Dam West Area (day-Use)

Dam West Day Use Area sits on Rend Lake, in the heart of Southern Illinois — 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. The day use area features a large picnic shelter with tables, grills and drinking water. The shelter can accommodate up to 100 guests, and a boat ramp, playground, marina and dock are all within walking distance. From here 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. There are abundant opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting and swimming. Additional features around the 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. The woodland areas are made up of hickory, oak and beautiful maples, providing habitat to white-tail deer, turkeys, raccoons and many more native species. The shorelines are an excellent viewing area for waterfowl, shorebirds and bank fishing the known crappie population. The Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center is conveniently located across the street from the day use area, and the Rend Lake Marina, Spillway Recreation Area, Dog Park, Blackberry Nature Trail and South Sandusky Beach are all part of the wider lake.