South Sandusky Day Use
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.
South Sandusky Day Use Area features two large reservable picnic shelters (capacity 50 per shelter) with picnic tables, grill, and drinking water. The area has a boat ramp and playground all within walking distance. South Sandusky Day Use Area also has two restroom facilities and a shower facility.
Need to Know
Shelter reservation holders will receive 25 parking passes as a part of their reservation. They will be located in the drop box on the shelter sign and can be accessed by entering the last four digits of the reservation number, excluding the -1 or -2. Please lock the box back once the parking passes have been retrieved. Contact Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493 if you have any questions.
Daily fees apply for boat ramp and/or beach use.
- No pets or alcohol allowed at shelter, picnic area, or beach.
This is a day use facility. Camping is prohibited at this location.
Off-road vehicle use must have prior approval.
- 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.
See Park Information Guide for additional rules and regulations.
Natural Features
South Sandusky Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. The South Sandusky Day Use Area offers the most accessible public swimming beach on the lake. The sandy beach is spacious enough to accommodate a large number of people and provides visitors with convenient access to the refreshing waters of Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.
Nearby Attractions
Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office
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 ROAD Benton IL 62812
Physical Address
13378 SOUTH SANDUSKY CREEK LOOP 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 take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. Continue for 3 miles, then turn north on Rend City Road. The entrance is on the right after about 5 miles, just past the Rend Lake Dam.
Available Campsites
- Site 2, Loop South Sandusky Beach, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 1, Loop South Sandusky Beach, Type Group Shelter Electric
