Overview

North Marcum 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

North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each. Additionally, the area has a boat ramp, playground, swimming beach, and dock all within walking distance. The beach offers areas for swimmers and pet lovers alike. There is also a designated area that is dog friendly, allowing swimmers and their dogs to enjoy the beach together! 

Natural Features

North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a swimming beach make this day use area desirable. 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 Bike Trail

Rend Lake Mountain Bike Trail

North Marcum Archery Complex

Rend Lake Golf Complex featuring 27-holes, a lodge, and restaurant

Contact Info

Important Notices

• No alcoholic beverages within the designated beach area.

• Beach users must stay within designated swim areas.

• At the beach, pets are allowed only in the designated areas.

• Off-road vehicle use must have prior approval.

• Daily fees apply for boat ramp and beach use.

• This is a day use facility. Camping is prohibited 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

• Boating - Boating
• Biking - Biking
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Water Access - Water Access
• Swimming - Swimming
• Archery - Archery
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Birding - Birding
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking

Directions

From I-57 exit 77- go west on IL Route 154 for .25 miles. Turn left onto Gun Creek Trail. Go south 3 miles to Marcum Branch Road. Turn right on Marcum Branch Road. Go 1.5 miles to park entrance.

Contact Information

Phone: 618-724-2493

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip