Rend Lake and the Big Muddy River. The area offers abundant opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, and general outdoor exploration. Additional recreation features around Rend Lake include an archery complex with a 3D trail and elevated shooting platform, a dog park with a swimming feature, and two public swimming beaches (including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach).

Facilities

South Marcum Day Use Area features a picnic shelter with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelter can accommodate up to 25 guests, and the area has a boat ramp and playground within walking distance.

Natural Features

The fields, forests, and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Woodland areas are made up of hickory, oak, and beautiful maples providing habitat to white-tail deer, turkeys, racoons, and many more native species. The shorelines are an excellent viewing area for waterfowl, shorebirds, and bank fishing the known crappie population.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.

Nearby Attractions

Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center

Rend Lake Spillway Recreation Area

Rend Lake Bike Trail

Rules and notices at South Marcum Day Use Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check South Marcum Day Use Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Off-road vehicle use must have prior approval.

Daily fees apply for boat ramp use.

This is a day use facility. Camping is prohibited at this location.

Shelter reservations require a primary occupant to be 18 years of age or older and to be present during use.

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.

See Park Information Guide for additional rules and regulations.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

South Marcum Day Use Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at South Marcum Day Use Campground?

South Marcum Day Use Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at South Marcum Day Use Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at South Marcum Day Use Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does South Marcum Day Use Campground have?

South Marcum Day Use Campground has 1 campsites.

Campgrounds