Can you reserve a site at Dam West Area (Day-Use)?

Yes, Dam West Area (Day-Use) is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Dam West Area (Day-Use)?

56 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Dam West Area (Day-Use)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dam West Area (Day-Use).

Dam West Area (Day-Use), Illinois — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Dam West 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

Dam West Day Use Area features a large picnic shelter with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelter can accommodate up to 100 guests, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock all 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 is conveniently located across the street from the Dam West Day Use Area.

Rend Lake Marina

Rend Lake Spillway Recreation Area

Rend Lake Dog Park

Blackberry Nature Trail

Rend Lake Bike Trail

South Sandusky Beach

The facts

1 bookable site
1 site for day use only
Vehicles up to 56 ft
Up to 100 people per site
Loops: PICNIC SHELTER 6

Site types

1 Group Shelter Nonelectric

Amenities

Electric hookups
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Dam West Area (Day-Use)

Check-in 8:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
6	PICNIC SHELTER 6	Group Shelter Nonelectric	—	—	56 ft	100	🐾

Getting there

From I-57 take 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.

38.03917, -88.98583 · 38°2'21.0"N 88°59'9.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 88°F in Jul, down to 40°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	40	44	55	68	76	86	88	87	81	69	55	44
Low °F	22	25	35	45	56	65	68	66	58	46	35	27
Precip in	3.2	2.8	4.2	5.4	5.1	4.5	4.0	3.4	3.2	3.4	4.0	2.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Dam West Area (Day-Use)

Can you reserve a site at Dam West Area (Day-Use)?: Yes, Dam West Area (Day-Use) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Dam West Area (Day-Use) have?: 1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Dam West Area (Day-Use)?: 56 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Dam West Area (Day-Use)?: Yes, pets are allowed at Dam West Area (Day-Use).
Does Dam West Area (Day-Use) have hookups?: Electric.

Camping near Dam West Area (Day-Use)

Shagbark Group Area 1 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Sandusky Day Use 1 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Sandusky Campground 1.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Spillway Group Area 1.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Sandusky Day-Use 1.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Marcum Day Use Area 2.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Marcum Day Use 2.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dale Miller Youth 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Sandusky Campground 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Marcum Campground 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Gun Creek 4.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion 28.2 mi · Campground · we watch it

Contact

Phone 618-724-2493
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-29.

Dam West Area (Day-Use)