Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Rend Lake - COE/Gun Creek
Overview
Gun Creek Campground, part of the extensive Rend Lake complex managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, offers a serene lakeside escape in Southern Illinois. Known for its lush greenery and proximity to the water, this park provides a classic outdoor experience. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the 19,000-acre reservoir, known for its recreational opportunities and peaceful atmosphere. Travelers often appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the sense of space between sites that is characteristic of COE parks.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Whittington, Illinois, the park is conveniently located near Interstate 57, making it an easy stop for those traveling through the Midwest. The campground sits along the eastern shores of Rend Lake, surrounded by a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows. The immediate area is quiet, defined by the natural beauty of the Illinois prairie and wetlands. Its proximity to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area adds another layer of natural exploration right at your doorstep.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features dozens of sites, many of which provide 50-amp electrical hookups to accommodate modern RVs. While hookups are primarily electric, the park provides easy access to potable water and a dump station. Common amenities include:
- Modern shower houses and flush toilets.
- A playground and picnic areas for families.
- Convenient access to a public boat ramp.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Anglers frequent this area for legendary fishing, but there is plenty to do on dry land as well. Popular activities near the park include:
- Cycling the Rend Lake Bike Trail for scenic views.
- Golfing at the nearby 27-hole championship course.
- Visiting the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center.
The lake is famous for crappie and largemouth bass, while the surrounding state park offers seasonal hunting and birdwatching opportunities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature lovers and boaters who prioritize scenic views and water access over luxury resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for families and retirees looking for a quiet, budget-friendly stay in a natural setting. Because the sites are generally large, it is also a great fit for those traveling in larger rigs who appreciate the elbow room that comes with a federal recreation area.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Cheyanne F
We've camped here so many times and love it every time. Great view, the day use area is well maintained, good shower houses. Accessible boat ramp and do close to the golf course
Jenni Connolly (Vashti42)
Site 49 has a lovely view of the lake, excellent cell service (T-Mobile), is fairly level and has electric hookup. There is a dump station, bathrooms and portable water a short drive/walk away. Only negative is there is a fruit tree (persimmon I think) dumping fruit everywhere so it's a sticky mess all over the site. There is some road noise but it's to tolerable. Overall it's a convenient nice overnight on our way out west
Tom Carew
Beautiful campground on Rend Lake. Very Close to I-57 and not far from the junction of I-64. Clean Baths and showers. Clean campground, plenty of shade, We would definitely stay here again!
Christina Finder
We love Gun Creek campground. It's one of our favorites. The full hookup sites are my preference, but Eagle loop has beautiful sites as well.
David Raines
This campground is spacious but the facilities aren’t maintained all that well. Also it is infested with ticks. I get it being outside means there will be ticks but I was pulling several off of me each day here and that was on days I never left my site. I would be willing to go back if they could spray for ticks some. It was pretty bad. Also the chiggers are horrible here as well. Not as serious since they don’t carry diseases. Update: turned out one of the ticks had Lyme and I’m on antibiotics. Not that big of a deal but come on? Spray and mow the grass!