South Marcum Day Use

South Marcum Day Use Area sits in the heart of Southern Illinois on Rend Lake, which is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. The picnic shelter has tables, grills and drinking water, and can accommodate up to 25 guests. A boat ramp and playground are within walking distance. From the area visitors can reach 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 is boating, hiking, fishing, hunting and swimming, and elsewhere around the lake 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 fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife. 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 and shorebirds, and for bank fishing the known crappie population. The Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center and the Rend Lake Spillway Recreation Area are both nearby.