Overview

South Sandusky Campground 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.

Facilities

South Sandusky Campground offers 124 reservable campsites each equipped with a picnic table and a firepit. Electric hookups are provided at all sites, excluding tent sites. The campground offers a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests. Playgrounds are also conveniently located within the Redbud, Pine Tree, and Sycamore camping loops.

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.

Recreation

Within the campground, visitors can access the Rend Lake Bike Trail—over 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).

Nearby Attractions

South Sandusky Beach

Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center

Blackberry Nature Trail

Rend Lake Dog Park

Rend Lake Marina

Important Notices

• All campers MUST register/ check-in with gate attendant upon arrival to receive site and vehicle tags.

• Camping equipment is required to be placed on the campsite; one camper with a maximum of three tents OR four tents per site are permitted. Sites may NOT be reserved for parking of vehicles.

• 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.

Available Activities

• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Biking - Biking
• Birding - Birding
• Boating - Boating
• Swimming - Swimming
• Water Access - Water Access

Directions

From I-57 take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. After 3 miles turn right on Rend City Road, then continue for 6 miles to the campground entrance on the right.

Contact Information

Phone: 618-724-2493

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip