Shagbark Group Area
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. 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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rend Lake, will be closing Shagbark, North Sandusky Campground, and North Sandusky Day Use Area for major infrastructure improvements until May 23rd. The work is expected to be completed by early April. However, this cannot be guaranteed because of unforeseeable delays with weather, etc.. All areas will re-open once the work is complete. Please visit our Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/rendlakeusace.
Need to Know
An Additional fee of $25.00 will be added to the Use fee charged on Tursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Off-road vehicle use must have prior approval.
See Park Information Guide for additional rules and regulations.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Natural Features
Shagbark Group Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the North Sandusky Campground. This area is heavily populated with deer and turkey that roam through the mature forest surrounding the loop.
Recreation
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Rend Lake Project Office 11981 Rend City Rd Benton IL 62812
Physical Address
8420 Loon Lane Sesser IL 62884
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 618-724-2493
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
