South Marcum Campground, IL - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

South Marcum Campground in Franklin County is located 51 min northeast of Carbondale, IL with an elevation of 437 feet. There are a total of 160 campsites including 14 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of March to mid November. 146 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 32 and 94 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 46 sites have electric and water hookups. 100 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $16.00 to $44.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, playground, restroom, trash dumpster, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include biking, hiking trails.

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Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (379)

4.4 out of 5

5 star		60%
4 star		24%
3 star		9%
2 star		1%
1 star		2%

@EvelynW73D14EB · Camped on Jul 18, 2025 at Campsite #16

We ended up coming in late on the way back from Oshkosh. Didn't realize that the gate agent shack closes at 8pm on Fridays and we arrived at 8pm. Had no issues getting in (all gates were open and went straight to the campsite) but were not able to check in. We had previously come through the weekend before on the way to Oshkosh and stayed at the exact same site (Owl's Roost 16), which was very sloped-I would stay here again but would choose a different site. We also left early the next morning (around 7am) and the gate agent shack was also not open by then, so we ended up just leaving because there was no way to check in/out. Normally, when checking out, you simply drop your campsite card in a mailbox on the way out and leave. However, we did not have the card as we weren't able to check in the night before. If you are coming in to this campground, I would arrive before 8pm if you have to leave early so you can make sure you are checked in.

@JulianA54CC7C9 · Camped on Jul 16, 2025 at Campsite #16

What an amazing campground! Absolutely recommend

@DwayneL075546D · Camped on Jul 14, 2025 at Campsite #84

Large sites with plenty of space and privacy. Bring bug spray.

@RickyS5497024 · Camped on Jul 9, 2025 at Campsite #31

We always have a great time at south Marcus people are friendly and love sitting out and watching the wild life

@JeffC9633298 · Camped on Jul 3, 2025 at Campsite #51

Great RV campgrounds! Nice paved sites, we had full hookups, well placed and easy to use. Roads are paved, easy to back in. Shower house and rest rooms are very clean! Close to town, many restaurants and bars, and grocery stores.

@Davidor3589C46 · Camped on Jul 1, 2025 at Campsite #121

We stayed for 11 days in site 121. This campground was incredible. Everything from the condition of our site upon arrival to the upkeep on the grounds was wonderful. The campground host Sue, was so helpful and friendly. There is a contingent of volunteers that take such pride in the park, and it shows. The boat and kayak launch was well maintained, and as in other Illinois COE campgrounds there were life vests available to borrow. Lake Rend is a large lake that is enjoyed by fishermen, families, and kayakers. There are many places around the lake that you can launch from. We made a trip to the Blue Gill Hole boat ramp, and spent the day kayaking around the wildlife preserve seeing countless birds. We were lucky enough to witness the Osprey fishing for dinner. There is also a 26 mile (round trip) bike path that takes you through three COE campgrounds. This trail is paved for most of the way except for a short area near the spillway. South Sandusky COE is where you can go swimming, and while we were there they had a couple of food trucks with snack foods and icy drinks. The town of Benton is of decent size with Walmart and all the fast food places. Overall we loved our time at South Marcum, and we will definitely be back.

@KevinV1108191 · Camped on Jun 28, 2025 at Campsite #30

Grass did need cutting, beach bash was first rate and park rangers were extremely friendly. Thanks for a great weekend

@MontyE26091639 · Camped on Jun 27, 2025 at Campsite #135

Had a great time.

@DonaldH6846342 · Camped on Jun 23, 2025 at Campsite #67

nice campground

@PaulC8096585 · Camped on Jun 22, 2025 at Campsite #22

South Marcum is our family choice for the 4th of July trip. We have a history of going there for 6 years now. The peaceful and quiet area is relaxing and calming. The hosts are always friendly and the grounds are well maintained. Services are near by, but not too close.

