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Camping near Rend Lake

688 Reviews

Rend Lake camping includes several good options throughout the area. South Sandusky Campground has tent and RV sites right by the water. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground gives you big sites with quick lake access. Giant City State Park Campground has trails that go through interesting rock formations. Crab Orchard Lake Campground is great if you want to fish without going far. Turkey Ridge Campground stays quiet and keeps their grounds in good shape. You should book ahead in summer since these places fill up fast. You can make reservations on the internet, and it's smart to do it a few months early. Watch for fire bans during dry weather. Most places around Rend Lake limit stays to 14 days so everyone gets a chance to camp. Getting to these campgrounds is pretty easy on paved roads. Some spots might need trucks or SUVs if it's been raining a lot. Double-check the rules and permits before you head out. Rend Lake has good camping whether you're in a tent or bringing an RV.

Map showing campgrounds near Rend Lake, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Rend Lake (105)

    1. Gun Creek

    21 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $30 / night

    "Several sites are right on Rend Lake. Most sites have concrete picnic tables and fire rings. The bath houses are really nice, they are individual shower houses that are clean and well lit."

    "This is a nice campground on Rend Lake. The sites themselves are nice and the lake is beautiful! Our only issue is that the sites on not very level."

    2. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."

    "South Sandusky campground is a Corps of Engineers campground on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. There are 8 tent sites & 119 sites with electric and full hook-ups."

    3. South Marcum Campground

    16 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $44 / night

    "This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."

    "South Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just of I-57 in southern Illinois with over 100 reservable campsites. Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups."

    4. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 629-2320

    "Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."

    "Many of the sites are walk up only.  The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games.  Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water."

    5. Whittington Woods Campground

    12 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 435-3401

    "Short drive to Rend Lake, bike trails, kayaks, fishing. Also, a fun winery about 1 mile north! I do recommend this campground!"

    "Close to the interstate, but not too close. A good mix of sites, the back in sites are open enough that it’s not too challenging getting in. Nice services and management."

    6. Benton KOA

    13 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 439-4860

    "Not a bad place for a stop between destinations or a couple days at the lake would be fine. Roads and sites were well maintained. The dog park gets muddy quick, it’s mostly moss and dirt."

    "Yes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA"

    7. North Sandusky Campground

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $26 / night

    "North Sandusky Campground is a gem in Southern Illinois. Many of the sites are backed up to Rend lake and the others back up to the woods.

    The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy."

    "What can I say, all the places around Rend Lake are great. Really enjoyed camping here, stayed a week. I’ll be back."

    8. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    4 miles
    Website

    "Rend Lake is one of our favorite lakes at which to camp. All of the COE engineer campgrounds are well maintained and have waterfront sites!"

    "I love camping at Rend Lake. More specifically, South Sandysky campground. It is clean, the shower houses are immaculate. It’s always fully stocked and clean. The beach isn’t littered with trash."

    9. COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $30 / night

    "The Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Rend Lake are very well kept and a safe bet for a weekend away. Showers are clean, bathrooms all “flush”.

    Campsite sizes vary, but all are reasonably spaced."

    "We have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us. Fun place to camp with family and friends. Never want to leave."

    10. South Sandusky Day Use

    4 Reviews
    Rend Lake, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493
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Recent Camping Photos near Rend Lake

132 Photos of 105 Rend Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rend Lake

688 Reviews of 105 Rend Lake Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dam West Campground

    Beautiful campground at a minimum $

    This campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons….

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    A good spot to have a work week

    Functional clean porta potties. Fire pits, tables and water( not at the campsite but available at the entrance). Not a ton of privacy but very friendly people. Not great for starlink but very moderate t mobile a slightly better Verizon. Lots of tents and vans. Not many spots. Beautiful.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great spot for location

    Overall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.

  • Chip
    Sep. 2, 2025

    World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    Lot's of full hookups

    This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees.  Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue.  This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event.  During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full.  We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning.  There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried.  I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    Another really nice COE campground. With our pass for seniors, we only paid $10 for electric. The sites were a little closer together than normal COE’s but still plenty of room. Water spicket’s were placed throughout the park but not at each site. There was a lake with a swim beach and two playgrounds. Sites were very level. Nice and shady. Close to town. Well maintained showers.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gun Creek

    Nice!

