Randolph County State Conservation Area

Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Here you will find something for everyone in the family, from camping and kayaking to hiking along the lake, biking the scenic roads and horseback riding. Recreation Area Brochure/Map

Johnson Creek

## Overview

Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. 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

Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

## Facilities

South Sandusky Campground offers more than 100 reservable campsites, electric hookups are provided at all camp sites, and the campground offers a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water in order to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests. Two playgrounds, and volleyball net/court are also conveniently located within the campground.

## Natural Features

South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. 

## Nearby Attractions

South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

South Sandusky Campground

Horseshoe Lake State Park Recreation Area

St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

Johnson Creek Campground

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Looking for a place to camp in Illinois with your horse? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the state. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

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Rend Lake

Laying at the foothills of the gently rolling Ozark mountain range, Greensfelder Park features lovely shaded trails and spectacular views, horse boarding, equestrian and group camping, hayrides, trails, nature learning center, picnic sites and shelters, playground and trim orienteering course.

The area was donated to St. Louis County in 1963 by the Trustees of the St. Louis Regional Planning and Construction Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1939 by A. P. Greensfelder, civic leader.

This is primarily an equestrian campground. There is a tie horse stall located behind the restroom that is lighted and will hold approximately 30 horses. A round pen is also available for horse turn out. Two trail heads are at opposite ends of the campground, with connectors to additional trails. 

Greensfelder County Park

## Overview

Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

#### Natural Features:

South Sandusky Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. The South Sandusky Day Use Area offers the most accessible public swimming beach on the lake. The sandy beach is spacious enough to accommodate a large amount of people and provides visitors with convenient access to the refreshing waters of Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.  
  
Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. 

#### Recreation:

Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more. 

#### Facilities:

South Sandusky Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 50 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock all within walking distance.

South Sandusky Day Use

St. Francois State Park

The Windy City isn’t exactly synonymous with camping and the outdoors. However, if you know where to look, you’ll be surprised at just what you can find. With a handful of lakes, parks, and conservation areas, you may just find a hidden gem in Illinois.

The best camping near Chicago is found south of the city in the Des Plaines State Conservation area, near Joliet, IL. If that doesn’t suit you, head to the campgrounds at Camp Bullfrog Lake in the Palos Preserves area. This is actually recognized as an International Dark Sky place, so you’ll be able to enjoy unbridled night skies while still remaining close to the city. Best of all, they offer tent and RV accessible campsites.

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The Best Camping Near Chicago | Illinois Campgrounds

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The Best Camping in Fayetteville, Illinois

Top Fayetteville Campgrounds

Horseshoe Lake State Park Recreation Area

Randolph County State Conservation Area

Johnson Creek

Johnson Creek Campground

South Sandusky Campground

Rend Lake

St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

Greensfelder County Park

South Sandusky Day Use

St. Francois State Park

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Johnson Creek Campground

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