Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Rend Lake at this Corps of Engineers group site in forested terrain near Sesser. The facility accommodates groups with electric hookups, though RV length restrictions apply and access roads can be rough. Basic amenities include drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station, while picnic tables and fire rings support group gatherings.
The location provides cell service coverage and allows pets throughout the wooded setting. Campers can explore additional options through places to camp around Rend Lake or consider nearby South Sandusky Campground less than a mile south. Reservations help secure this $150 group area for lake-focused camping trips.
Description
Overview
Shagbark Group Camp is located on the western shore of Rend Lake near the Sandusky cove the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Recreation
Within the area, visitors can access the Rend Lake Bike Trailover 20 miles of paved pathways that guide riders through scenic woodlands and across views of Rend Lake and the Big Muddy River. The area offers abundant opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, and general outdoor exploration. Additional recreation features around Rend Lake include an archery complex with a 3D trail and elevated shooting platform, a dog park with a swimming feature, and two public swimming beaches (including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach).
Facilities
Shagbark Group Area Campground can accommodate up to 200 campers. The campground consists of electric hookups, flush toilets, and drinking water, in order to create a comfortable camping experience. A dump station and shower house are conveniently located nearby at the North Sandusky Campground entrance and the North Sandusky Maple loop.
Natural Features
The fields, forests, and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Woodland areas are made up of hickory, oak, and beautiful maples providing habitat to white-tail deer, turkeys, racoons, and many more native species. The shorelines are an excellent viewing area for waterfowl, shorebirds, and bank fishing the known crappie population.
Nearby Attractions
North Sandusky Day Use AreaNorth Sandusky Disc GolfRend Lake Bike Trail
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Important: Beginning at noon on July 3, traffic on Golf Course Drive will be restricted to Golf Complex visitors and Gun Creek campers and their guests. The Rend Lake Conservancy District Golf Complex, adjacent to Gun Creek Campground, will host a fireworks celebration on July 3rd and 4th featuring food trucks, a rodeo, children's activities, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display on July 3.For additional event details, please contact the Rend Lake Conservancy District at 618-439-4321.We hope you enjoy a safe and fun Independence Day celebration at Rend Lake!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShagbark Group Area is located in Illinois near Sesser
Directions
From I-57 take exit 77 and turn west onto Route 154. Turn south onto Rend City Road and continue straight into North Sandusky Campground. Shagbark Group Area is located in the back portion of the campground.
Address
Shagbark Group Camp
8420 Loon Lane
Sesser, IL 62884
Coordinates
38.040977 N
89.004078 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 users
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 25 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 31 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 44 min from Evansville, IN
