Gun Creek

About

Gun Creek Campground is located on the eastern shore of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Rend Lake encompasses 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land, providing abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The area supports deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, and various waterfowl throughout the seasons. The campground features 100 sites organized into several loops including Nighthawk, Blue Jay, Cardinal, and Eagle. Sites are equipped with electric hookups (30/50 amp), and many offer full hookups with water and sewer connections. Each site has a paved pad, picnic table, and fire pit. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, a dump station, playgrounds in the Nighthawk and Eagle loops, and a boat ramp with parking area. Nearby attractions include the Rend Lake Golf Course, the Rend Lake Bike Trail, an archery complex, a dog park with swimming feature, and two public swimming beaches including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, with senior and Access pass holders receiving a 50% discount on camping fees.

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.