Dam West Area (Day-Use) in IL -- Campground & RV Camping

Dam West Day Use Area sits along the shores of Rend Lake in southern Illinois, surrounded by oak, hickory, and maple woodlands. The property features a large reservable picnic shelter with tables, grills, and drinking water for up to 100 guests. Within walking distance, visitors can access a boat ramp, courtesy dock, marina, and playground. The area provides direct access to the 20-mile paved Rend Lake Bike Trail, public beaches, an archery complex, a dog park, and opportunities for crappie fishing, waterfowl viewing, and boating on the 20,633-acre lake.

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.

• Moderately separated here.
• Sits on broad, near-level ground.
• The Rend Lake shoreline is 0.1 mi off.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 4, a rural sky with a glow on the horizon.
• Open country, with nothing named rising within 30 miles.