@Elizabeth5283A · Camped on Jun 20, 2025 at Campsite #99

Always a fantastic time at South Marcum! Site 99 was great. We had a camper and a tent and had several spots for the tent we could have chosen from. Plenty of room for a kickball game too! The pad leans a little so bring some leveling assistance. Extremely short walk to the shower house and we saw deer from the fire ring! Great little spot.

@StevenV795070D · Camped on Jun 19, 2025 at Campsite #T3

Great site- tent only site T03. Right on the lake, close to restrooms, quiet with wildlife ( deer at night), fireflies, etc. I rode 13 miles on the bicycle path, very nice ride- but be aware that theres a section of hard packed gravel with a few poorer but very short parts ( I used a gravel bicycle). Sandusky beach looked to be nice ( I didnt use it due to being on the bike).

@JudyV7121235 · Camped on Jun 19, 2025 at Campsite #61

This was a last-minute reservation and we were not disappointed. heading back to SC from WY and looking for a overnight stay before our last day of travel. using my Rec.gov app, I found South Marcum campground. The campground is beautiful, clean and spacoius. we are already planning to return for a longer stay and enjoy the lake. this campground is a definite must visit if you are in the area.

@DeannaW7345807 · Camped on Jun 14, 2025 at Campsite #135

South Marcum site 135 is a nice location. Getting a long trailer in is difficult because of so many trees in the way. Clipped my bumper on one. Nice long site but trailer had to be pulled up in order to get the awning out because of a tree so couldn't really utilize the whole site for parking. Site looks level to the eye but leveling up was quite an effort on the awning side.

@TonyB5392516 · Camped on Jun 13, 2025 at Campsite #50

The ground are well maintained. There is a great bike/walking path that runs for several miles with great views of the lake and dam. Fishing access is available. The restroom and shower facilities are well maintained.

@MegL64A47C0051 · Camped on Jun 13, 2025 at Campsite #129

We love the sites 125, 127 & 129 in Covey Point. They are very level and it's not crowded around us and we love full hookups!! We are close to the playground for the kids and the shower house if they get tooooo muddy!! The only thing missing is a concrete pad for chairs on site 125. If that was added it would be perfect. We can't wait till our next camping trip there!!

@LeilaZA5045B63 · Camped on Jun 5, 2025 at Campsite #27

We absolutely love camping at Rend Lake and always go to South Marcum campground. The bath houses/restrooms are ALWAYS clean. We love how spacious the campsites are in South Marcum.

@terryh6561192 · Camped on Jun 1, 2025 at Campsite #21

Very nice place to go camping.

@DeborahR772108 · Camped on Jun 1, 2025 at Campsite #80

Starting with the hosts, they were very helpful. We stayed in one of the best spots. Great view , lots of room to entertain other campers for cookouts and board games. We were fortunate to be able to stay almost two weeks , we had to leave early for a wedding but they were very accommodating we have been camping there for about 6 -7 years and hope to be able to do it for many more.

@RebaSE802E80A6 · Camped on May 31, 2025 at Campsite #126

I have used Black Dog rentals for kayak rental. They will deliver kayak wherever you want and are very helpful regarding weather, etc.

@EleciaBEF584ED · Camped on May 30, 2025 at Campsite #T14

Gorgeous site! Clean campground!

@NathanB8721791 · Camped on May 30, 2025 at Campsite #51

Clean Campground

@AlanC2263615 · Camped on May 30, 2025 at Campsite #77

South Marcum Campground on Lake Rend in Illinois has to be the best Army Corp Facility we have stayed at. We have stayed in many Army Corp. in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Kansas, South Carolina, and Iowa.

@WilliamFDD52AC · Camped on May 30, 2025 at Campsite #108

Always a great place to camp and hike and bike

@JAMESS8693241 · Camped on May 17, 2025 at Campsite #129

Beautiful campgrounds, our site, #129 was a super level, nice spacious site. The gate attendant was very friendly and all of the rangers waved and said hello as they drove by. Will most definitely come again

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South Marcum Campground, IL - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

South Marcum

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (379)

4.4 out of 5

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