OutReserve

Dam West Area (Day-use)

Dam West Day Use: Shelter 6
Picnic Area at Dam West Day Use Area
Dam West Day Use: Shelter 6
Dam West Boat Ramp and Courtesy Dock
Dam West Day Use Area

Featured amenities

Playground

About Dam West Area (Day-use)

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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Playground
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
  • Marina
Missing information?

Reviews (6)

What Guests Are Saying

The shelter was not clean and had a significant spider presence, leading to disappointment. Due to these conditions, the group chose to relocate to the visitors center. Overall, the experience highlighted a need for better maintenance.

Review Summary

3.7
6 reviews
5
66.7%
4
4
0.0%
0
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
33.3%
2

Megan S

October 12, 2024

1

The shelter wasn’t clean and was over run with spiders. I was very disappointed. I know it’s outdoors but it was so bad we had to move our small group to the visitors center.

Megan S

October 12, 2024

1

The shelter wasn’t clean and was over run with spiders. I was very disappointed. I know it’s outdoors but it was so bad we had to move our small group to the visitors center.

Stephanie W

June 7, 2021

5

Clean bathrooms close by and a spacious pavilion overlooking the water. Close to a boat dock but not so close it ruins the beauty.

Stephanie W

June 7, 2021

5

Clean bathrooms close by and a spacious pavilion overlooking the water. Close to a boat dock but not so close it ruins the beauty.

Gerald R

August 18, 2020

5

perfect for picnic & boating

Gerald R

August 18, 2020

5

perfect for picnic & boating

Location Dam West Area (Day-use)

Address:
Rend Lake Project Office
Benton, IL, 62812-9803
United States

Highway access

The campground is accessible from I-57 via exit 71, which connects to Route 14. Route 14 provides direct access to the area.

Latitude & Longitude: 38.0392 / -88.9858

Elevation: 129 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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