North Sandusky Day-Use

Campground · Illinois · 2 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

2
Bookable sites
up to 50
People per site
418 ft
Elevation
North Sandusky: Shelter 3 (Front)
Photo: USACE · Recreation.gov

Overview

North 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.

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).

Facilities

North Sandusky Day Use Area features two large reservable 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

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 the known crappie population.

Nearby Attractions

Rend Lake Bike Trail

Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center

Rend Lake Dog Park

Blackberry Nature Trail

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.

The facts

  • 2 bookable sites
  • 2 sites for day use only
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: PICNIC SHELTER 3,4

Site types

  • 2 Group Shelter Electric

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at North Sandusky Day-Use

Check-in 8:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
3PICNIC SHELTER 3,4Group Shelter Electric———50 🐾
4PICNIC SHELTER 3,4Group Shelter Electric———50 🐾

Getting there

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.

38.06528, -88.99694 · 38°3'55.0"N 88°59'49.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 88°F in Jul, down to 40°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F404455687686888781695544
Low °F222535455665686658463527
Precip in3.22.84.25.45.14.54.03.43.23.44.02.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about North Sandusky Day-Use

Can you reserve a site at North Sandusky Day-Use?
Yes, North Sandusky Day-Use is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does North Sandusky Day-Use have?
2 sites.
Are pets allowed at North Sandusky Day-Use?
Yes, pets are allowed at North Sandusky Day-Use.
Does North Sandusky Day-Use have hookups?
Electric.
Are campfires allowed at North Sandusky Day-Use?
Campfires are allowed at North Sandusky Day-Use. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near North Sandusky Day-Use

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-31.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.