Managed by the Rend Lake Conservancy District, Gun Creek accommodates RVs up to 99 feet with full hookups available at $18-$30 per night from mid-March through November. The campground sits just off Interstate 57, making it a convenient stopping point for travelers, though highway noise carries to some sites.
The forested campground spreads across two loops and two spurs, with many sites positioned directly on Rend Lake's shoreline. Water access draws most visitors, and as Annie C. observed, "most people seemed to be fishing." Sites vary significantly in grade, with several lakefront spots sloping toward the water. Campers consistently note the close spacing between sites, particularly around site 30 where neighboring picnic tables sit just eight feet apart.
The boat launch and parking area serve anglers and recreational boaters, while a nearby bike trail extends recreation options beyond the water. Individual shower houses provide clean facilities within walking distance of most sites. A fish cleaning station operates near the golf course entrance, though not within the campground itself. Most sites include electric hookups, concrete picnic tables, and fire rings, though water and sewer availability varies by location.
Reservations through Recreation.gov help secure preferred sites, especially those with lake views that fill quickly during peak periods. Cash payment is required for walk-in registrations. The campground's proximity to Whittington Woods Campground provides alternatives when Gun Creek reaches capacity. Barb N. advises to "book closer to the lake in a level site" for the best experience.
Gun Creek works well for RV travelers seeking interstate convenience and lake access, particularly those planning fishing trips or needing a reliable overnight stop with full hookups.
Description
Overview
Gun Creek Campground is located on the eastern shore of Rend Lake 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
Gun Creek Campground is conveniently located near the Gun Creek Day Use Area, which includes a boat ramp and a reservable picnic shelter. The area offers abundant opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, and general outdoor exploration. Additional recreation features around Rend Lake include the Rend Lake Bike Trail, 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
Gun Creek Campground offers 98 reservable campsites equipped with electric hookups, a picnic table, and a firepit. The campground offers a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests. A playground is also conveniently located within the Nighthawk and Eagle 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 our known crappie population.
Nearby Attractions
Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restaurant, and lodge.Rend Lake Shooting ComplexRend Lake Archery ComplexRend Lake Mountain Bike TrailWayne Fitzgerrell State ParkNorth Marcum Day Use (Beach and Boat Ramp)
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGun Creek is located in Illinois
Directions
From I-57 take exit 77 and turn west on Route 154. Turn left onto Gun Creek Trail/Larry Foster Parkway, then right onto Golf Course Road. Continue 1/2 mile to park entrance.
Address
Gun Creek Campground
12165 Golf Course Drive
Whittington, IL 62897
Coordinates
38.0786111 N
88.9302778 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 19 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 22 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 33 min from Evansville, IN



































