Spillway Group Area

Spillway Recreation Area is a place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature, with the best sunsets of Southern Illinois. 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. Spillway Group Area offers 10 acres for company picnics, weddings, church gatherings, family reunions and many other outdoor events. The area includes a large shelter (250 capacity) with electricity and overhead lighting, an amphitheater (250 capacity), a small gazebo (30 capacity), a swingset, and direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail. Picnic tables, flush toilets and drinking water are also provided. The Rend Lake Bike Trail runs 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. Other 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. 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, 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 is nearby.