Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground sits along the eastern shore of Rend Lake in Johnsonville, Illinois, part of a large US Army Corps of Engineers recreation area that includes four campgrounds, two beaches, several boat launches, and a marina. The lake is the dominant feature here. Sites with long concrete pads front the water closely enough that, according to one reviewer, you can anchor a boat directly off your campsite. The surrounding area also has hiking and biking trails, and gas stations and bait shops are reachable without a long drive.

Sites are spread out, which helps with spacing, though the concrete pads do slope and most rigs will need leveling. Full hookups are available at some sites for $28 per night, but campers should note that electric-only sites require filling your water tank before parking, since water connections aren't available at every pad. Stone picnic tables and fire rings come standard. A few sites carry a steep grade, so checking your assigned spot before committing makes sense. Shower houses and bathrooms are distributed across the campground in multiple locations.

Maggie C. describes the experience as having "a bit of a slope to the pads so you will need to level," a practical heads-up worth keeping in mind when site-selecting. Anglers and boaters tend to get the most out of this campground given the direct water access. Nearby, Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area provides another option for those extending a multi-stop trip through southern Illinois. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, and booking ahead is advisable for summer weekends when the campground draws crowds.

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Map & DirectionsRend Lake Gun Creek Campground is located in Illinois near Johnsonville

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

38.44300041 N
88.54900036 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the clean, well-maintained facilities and peaceful lakeside setting. Sites have concrete pads but require leveling due to slope, with electric-only hookups standard.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2025

Pretty Lakeside Campground

Nice little campground on Rend Lake. Sites are spread out with long concrete pads. Thera is a bit of a slope to the pads so you will need to level: Lake is very pretty - you could anchor your boat off your campsite. We did not use the bath house so can’t comment on that. Campsites are electric only, so you need to fill you water tank before parking.

SiteBluejay 50
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Maggie  C., July 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Maggie  C., July 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Maggie  C., July 21, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2025

Love it

Gun Creek Campground is very peaceful, beautiful, and clean. They keep up with the grounds and shower houses very well. Easy to navigate roads and many things to do. You also have easy access to stores in the surrounding towns.

SiteNighthawk 24
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Paige F., June 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Paige F., June 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Paige F., June 11, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2024

Great

We were on electric only. Wish we had known we could have gotten a senior discount. Very nice campground.

Site89
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2023

Under construction

Pulled in here on our way out west for a night. The website mentioned “some” construction. But we could not access the lake at all anywhere. Also we were awakened by the Dept of Corrections with their work program for inmates. They arrived clearing all around our site very early in the am!!!

Site11
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Jennifer D., June 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Jennifer D., June 14, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 23, 2021

Many lakeside sites, extra long drives for boat trailers, quiet and scenic

Rend 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

SiteBluejay 45
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Debra M., March 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Debra M., March 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground by Debra M., March 23, 2021
  • (14) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping facilities available at Gun Creek Campground on Rend Lake?

Gun Creek Campground offers electric hookup sites with long concrete pads, though some sites may have a slight slope requiring leveling. The campground maintains clean shower houses and restroom facilities. The grounds are well-kept with easy-to-navigate roads throughout the property. Sites are nicely spread out, and many are positioned close to the lake, making it possible to anchor a boat directly off your campsite. The campground is part of Rend Lake's larger recreation complex that includes hiking and biking trails, beaches, boat launches, and other amenities.

Where can I find a map of Gun Creek Campground at Rend Lake?

Maps of Gun Creek Campground can be obtained from the Corps of Engineers (COE) office that manages Rend Lake recreation areas. The campground is part of the larger Rend Lake recreation complex that features multiple campgrounds. You can request a printed map upon arrival at the campground entrance, or visit the official COE website for Rend Lake to download a digital version. The map will show the layout of campsites, lake access points, facilities, and nearby trails. Since the campground occasionally undergoes construction, checking for updated maps before arrival is recommended.

How much does it cost to camp at Gun Creek Campground, especially for seniors?

Camping at Gun Creek Campground costs approximately $28 per night for sites with full hookups. Electric-only sites are also available at a lower rate. A senior discount is offered, though you'll need to request it when making your reservation or checking in. The campground is operated by the Corps of Engineers (COE), which typically provides discounts for holders of America the Beautiful Senior Pass. For the most current pricing information and to confirm discount eligibility, contact the campground directly or check the Rend Lake COE website.

What do visitors say about their experiences at Gun Creek Campground?

Gun Creek Campground is generally described as peaceful, beautiful, and clean with well-maintained grounds and facilities. Campers appreciate the spacious layout with spread-out sites featuring long concrete pads. The lake views are highlighted as particularly pretty, with convenient boat access directly from many campsites. Visitors note the campground is easy to navigate and offers plenty of recreational activities. The location provides good access to surrounding towns for supplies. Some guests have mentioned occasional construction that may temporarily limit lake access, and early morning maintenance activities. Overall, most find it a serene camping destination with beautiful waterfront views.