Rend Lake area near Whittington, Illinois offers camping options at 4,700 acres of water surface with 162 miles of shoreline. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making March through November the prime camping season. Several campgrounds around the lake provide accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to full hookup RV spaces and cabin rentals, with some locations offering yurt camping for a unique overnight experience.
What to do
Fishing at dawn and dusk: Gun Creek Campground provides excellent fishing access directly from waterfront sites. "Just beautiful, the Corp of Engineers really take care of these camp grounds," notes a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained access points. The lake is known for crappie, catfish, and bass fishing.
Biking on paved trails: North Sandusky Campground connects to an extensive network of paved bike trails that link different camping areas around Rend Lake. "There is a nice boat ramp and boat parking area and close to a nice bike trail," mentions one camper. The trails are relatively flat, making them suitable for all skill levels.
Beach swimming: South Sandusky Campground offers a sand beach area separate from the campground. "It's also just a short drive from the South Sandusky swimming beach. It's sometimes pretty rocky in the water so we usually wear water shoes," advises one regular visitor. The beach typically opens Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Kayaking and water sports: Paddle craft can be launched from numerous points around the lake, with South Marcum Campground offering some of the best protected coves. "We are looking forward to a return trip to do some more exploring around the lake," shares one camper planning water activities. The lake's numerous fingers and coves provide protected paddling even on windy days.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: North Sandusky Campground receives high marks for site quality. "The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy. Site 42 is very spacious," notes one reviewer who appreciated the extra space. Most sites accommodate larger RVs with slideouts without feeling cramped.
Reliable cell service: Working remotely is possible at certain campgrounds. "We had ATT and Tmobile service at our site. Signal was strong enough to stream video and work remotely," reports a camper who stayed connected during their visit. This makes the area suitable for digital nomads needing connectivity.
Privacy between sites: Gun Creek Campground offers sites with good separation. "Super nice, campsites. We got there late and had no problems finding a great campsite right next to the lake," shares one camper. Sites in the Nighthawk loop tend to have more trees and vegetation screening.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards are generally high across all campgrounds. "Clean bathhouses," notes a camper at South Marcum, while another mentions "North Sandusky is a gem in Southern Illinois" with well-maintained facilities. Most restrooms are cleaned daily during peak season.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment. At Gun Creek Campground, "Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," warns one camper. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, particularly for sites closest to the water.
