Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Rend Lake

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.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Rend Lake (93)

    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!"

    "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"

    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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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Rend Lake

688 Reviews of 93 Rend Lake Campgrounds


  • J K.
    Aug. 6, 2019

    South Marcum Campground

    Best campground on Rend Lake!

    This 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.

  • Chelsea D.
    Apr. 24, 2020

    Marion Campground & RV Park

    Would come back as a last resort...

    This is a stop-over type of campground. The sites are very close together with no privacy. There are some pull-thru sites, which is convenient. It is right next to interstate 57, so unless you're inside your camper, you'll definitely be listening to the highway. This is a pet-friendly campground, and they have a little dog park. They have a shower/laundry facility which is also convenient, especially if you're out on a big trip. Overall, it's certainly not a bad campground, but the highway noise really bothered us.

  • M
    Aug. 19, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Picture perfect

    Full hookups to tent camping and spacious sites. This is a Corps of Engineer Campground so bring your America the Beautiful pass! Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome.

  • J
    Jul. 18, 2022

    North Sandusky Campground

    Large sites, well maintained, good cell service

    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. Site 42 is very spacious. We had ATT and Tmobile service at our site. Signal was strong enough to stream video and work remotely.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2021

    Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    Quiet camping convenient to I-57

    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. 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.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2021

    South Sandusky Campground

    Relaxing spot on the water

    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. Most of the sites are wooded with space between them, and many have lake views. They are not very level so some adjustments were needed. There is a dump station, flush toilets, showers, a sand beach, boat ramp, 2 picnic shelters, a paved bike trail, and playgrounds. There is no internet. Sites can be reserved on the Internet at www.recreation.gov.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2021

    South Marcum Campground

    Convenient to I-57

    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. 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.

  • Kelly B.
    Apr. 23, 2019

    South Marcum Campground

    Tent/RV/lake

    Great camping, usual campground with clean facility's. My family & i enjoy the lake for fishing , boating,swimming & beach time! Close to town for the forgotten marshmallows! Amazing sunsets over beautiful Rend lake!

  • Cindy C.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Wonderful for all ages. Located on Rend Lake Illinois.

    North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing. The sites have many areas that fit different needs. I have stayed this year in both. My site at North Sandusky was on the water and I could pull my pontoon right behind my campsite. The kids were close enough to the bathrooms and showers to walk. And there was fresh water located there as well. There was a park a bit further down the way as well. But no need as the lake was in the backyard.

    South sandusky site was across from a park, bathrooms, showers and water. The beach was a 2 mi hike on a beautiful trail. But we could walk across the street to a fishing swimming spot as well.

    The beach is super clean and monitored well.

    The bathrooms were cleaned every morning before 7 am. Water had great pressure and was always nice and hot.

    I love these campgrounds and can’t wait to go back.


Guide to Rend Lake

Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Rend Lake in Illinois, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

  • At Gun Creek, you’ll find ample space for your pets to roam, along with picnic tables and fire pits for a cozy evening.
  • South Sandusky Campground offers well-maintained sites with electric hookups, making it convenient for pet owners who want to stay connected.
  • Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground features large, shaded sites that provide a comfortable environment for both you and your pets.

Pet owners like the variety of activities available

  • At North Sandusky Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating right from your campsite, perfect for a fun day out with your dog.
  • Crab Orchard Lake Campground is known for its scenic trails, ideal for long walks with your pet while enjoying the beautiful lakeside views.
  • Pyramid State Recreation Area offers hiking trails and plenty of lakes, providing a great opportunity for outdoor adventures with your furry companion.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include excellent facilities

  • South Marcum Campground features clean restrooms and a dump station, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pets.
  • Archway RV Park provides full hookups and a friendly atmosphere, making it a convenient stop for pet owners traveling through the area.
  • Benton KOA has a small camp store and clean facilities, perfect for those who want to ensure their pets are well taken care of during their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rend Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rend Lake is Gun Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rend Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Rend Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.