    Nice, large, well thought out campground. Lots of trees, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, and well maintained. Offers full hookups, partial or none. Convenient to I64. Only stayed 1 nite, but would definitely come back.

  • Stephanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Spacious and clean

    Campground was well maintained with spacious campsites. I tried to get a spot on the water but they were all reserved, they looked really nice so I would try to get it in the future. Showers were nice with air conditioning. I would say this is more of a campsite for RVs but it worked fine with our tent. Host was nice and helpful.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Benton KOA

    Good KOA

    Yes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great stop for the night.

    We were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog. Would definitely recommend if in the area.

Guide to Rend Lake

Camping near Rend Lake, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature and relax.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter," making it a great spot year-round.
  • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing. A reviewer noted, "Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic," indicating the need to choose your spot wisely for fishing access.
  • Wine Tasting: If you enjoy wine, several wineries are a short drive from South Sandusky Campground. One visitor shared, "The campground is good, and camp hosts very friendly and helpful," making it a perfect base for your winery adventures.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Turkey Ridge Campground. A review stated, "Bathrooms and shower house were all clean!" which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Sites: At South Marcum Campground, visitors enjoy the roomy sites. One camper said, "Sites are well spaced apart," allowing for a more private experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Archway RV Park. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff was great," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Reservation System: Be aware of the reservation system at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer," so plan ahead.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crab Orchard Lake Campground, may have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers," so manage your expectations.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at Washington County State Recreation Area. One camper shared, "Lots of wildlife," which can be exciting but also requires caution.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like South Sandusky Campground. A family-friendly review stated, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
  • Short Trails: Choose campgrounds with shorter hiking trails, such as Turkey Ridge Campground. A camper noted, "The trails include everything — bluffs from above and below," making it suitable for young kids.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. At Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Quiet camping convenient to I-57," which is great for families needing rest.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: When booking at Gun Creek, be mindful of site levels. One reviewer said, "Not all sites are very level," so bring leveling blocks if needed.
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like South Marcum Campground. A camper mentioned, "Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing."
  • Cell Service: Be aware of cell service availability. A visitor at Archway RV Park noted, "AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Camping near Rend Lake, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, there's something for every camper to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a detailed map of Rend Lake campgrounds?

Detailed maps of Rend Lake campgrounds are available at the Corps of Engineers visitor centers located throughout the recreation area. You can also find comprehensive maps at ranger stations at South Marcum Campground, which has over 100 reservable campsites spread across multiple loops including Whispering Pines. For online options, visit Recreation.gov and search for Rend Lake to access downloadable maps. The Rend Lake official website also provides detailed PDF maps showing all campground locations, amenities, and waterfront sites throughout the recreation area.

How do I make camping reservations at Rend Lake?

Camping reservations at Rend Lake can be made through Recreation.gov, which is the official reservation system for Corps of Engineers campgrounds. North Sandusky Campground and other Rend Lake campgrounds accept reservations up to six months in advance. Some campgrounds like South Sandusky Campground also welcome walk-ins for unreserved sites on a first-come, first-served basis. For the best selection, especially during peak summer season, make reservations early as waterfront sites tend to fill quickly. America the Beautiful pass holders can receive discounts at Corps of Engineers campgrounds around the lake.

Is tent camping allowed at Rend Lake?

Yes, tent camping is definitely allowed at Rend Lake. South Sandusky Campground offers 8 dedicated tent sites in addition to their 119 sites with electric and full hookups. Many of the sites are wooded with plenty of space between them, creating a pleasant tent camping experience. Gun Creek Campground also accommodates tent campers with shaded sites. Most Rend Lake campgrounds provide amenities tent campers appreciate including drinking water, clean shower houses, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The lakeside location offers beautiful views and easy access to swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

What camping options are available at Rend Lake's Whittington campground?

Whittington Woods Campground offers beautiful RV camping options with modern amenities. The campground provides electric hookups, water access, and well-maintained facilities. For those seeking more rustic accommodations, nearby Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground is conveniently located just off I-57 and provides excellent options for camping and recreational activities including fishing and biking. The campground is situated on Rend Lake, making it ideal for water activities while still offering convenient access to nearby amenities.

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