Dam West Area (Day-Use)
DAM WEST AREA (DAY-USE)
Part of Rend Lake
Overview
Dam West Day Use Area— the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. 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 in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Facilities
Dam West Day Use Area features a large picnic shelter with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelter can accommodate up to 100 guests, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock all within walking distance.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 is conveniently located across the street from the Dam West Day Use Area.
Rend Lake Marina
Rend Lake Spillway Recreation Area
Rend Lake Dog Park
Blackberry Nature Trail
Rend Lake Bike Trail
South Sandusky Beach
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.Important Notices
Off-road vehicle use must have prior approval.
Daily fees apply for boat ramp use.
This is a day-use area. Camping is not permitted at this location.
See Park Information Guide for additional rules and regulations.
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.
Available Activities
- Fishing - Fishing
- Boating - Boating
- Biking - Biking
- Day Use Area - Day Use Area
- Water Access - Water Access
- Birding - Birding
- Picnicking - Picnicking
Directions
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.
Contact Information
Phone: 618-724-2493
Rend Lake Project Office11981 Rend City Road
BENTON, IL 62812-9803
