Public Campground
Gun Creek
Gun Creek, near Whittington, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors with some beautiful lake views. This campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it suitable for all kinds of camping experiences.
The facilities here are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a convenient dump station. Many visitors rave about the spacious sites, though it's wise to check the levelness before booking, as some spots can be a bit sloped. Campers appreciate the picnic tables and fire rings at each site, perfect for evening gatherings. One happy camper noted, “We loved staying here. Pet friendly and beautiful lake views from many of the camp sites.”
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Gun Creek is surrounded by bike paths and offers excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is a highlight, with stunning sunsets that have left many campers in awe. As one reviewer put it, “The lake had the most amazing sunset!”
If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that the campground is open from mid-March to the end of November. With its friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Gun Creek is a great choice for families and friends looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Description
Overview
Gun Creek Campground is located on the eastern shore of Rend Lake 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.
Recreation
Gun Creek Campground is conveniently located near the Gun Creek Day Use Area, which includes a boat ramp and a reservable picnic shelter. The area offers abundant opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, and general outdoor exploration. Additional recreation features around Rend Lake include the Rend Lake Bike Trail, an archery complex with a 3D trail and elevated shooting platform, a dog park with a swimming feature, and two public swimming beaches (including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach).
Facilities
Gun Creek Campground offers 98 reservable campsites equipped with electric hookups, a picnic table, and a firepit. The campground offers a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests. A playground is also conveniently located within the Nighthawk and Eagle camping loops.
Natural Features
The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Woodland areas are made up of hickory, oak, and beautiful maples providing habitat to white-tail deer, turkeys, racoons, and many more native species. The shorelines are an excellent viewing area for waterfowl, shorebirds, and bank fishing our known crappie population.
Nearby Attractions
Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restaurant, and lodge.Rend Lake Shooting ComplexRend Lake Archery ComplexRend Lake Mountain Bike TrailWayne Fitzgerrell State ParkNorth Marcum Day Use (Beach and Boat Ramp)
Detours Nearby

North Sandusky Campground
5 min away

Touch of Nature Education Center
42 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 19 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 22 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 33 min from Evansville, IN
Location
Gun Creek is located in Illinois
Directions
From I-57 take exit 77 and turn west on Route 154. Turn left onto Gun Creek Trail/Larry Foster Parkway, then right onto Golf Course Road. Continue 1/2 mile to park entrance.
Address
Gun Creek Campground
12165 Golf Course Drive
Whittington, IL 62897
Coordinates
38.0786111 N
88.9302778 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 12/11/25
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 12/11/25
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 12/11/25
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 12/11/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly





































