Rend Lake, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Rend Lake campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Rend Lake camping trip.
$18 - $30 / night
"There are sites with electric, water, and sewer. Several sites are right on Rend Lake. Most sites have concrete picnic tables and fire rings."
"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."
$16 - $44 / night
"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."
"This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."
"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."
"Beautiful campground with mature trees providing lots of shade on the 100F weekend we were there. Gravel sites, level. A lot of common ground, shaded, picnic shelters."
"This campground is beautiful with lots of gardens and potted plants at a lot of the campsites The host is very friendly, the pool is well maintained, they have a dog park The Host even led us to our"
"T-Mobile worked well- issues connecting to site Wi-Fi- staff pleasant- clean- didn’t use showers- small camp store available"
"The spaces were large and roomy. Showers and bathroom were very nice, too. We didn’t use any of the other amenities because we were just passing through."
"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."
"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!"
$60 / night
"This is primarily a RV park near I-64 and on a highway. Noisy!! Bad noisy. Camp site was nice. Grassy, level, near a picnic shelter with tables. Shade trees. But only about 2-3 such sites."
"Stores nearby. Just staying one night as we headed back home. No complaints! There are some cute vintage campers and tiny cottages for rent as well.
Nice doggie park area fenced off too!!"
"This is an beautiful little beach on Rend lake. The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for my fellow bord watchers to go!"
"Just beautiful, the Corp of Engineering’s really take care of these camp grounds, very clean, most have new showers. Love it here, just wish I could stay all year round.🚴♀️🚣♀️🏊♂️"
"Very clean, level sites, large lake with a well maintained walking trail. Lake side sites, wooded sites and regular sites in the middle. Water, 30 and 50 amp, shower house, small laundry facility."
"Campground was nice and clean, has a beautiful walking trail, the camp host was nice. The restrooms and showers were super clean. Enjoyed our stay will definitely be back."
"Showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer! There were plenty of pit toliets through out the campground and trash cans."
"This is a small lake management by the state of Illinois. The campground is usually not crowded, but some weekends do get busy. There is a shower/bathroom that was clean each time we were there."
TravelerThis State Park is located outside Carlyle,Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours. This is one State Park i enjoy visiting. However there are times this park cannot be accessed because of flooding.
LegendRend Lake is a large COE recreation area with 4 campgrounds, some with full hook ups for $28 a night, two dams, 2 beaches, several boat launches, a marina, golf course and a restaurant. Not all facilities were open when we visited in March. Hiking and biking trails and close to town for gas and bait. Each site has a stone picnic table and fire ring. Showers, bathrooms and playgrounds in multiple places and convenient locations. Some sites do have steep grade, originally booked Bluejay 48 and moved.
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233504?tab=seasons
GuideThere’s not a bad campsite here. There are sites with electric, water, and sewer. 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. The grounds are very well maintained. The park was full while we stayed there, but was really quiet. You can tent camp or use a camper.
RangerKind of a bare bones campground but this state park does offer rock climbing (if you have the expertise and your own gear). A few picnic shelters and an amazing CCC lodge that has a cabin rentals and a pretty good area restaurant. The park used to have an interp center but I believe the state closed it do to funding. The trails aren't always maintained it definitely depends on the season but the park itself is not to be missed.
LegendSouth 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. There is a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking. Also a playground in the Whispering Pines loop. The campground is on Rend Lake with swimming, fishing and boating. Most sites are level. Some are pull-through. The sites are set up to provide some privacy, and are not right on top of each other.
GuideReally great campground. Good mix of tents and RVs. Bath house was very well kept and clean. Showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer! There were plenty of pit toliets through out the campground and trash cans. My tent site was clean, good flat spot for tent, picnic table and fire pit with attached grill.
The Concession building in the park is closing. No boat rentals, selling everything he has on the shelf.
Caught a few bass and and good amount of hiking. Large trail around the whole lake, smaller trails lead to sites around the different campgrounds.
GuideThis 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. Ours had a significant slope when we backed up the electric hookups. But it was a concrete pad with a concrete picnic table, firepit, and a tall hook for a light or garbage out of bear's reach. We saw a nice playground for kids. We would stay here again, just scout for a more level site.
LegendWayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes. It’s convenient for a short stop if you are traveling through, or as a destination. Although it’s right off the interstate there is no traffic noise. The campground has 40 tent sites and over 240 modern campsites, which offer electrical hookups, water and sewer facilities. Modern sites are $20/night, with 30/50 amp service. Primitive sites are $6. There is no internet. There are a few pull through sites.. there is lots of room and the sites appear to be level. There are 3 shower buildings. Many sites can be reserved online. There is a playground, and boat ramp. The park has hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking and boating. there is a golf course nearby and a lodge. Rend Lake is well-known for crappie, particularly in the early spring, as well as largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill.
LegendThis is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake. With hundreds of sites to choose from with some being tucked into the woods and others sitting right on the lake including some walking intense fights this campground is one of the nicest that you’ll find in Illinois. Plenty of bathrooms and bath houses as well as playgrounds and spacious campsites for larger RVs and plenty of access to the lake.
Cabin camping near Rend Lake, Illinois offers a fantastic escape into nature, with a variety of well-reviewed options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a cabin at Wayne Fitzgerald State Park on Rend Lake?
To book a cabin at Wayne Fitzgerald State Park on Rend Lake, make a reservation through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or by calling their reservation line. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and it's recommended to book early during peak summer months as cabins fill quickly. The park is conveniently located just off I-57 in Southern Illinois, making it easily accessible. For alternative cabin options in the region, consider Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, which also offers cabin rentals through the same reservation system.
What types of cabins are available at Rend Lake in Illinois?
Rend Lake offers a variety of cabin accommodations across its recreation area. At Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, you'll find cabin rentals near the lake's shores, providing convenient access to fishing and biking trails. The cabins typically include basic amenities and are situated in a peaceful setting just off I-57. For those seeking different options, Giant City State Park Campground features cabin rentals near their CCC lodge with access to the park's restaurant. Cabin styles range from rustic to more modern accommodations, with some offering lake views and others nestled in wooded settings.
What are the rates and fees for Rend Lake cabin rentals?
Cabin rental rates at Rend Lake vary by location, amenities, and season. At Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground, accommodations are part of the larger Corps of Engineers recreation area where standard camping sites with hookups run about $28 per night, though cabin rates may differ. For a nearby alternative with cabins, Washington County State Recreation Area offers rentals at competitive rates. Most cabins require a two-night minimum stay on weekends, and many charge an additional cleaning fee. Prices typically range from $65-125 per night depending on cabin size, amenities, and proximity to the lake. Holiday weekends and summer months command premium rates.
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