Gun Creek
4.28169 reviews12165 Golf Course Drive
Gun Creek
$18.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation use fees vary based on site type: $18-$26 for standard electric sites, $30 for group shelter sites. Additional fees may include taxes and reservation service fees.
About this campground
Nestled along the eastern shores of Rend Lake, Gun Creek welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with 100 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern comforts with natural tranquility. Whether you're seeking a weekend escape or an extended stay, you'll find everything needed for a memorable adventure: electric hookups for your RV, refreshing hot showers after a day of exploration, clean flush toilets, and fresh drinking water throughout the grounds. Families delight in the well-maintained playground while boating enthusiasts appreciate the convenient dock and launch ramp that provide direct access to the lake's expansive waters. A fully equipped dump station ensures hassle-free departures, letting you focus on making memories rather than logistics.
Gun Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and group camping. All sites are equipped with electric hookups, and some offer full hookups. Specific site numbers and features vary in terms of size, privacy, and slope.
Historical SignificanceNull
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Gun Creek in different hues, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and perfect fishing weather, as temperatures hover in that sweet spot that makes both morning casts and afternoon hikes equally enjoyable. Fall transforms the campground into a wildlife watching paradise, with comfortable temperatures drawing out deer at dawn and dusk. Summer brings the full vibrancy of lake life, though the Southern Illinois heat can be intense – perfect for those who love swimming and water sports. Seasoned anglers particularly prize the spring and fall months, when fish are most active and the weather cooperates beautifully.
ElevationNull
Natural Features and SceneryGun Creek's prime position on Rend Lake's eastern banks offers campers front-row seats to one of Southern Illinois' most spectacular natural theaters. The massive 20,633-acre lake stretches beyond the horizon, its waters reflecting the changing moods of the sky. Surrounding the campground, a tapestry of meadows and mature forests creates diverse habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife. Early risers might spot white-tailed deer grazing in the dawn mist, while wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. Red foxes and raccoons make regular appearances, and the calls of waterfowl echo across the water, creating a natural symphony that lulls campers to sleep each night.
Geological RegionLocated in the heart of Southern Illinois, Gun Creek occupies a privileged spot where the region's characteristic rolling hills meet the vast expanse of Rend Lake. This convergence of landforms creates a remarkably diverse landscape where prairie fields flow seamlessly into deciduous forests, all embracing the lake's eastern shoreline. The interplay of these ecosystems – open meadows, dense woodlands, and extensive waterways – forms a rich environmental mosaic that defines this corner of Southern Illinois, offering visitors a complete cross-section of the region's natural beauty in one accessible location.
Campsite details
AccessibilityGun Creek Campground offers accessible flush toilets, showers, vault toilets, parking, and campsites.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating setups such as RVs, tents, and fifth wheels. Certain sites are described as spacious, while others are narrow or steeply inclined.
Sites PrivacySite privacy is mixed; some are secluded with trees providing privacy, while others are closely spaced.
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 32 in the Nigh Loop if you have an RV due to its steep grade. Sites near the water, like 84 in Eagle Loop, offer excellent views but may have incline challenges.
Best CampsitesWaterfront spots like site 84 are frequently praised for their views and spacious layout.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
4:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit at Gun Creek is 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
- The campground offers one large group picnic shelter
- details about capacity are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of loops including Nigh Loop, Eagle Loop, Blue Loop, and Cardinal Loop. Sites vary in levelness and size, with some offering full hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen March 14 through November 23, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required for all campsites; walk-up availability is not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be cancelled anytime before the date of scheduled arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations may incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Gun Creek Campground at Rend Lake provides a range of recreational activities. Campers can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, and cultural or educational programs. The proximity to Rend Lake enhances opportunities for water sports and beach-related activities.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, but specific details on trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catching white bass and catfish, as noted in user reviews. Nearby fishing areas and the lake provide diverse fishing experiences.Biking
Biking trails are available, with user reviews highlighting enjoyable experiences on the bike course.Boating
Boating facilities include a boat dock and boat ramp, making it convenient for campers to engage in water activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with seasonal sightings of deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, and waterfowl.Winter Activities
Limited information available; no explicit mention of winter recreation activities.Water Sports
Water activities such as kayaking are popular among campers, facilitated by the proximity to Rend Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must be kept within the designated fire pits at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsSeveral reviews mention unlevel sites that can pose challenges for RV setup. Other hazards include falling tree branches, as reported in a user review. Persimmons falling from trees have caused inconvenience in specific sites.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 14, 2025 - November 23, 2025.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters for trash are available, but some campers noted difficulty locating them or finding them overflowing.
Proximity to water featuresGun Creek sits directly on the eastern banks of Rend Lake. Several campsites provide waterfront views and easy lake access.
Common complaintsMany campsites are unlevel, making setup difficult for RV campers. Narrow roads and tight curves are also noted. Complaints about outdated restroom facilities and high grass attracting gnats have been documented.
HostOn-site hosts are described as helpful and courteous in multiple reviews. One user noted the host assisting with backing into a site after dark.
Campground Map
12165 Golf Course Drive
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Easy access from Interstate 57, as described: 'Easy access off the interstate.'Nearby supplies
Walmart in nearby Benton is mentioned as a location for necessities.
Camper Reviews
4.3
169 reviews
Gun Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Gun Creek Campground are generally positive, with frequent mentions of the site's cleanliness, scenic views, and friendly staff. However, recurring complaints include unlevel campsites, narrow roads, outdated facilities, and challenges accessing dumpsters.
Review Summaries
Based on 169 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained campground; spacious and paved sites; proximity to Rend Lake; excellent fishing opportunities; friendly staff and hosts; quiet environment; accessibility features for...
Based on 169 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Unlevel campsites with steep inclines; narrow roads making navigation difficult for larger vehicles; overflowing dumpsters; outdated picnic tables and fire pits; spotty cell service; lack of firewood...
Based on 169 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Check campsite reviews before booking due to uneven terrain; bring waterproof shoes for accessing water hookups; purchase firewood offsite; scout for shaded areas if camping during summer months.
Based on 169 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are ideal seasons for camping, with cooler temperatures and shaded sites. Summer reviews mention extreme heat and minimal tree cover in some areas. Winter reviews are sparse, with no...
Based on 169 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The campground was very clean and quiet. The sites are large with plenty of room. Will definitely stay at this site again.' - Laura K
2. 'The host greeted us when we came in. It was after dark...
Based on 169 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews indicate that sites 032, 033, and 084 offer scenic lake views but have steep inclines. Sites such as 021 and 099 are praised for their levelness and proximity to restrooms....
Based on 169 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible sites like 089 are appreciated for their spaciousness and wheelchair accessibility. Flush toilets and showers were noted as accommodating, though some accessibility issues exist with...
Based on 169 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users recommend adding trash cans for dog waste. Some reviews expressed concerns about loose dogs and barking disturbances.
Based on 169 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025