Illinois / Franklin County

Gun Creek

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from spring through fall with reservations through Recreation.gov.

About

Gun Creek Campground is located on the eastern shore of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campground offers 98 reservable campsites organized into four loops: Nighthawk, Bluejay, Cardinal, and Eagle. All sites include electric hookups, a picnic table, and a firepit. Modern facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. Playgrounds are conveniently located within the Nighthawk and Eagle loops. Rend Lake spans 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land, providing abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The campground is adjacent to Gun Creek Day Use Area, which features a boat ramp and reservable picnic shelter. The surrounding forests of hickory, oak, and maple provide habitat for white-tailed deer, turkeys, and waterfowl. The lake is renowned for crappie fishing, and the shorelines offer excellent viewing areas for shorebirds and waterfowl. Nearby attractions include the Rend Lake Golf Complex with a 27-hole course, the Rend Lake Bike Trail, an archery complex with 3D trail, a dog park with swimming area, and North Marcum Beach. The campground is conveniently located near I-57 exit 77, making it an accessible destination for exploring Southern Illinois.

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.

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