The Dale Miller Youth Area located in the South Marcum Recreation Area, provides an ideal setting for group camping activities. Picnic shelters are available by reservation, or on a first arrival basis and are ideal for family gatherings or company picnics. Most offer a scenic view of the lake and many have fireplaces, electricity and barbecue grills. Boaters plying the Rend Lake Waters in bass boats, house boats or personal watercraft are sure to enjoy the nearly 19,000 acres of waters that comprise the lake. Storage docks, marine fuel, boat sales, and boat repair services are available at the Rend Lake marina.
Marine fuel is also available at the Rend Lake Resort, along with the courtesy boat slips.
Perhaps the finest crappie fishing lake in Illinois, Rend Lake anglers will also find abundant populations of largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, and a variety of catfish. Opportunities for bank and boat fishing abound. A fish stocking program operated cooperatively between the Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, helps insure abundant healthy fish populations. Fish shelters made from the yearly harvest of Christmas trees make special fishing holes for many Rend Lake anglers. With shower and picnic facilities nearby, these areas provide the ideal setting for a day of family fun in the sun.