South Sandusky Day Use
SOUTH SANDUSKY DAY USE
Part of Rend Lake
Overview
South Sandusky Day Use Area— 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 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.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.Recreation
Within the area, 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
Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center
Rend Lake Bike Trail
Rend Lake Marina
Rend Lake Dog Park
Blackberry Nature Trail
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.Important Notices
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.
Available Activities
- Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
- Boating - Boating
- Biking - Biking
- Birding - Birding
- Canoeing - Canoeing
- Swimming - Swimming
- Water Access - Water Access
- Kayaking - Kayaking
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.
Contact Information
Phone: 618-724-2493
Rend Lake Project Office11981 REND CITY ROAD
Benton, IL 62812 South Sandusky Day Use Area
13378 SOUTH SANDUSKY CREEK LOOP
SESSER, IL 62884
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 2, Loop South Sandusky Beach, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 1, Loop South Sandusky Beach, Type Group Shelter Electric
