Description

In the heart of Southern Illinois, the Dam West Day Use Area on Rend Lake offers excellent opportunities to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and watching wildlife. The 19,000 acres of water and the 20,000 acres of public lands at Rend Lake provide the perfect setting for your outdoor activities. The Rend Lake Bike Trail offers opportunities for biking and hiking. Dam West Day Use area offers 1 group shelter with electricity. Other amenities include a boat ramp, playground, and numerous individual picnic sites with picnic tables and grills. Golf, trap shooting, and sporting clays are available within minutes of the day use area. Boat rentals are available at the Rend Lake Marina and Rend Lake Resort. Other activities include the Rend Lake Visitor Center, Ranger-led programs, educational programs, environmental education, Rend Lake Wildlife Refuge, picnic areas, and water sports. Hunting is a large attraction to Rend Lake with its many acres of huntable government property adjacent to the parks. Auto touring and "Watchable Wildlife" viewing opportunities abound at the lake. Rend Lake is one of the best areas in the state for birding. Horseback riding and trail rides are available at the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park. For specific area information, visit the Rend Lake homepage: click here