Rend Lake

Located near Benton in southern Illinois, the Rend Lake Visitor Center provides boat ramp access to Rend Lake, a major recreational lake in the region. This non-reservable access point serves as a gateway for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore the lake's expansive waters. The visitor center itself offers facilities and information to help plan your outing.

Rend Lake features multiple boat ramp access areas throughout the lake, including several with accessible 20-foot fishing docks that accommodate both fishing and boat launching. These include the Bonnie South, Waltonville Dam, Bluegill Hole, and Nason South access areas. The lake is a popular destination for fishing and recreational boating, with good opportunities for wildlife viewing.

If you're planning an extended trip, three reservable campgrounds operate within 10 miles: North Sandusky, South Sandusky, and South Marcum Campgrounds. For current conditions, specific access details, and to locate the best launch point for your planned route, check the interactive Rend Lake boating guide and contact the visitor center for up-to-date information on ramp conditions and amenities.

This recreation area is part of Rend Lake