Near Sesser, Illinois, campgrounds cluster around the 19,000-acre Rend Lake with over 160 miles of shoreline. The region features mixed hardwood forests at an elevation of approximately 430 feet above sea level. Camping options range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with varying levels of shade and proximity to water.
What to do
Fishing from your site: Several campsites at Gun Creek provide direct lake access. "Sites are close to the water so you can fish or boat right from your campsite," notes a camper who appreciated the convenience. The lake is known for crappie and catfish populations.
Hiking on paved trails: Paved pathways connect camping areas around Rend Lake. A visitor to North Sandusky Campground mentioned "There's a biking trail that we also used as a walking trail. Beautiful scenery along the way."
Disc golf near camp: North Sandusky Recreation Area maintains a disc golf course near the camping loops. "There is a boat dock, boat ramp, playground, and disk golf course," reports a regular visitor who enjoys multiple recreational options during their stays.
Stargazing in dark skies: The relative distance from major cities creates good conditions for night sky viewing at Washington County State Recreation Area. "The campground is pretty far from any big metro area, so the sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations. We listened to Whip-por-will calls around the campfire."
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites at North Sandusky. "The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy. Site 42 is very spacious," notes one camper who found enough space for comfort during their stay.
Lakefront views: Waterfront sites rank among the most popular at South Sandusky Campground. "Most of the sites are wooded with space between them, and many have lake views," reports a visitor who enjoyed the setting. Sites with direct lake access typically book fastest during summer months.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. "The shower house and rest rooms were clean and well-kept," noted a camper at North Sandusky. Most campgrounds in the area maintain flush toilets and shower facilities with varying levels of modernization.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. "We have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us. Fun place to camp with family and friends," shared an enthusiastic visitor to North Sandusky Rend Lake.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment to level campers. "Most sites are fairly level, but some have an incline to get into," warns one visitor about North Sandusky sites. Another camper at North Sandusky noted their site "had a drop off between the driveway and the picnic table/fire ring. We had to use blocks so our camper stairs would reach the ground."
Reservation systems: Most rv sites near Sesser, Illinois require advance booking through Recreation.gov for Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Some smaller state parks use different systems. At Washington County, "no cards accepted. We had to run back to the town of Nashville to get some cash from the ATM."
