Spillway Group Area
SPILLWAY GROUP AREA
Part of Rend Lake
Overview
Spillway Recreation Area— the perfect 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!
Facilities
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), and a small gazebo (30 capacity), a swingset, and direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail. The area also offers picnic tables, flush toilets, and drinking water in order to provide a comfortable experience for guests.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.
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).
Nearby Attractions
Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center
Rend Lake Bike Trail
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.Important Notices
Please contact the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493 to discuss your lighting and electrical needs and whether a special use permit will be required. A permit may be required for large group events, placement of canopy tents or other additional equipment.
- When Reserving the Spillway Group Area: (10 acre site) your reservation includes the following:
- Large Shelter (250 capacity)
- Amphitheater (250 capacity)
- Gazebo (30 capacity)
- Playground
- User responsible for providing additional tables, chairs, etc. above existing facility capacity.
This is a day use facility. Camping is prohibited at this location.
- Boat ramp available at South Marcum Recreation Area.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
See Park Information Guide for additional rules and regulations.
Available Activities
- Day Use Area - Day Use Area
- Fishing - Fishing
- Biking - Biking
- Birding - Birding
- Picnicking - Picnicking
- Water Access - Water Access
- Star Gazing - Star Gazing
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
Directions
From I-57: Take take exit 71 and turn west onto Highway 14. After 3 miles turn right on Rend City Road, then right on Rend Lake Dam Road. Continue 3 miles to the park entrance on the left.
Contact Information
Phone: 618-724-2493
Rend Lake Project Office11981 REND CITY ROAD
Benton, IL 62812 Spillway Group Area
10833 REND LAKE DAM ROAD
Benton, IL 62812
