How much does camping cost at Dale Miller Youth?

Camping fees at Dale Miller Youth range from $150-$175/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dale Miller Youth first-come first-served or reservation?

Dale Miller Youth accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dale Miller Youth before I book?

Yes! Dale Miller Youth has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dale Miller Youth?

Dale Miller Youth is open May 12 - September 6.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dale Miller Youth?

Yes, Dale Miller Youth has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Dale Miller Youth have?

Dale Miller Youth has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dale Miller Youth?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dale Miller Youth. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dale Miller Youth?

Dale Miller Youth offers: Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dale Miller Youth?

Popular activities at Dale Miller Youth include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dale Miller Youth

Q: Can I have a campfire at Dale Miller Youth?

Fire policies at Dale Miller Youth: Campfires allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Visitors are encouraged to purchase firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.47

45 reviews

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Family FriendlyPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Illinois Group Camping Illinois Family-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois +8 more

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 12 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

469 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 12 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Dale Miller Youth

$150.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard Nonelectric fees range between $150.00 (non-peak) and $175.00 (peak season). Additional fees of $75 during peak season and $50 during...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$175.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 45 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousbeachfriendly

"Overall, user reviews highlight the campground as peaceful, well-equipped, and affordable, with some complaints about strangers accessing reserved areas and maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Dale Miller Youth

11623 TRAILHEAD LANE, Benton, IL, 62812

Nearby places

Benton (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes), Mt. Vernon (approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes), Carbondale (approximately 45 miles, 1 hour).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Benton (approximately 5 miles) and nearby towns like Mt. Vernon, where visitors can access groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Dale Miller Youth

Each season paints Dale Miller Youth Campground with its own unique palette. From May through September, the campground comes alive as warm sunshine beckons visitors to dive into lake adventures, evening campfires, and outdoor games that last until dusk. These peak months showcase Southern Illinois at its finest, with long days perfect for swimming, hiking, and creating unforgettable summer memories. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of colors, while winter brings a quieter charm to the grounds. Though colder temperatures and occasional snowfall may limit some activities, the off-season offers its own peaceful beauty for hardy souls seeking solitude and the crisp clarity of winter air mixing with morning mist off the lake.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in IL

Open May 12 - Sep 6; warm months bring beach and lake activity and positive reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 12 - September 6.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 12 - September 6 (peak season); Closed November 2 - March 28.

About Dale Miller Youth

Nestled along the southeastern shores of Rend Lake, Dale Miller Youth Campground offers an exceptional outdoor experience that brings groups together in nature's embrace. This versatile destination welcomes up to 200 guests across its thoughtfully designed accommodations, including five spacious cabins with open floor plans perfect for group gatherings, nine well-appointed RV sites, and scenic tent camping areas scattered throughout the property. Beyond just a place to sleep under the stars, the campground creates lasting memories with its private beach where laughter echoes across the water, a vibrant playground where young adventurers can explore, expansive sports fields for friendly competitions, and a generous picnic shelter equipped with electricity for celebrations and gatherings that stretch into the evening hours.

Dale Miller Youth offers a variety of camping accommodations, including cabins, RV sites, tent sites, and group camping options.

Historical Significance

While Dale Miller Youth Campground may not boast ancient artifacts or historic battlegrounds, its true significance lies in the countless stories written here by each new generation of visitors. This special place serves as a blank canvas where youth groups, families, and friends create their own rich history through shared adventures, first-time camping experiences, and traditions that bring them back year after year.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Dale Miller Youth Campground with its own unique palette. From May through September, the campground comes alive as warm sunshine beckons visitors to dive into lake adventures, evening campfires, and outdoor games that last until dusk. These peak months showcase Southern Illinois at its finest, with long days perfect for swimming, hiking, and creating unforgettable summer memories. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of colors, while winter brings a quieter charm to the grounds. Though colder temperatures and occasional snowfall may limit some activities, the off-season offers its own peaceful beauty for hardy souls seeking solitude and the crisp clarity of winter air mixing with morning mist off the lake.

ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle elevation of Southern Illinois' rolling landscape, where the land meets the expansive waters of Rend Lake in perfect harmony.

Natural Features and SceneryThe southeastern banks of Rend Lake provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures at Dale Miller Youth Campground. Here, emerald grassy fields invite barefoot races and impromptu games of catch, while shaded wooded areas offer cool retreats and nature exploration opportunities. The crown jewel remains the direct water access, where the lake's gentle waves lap against the shore, creating a natural soundtrack for relaxation. Throughout the grounds, visitors share their space with the area's abundant wildlife – graceful deer emerge at dawn and dusk, wild turkeys strut through the meadows, and diverse waterfowl paint the sky with their seasonal migrations, transforming each visit into a living nature documentary.

Geological RegionPositioned along Rend Lake's southeastern shores, the campground showcases the best of Southern Illinois' diverse landscape. This remarkable setting seamlessly blends expansive grassy fields ideal for recreation, carefully maintained playground areas that spark imagination, exclusive private beaches for swimming and sand castle building, and immediate access to one of the region's most beloved water bodies. The geological tapestry creates a natural amphitheater where land and water meet, offering visitors a front-row seat to the beauty of the Illinois countryside.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 2 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit
maximum 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Capacity for up to 200 guests across cabins, RV, and tent sites.

Groups

Group site details include a total capacity of 200 guests and amenities like a large enclosed shelter with electricity, a private beach, and sports courts.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCabins grouped together near grassy fields; RV and tent sites spread out.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, contact center, or in person.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation about walk-up availability not provided in authoritative sources.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before scheduled arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fee. Changes to the reservation cost $10 unless modifying nights within the same booking.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed, although one user appreciated the site's accommodation for a handicap hunt.

Site SizeCabins can fit 3-4 air mattresses; the campground also includes large grassy areas for tents and RVs.

PrivacyThe campground offers a private beach and enclosed shelter, but some reviews mention issues with strangers accessing the beach and facilities despite signs indicating they were reserved for campers.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesCabins can accommodate 3-4 air mattresses comfortably. RV sites are farther from cabins, which may not suit large groups wanting proximity.

Need help booking Dale Miller Youth?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

This campground provides a mix of recreational activities suitable for various interests. Activities include swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and team sports like basketball and baseball. There is also a private beach for relaxation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent complaints about strangers accessing private beach despite signs. Maintenance issues with cabin doors, water faucets, and electrical breakers have been reported.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Visitors are encouraged to purchase firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours specified in provided materials.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Benton Hospital (approximately 5 miles), local police stations, and ranger stations within Rend Lake Recreation Area.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated near Rend Lake with direct access to a private beach.

Camp HostHosts available at South Marcum Campground for key collection and assistance.

Weather at Dale Miller Youth

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

45 reviews

Recommended

Dale Miller Youth is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight the campground as peaceful, well-equipped, and affordable, with some complaints about strangers accessing reserved areas and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, private beach, spacious cabins, and numerous recreational activities are frequently praised. Users also appreciate the affordability and group-friendly amenities.

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with strangers accessing the private beach and reserved areas. Maintenance problems such as broken faucets and tripping breakers were also mentioned.

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bikes for the paths. Campers should bring air mattresses or cots for cabin sleeping arrangements. Some users suggest bringing signs to ward off strangers accessing private areas.

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews from warmer months highlight the enjoyment of the private beach and outdoor activities. Issues with maintenance and strangers accessing reserved areas were noted year-round.

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Peaceful and quiet! Beautiful place to go camping!' - April Capps 2. 'Great place for family reunions! Nice big area, beautiful views and a private beach.' - N Palmer 3. 'Wonderful setting and...

Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in the Dale Miller Youth loop frequently came up in reviews. Issues noted include broken faucets, tripping breakers, and strangers accessing private areas.

Based on 45 reviews