Illinois / Franklin County

South Sandusky Day Use

Closed — Closed for the season. The beach and shelters typically close around mid-September and reopen in late spring.

About

South Sandusky Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois, offering one of the most popular and accessible public swimming beaches on the lake. The spacious sandy beach can accommodate large numbers of visitors and provides convenient access to the refreshing waters of Rend Lake's 20,633 acres. The facility features two large reservable picnic shelters, each with a capacity of 50 people. Both shelters are equipped with picnic tables, grills, and drinking water, making them ideal for group gatherings and events. Daily use fees are $5 per vehicle, though visitors with a valid Corps of Engineers campsite registration tag, America the Beautiful pass, or Corps of Engineers Annual Day Use Pass receive free admittance. The surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, and various waterfowl species that change with the seasons. The fields, forests, and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for both wildlife and outdoor recreation.

Directions

From I-57 take exit 71 and turn west onto Route 14. Continue for 3 miles, then turn north on Rend City Road. The entrance is on the right after about 5 miles, just past the Rend Lake Dam.

Nearby Campgrounds