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Rend Lake - COE/South Sandusky
Overview
South Sandusky Campground is a premier US Army Corps of Engineers destination situated on the expansive shores of Rend Lake. Known for its well-maintained facilities and natural beauty, this park offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in Southern Illinois' scenic landscape. The campground provides a mix of wooded and open sites, ensuring that visitors can choose between shade and sunshine. As part of a massive 19,000-acre reservoir complex, the park serves as a central hub for outdoor recreation, offering a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere that stands in contrast to more commercialized private resorts.
Location & Surroundings
Located just west of Sesser, Illinois, South Sandusky sits on the western banks of Rend Lake. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills, dense hardwood forests, and vast stretches of water. The location feels pleasantly remote, yet it remains easily accessible from Interstate 57. The park is surrounded by diverse wildlife habitats, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and deer spotting. The proximity to the water means many sites offer glimpses of the lake through the trees, creating a serene backdrop for a relaxing RV getaway.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is designed with convenience in mind, featuring paved RV pads that accommodate various rig sizes. Most sites offer 30 or 50-amp electrical hookups, and many are situated near clean, modern shower houses and flush toilets. Water-focused amenities are a major draw, including a dedicated swimming beach and multiple boat ramps that provide easy access to the lake. Families will appreciate the on-site playgrounds and picnic shelters, while the dump stations are conveniently located for a smooth departure. The park also features accessible sites designed to meet ADA standards for inclusive outdoor enjoyment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Activities at South Sandusky revolve around the water, with boating and trophy fishing for crappie and largemouth bass topping the list. Beyond the campground, visitors can explore the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Rend Lake Golf Course. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is just a short drive away, offering additional hiking and equestrian trails. For those interested in local history and culture, the town of Sesser provides charming local eateries and a glimpse into the region’s coal mining heritage.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is an ideal match for nature lovers and anglers who prioritize natural beauty and water access over high-end resort frills. Its spacious layout and quiet evenings make it a favorite for retirees and families seeking a classic camping experience. Because of the large, level sites, it is also highly suitable for big-rig owners who want the reliability of a COE park. If you enjoy self-contained RVing and want to spend your days on the water or exploring forest trails, South Sandusky offers the perfect Southern Illinois home base.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kimberly Varner
Beautiful here they make camping easy plenty of bathroom and shower houses fishing peaceful
Thomas Larry
First time camping here, stayed in Maple leg. We really liked it very much. Everything was kept up nice. Added bonus of a very nice bike trail that connected all the legs and a few more campgrounds.
Robin Shaw
Site #31 is horrible, had to go to the store and buy ant spray. Nothing but a big dirty ant hill. We were on such uneven ground, my sister's chair tipped over and I had to take her to the ER. They came and mowed the dirt throwing crap on us while we were outside, hitting our camper. Got a warning for parking on side of road on grass - no grass I have pictures. When scheduled online I put in length of camper and two vehicles, if the site wasn't big enough it shouldn't of let me schedule the site.The guy that registers you in let us know we had a bad site he could move us somewhere else but we would have to come back to this site later in the week, because the campground was full. I have never had such a horrible experience camping before. We will not come back to this campground.
Mike C
Very quiet. Extremely dark, lacking lights throughout the camp grounds. Great to view the stars, little scary walking to restrooms at night. Main shower house near check in stand was clean though wished shower heads were upgraded to provide better coverage. The closer the shower stall is to tiolet stalls, the better your chances are for hot water. I think they need another water heater to accommodate number of campers showering, or a new one. Would be amazing to have a small store located opposite side of check in stand to provide basic necessities like ice, travel sized toiletries, bbq grill items, and the like.
Wayne Kuppler
This is a great place to go camping. Great views of the lake and a long bike trail.
