Anglers and boaters will find direct water access at COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area, where 60 reservable sites sit close enough to the lake for fishing right from camp. This Army Corps of Engineers campground operates seasonally from late March through October, providing electric hookups at all sites with 16 offering full hookups including water and sewer connections.
Most sites remain fairly level, though some require navigating an incline during setup. The campground includes amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station, with reviewers consistently noting clean facilities. A boat dock and ramp provide lake access, while a disc golf course and playground offer additional recreation options. The area also features a biking trail that doubles as a walking path.
Joel R. notes that "sites are close to the water so you can fish or boat right from your campsite." Wildlife sightings add to the experience, with deer commonly spotted moving through adjacent campsites. The campground maintains reasonable spacing between sites despite the proximity to water.
At $30 per night, this location works well for RV campers seeking lake access and full amenities. Those planning extended stays around the area can explore additional campgrounds around Rend Lake for variety during longer visits to southern Illinois.
Description
Overview
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.
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.
Facilities
North Sandusky Day Use Area features two large group picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 50 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, boat dock, playground, and disc golf course all within walking distance.
Natural Features
North Sandusky Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCOE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area is located in Illinois
Directions
From I-57 take take exit 77, and turn west onto Route 154. Continue for 4.5 miles, then turn south on Rend City Road. Continue through the stop sign to the park entrance.
Coordinates
38.0652778 N
88.9969444 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 24 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 27 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 37 min from Evansville, IN







