North Sandusky Campground
4.51339 reviews8420 Loon Lane
North Sandusky Campground
$18.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The site fees range from $18 to $26 per night for standard electric sites depending on season and site conditions.
About this campground
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Rend Lake in Southern Illinois, North Sandusky Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring wooded trails by bike, or simply watching the sunset paint the water in golden hues, this lakeside retreat offers something for every adventurer. The campground thoughtfully combines creature comforts like electric hookups, hot showers, and flush toilets with recreational amenities including a boat dock for lake access, a playground for young campers, and even a disc golf course for those seeking a unique challenge among the trees.
North Sandusky Campground offers a mix of camping types, including full-hookup RV sites, standard electric sites, and tent camping. User reviews highlight the campground’s spacious layout and accessibility.
Historical SignificanceRend Lake stands as Southern Illinois' crown jewel of outdoor recreation, drawing generations of families who have made memories along its shores. This man-made wonder has evolved into the region's premier destination for water enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers, serving as a vital gathering place where communities connect through shared outdoor experiences and time-honored traditions of Midwest lake life.
Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens the campground with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a tapestry of reds and golds under crisp, clear skies. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and water sports, though savvy campers appreciate the shade of lakeside trees during peak heat. Winter offers its own stark beauty, with fewer crowds and peaceful solitude, though temperatures can dip considerably. Throughout the year, occasional rain showers and thunderstorms remind visitors of nature's dynamic personality, often clearing to reveal spectacular skies.
ElevationThe gentle rolling terrain of this Midwest landscape creates an accessible camping experience for visitors of all abilities.
Natural Features and ScenerySandusky Cove embraces the campground like a protective arm, creating intimate water views from many campsites while mature forests provide a verdant backdrop. The interplay of woodland and water creates diverse habitats where white-tailed deer emerge at twilight, wild turkeys strut through morning mist, and curious raccoons and opossums conduct their nightly rounds. Fields of native grasses sway between forest edges, completing a quintessentially Midwestern tableau that changes with each season.
Geological RegionSet in the heart of Southern Illinois, the campground showcases the region's characteristic blend of expansive waterways and deciduous forests. Rend Lake's fingers reach into countless coves and inlets, creating miles of scenic shoreline where the gentle Midwest topography meets the water. This landscape, shaped by both natural forces and human engineering, represents the harmonious balance between recreation and conservation that defines modern Midwestern outdoor spaces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible facilities are mentioned, including paved walkways, spacious campsites, and clean shower houses. Specific reviews also highlight accessibility around the lake and bike trails.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, including large sites with ample space between campers. Full-hookup sites are available.
Sites PrivacySites are generally well-spaced, offering privacy for campers. Some loops, such as White Oak, are praised for their quietness and large site sizes.
Total Campsites60 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 11 is recommended for boaters, while sites in the White Oak Loop are praised for their spaciousness and cleanliness.
Best CampsitesSite 11 is noted as highly desirable for its lakeside location and scenic beauty.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites permit up to one camper with a maximum of three tents or four tents per site.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of multiple loops, each offering different types of campsites including electric-only and full hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from March 28, 2025 to November 2, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online platform.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be available for walk-ups but are limited and subject to existing reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's use fee. Specific rules for changes and refunds apply.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities are abundant at North Sandusky Campground, making it a well-rounded destination for nature enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground also has a disc golf course and a playground, catering to families. User reviews highlight the scenic bike trails and lake views as standout features.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available throughout the Rend Lake area. Trails range from paved paths to moderately challenging routes. User reviews frequently praise the trails for their scenic quality and accessibility.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are plentiful, with Rend Lake offering a variety of fish species. Some user reviews note catching catfish and crappie directly from the shore.Biking
Biking trails are highly praised by users. Trails are well-paved and offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding areas. Several reviews highlight the trails as a top feature of the campground.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, supported by the presence of a boat dock and ramp within the campground. User reviews mention bringing sailboats and kayaks for enjoyable lake experiences.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with deer, turkeys, pelicans, and other bird species commonly seen. User reviews often mention the abundance of wildlife as a highlight.Winter Activities
No explicit winter activities are mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and similar non-motorized water sports are supported by the nearby lake access.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed only on-site using established fire pits. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent pests.
- Quiet hours are Scheduled quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include falling tree limbs during storms, uneven terrain at some sites, and insects like turkey mites.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
The nearest emergency services are in Benton, IL, located about 11 miles away. Facilities include hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 28, 2025 - November 2, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are described as insufficient in user reviews, with dumpsters being far from campsites and occasionally overflowing.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Rend Lake, offering direct access to boating and fishing activities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints from user reviews include unlevel campsites, poor cellular signal, and overflowing dumpsters.
HostThe campground hosts are noted to be friendly and knowledgeable, with positive user reviews of their assistance.
Campground Map
8420 Loon Lane
Driving directionsFrom I-57 take exit 77 and turn west on Route 154. After 4.5 miles turn south onto Rend City Road. Continue through the four-way stop and follow signs to the campground.
The campground has easy access from I-57 and Route 154 with paved roads leading directly to the location.Nearby places
Nearby cities include Sesser (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes drive), Benton (approximately 11 miles, 20 minutes drive), and Mt. Vernon (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Gas stations, grocery stores, and camping supplies are available in Benton, IL, approximately 11 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
339 reviews
North Sandusky Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, North Sandusky Campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, spaciousness, and variety of amenities. However, some reviews highlight concerns about unlevel sites, maintenance issues, and occasional staff behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 339 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is often praised for clean facilities, spacious sites, friendly staff, and scenic bike trails. Many users appreciate the quiet atmosphere and proximity to the lake.
Based on 339 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include unlevel campsites, limited trash facilities, spotty cellular service, and maintenance issues such as broken sewer pipes. Some users also report issues with staff behavior.
Based on 339 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing leveling equipment for RVs and checking site conditions before booking. Many suggest enjoying the bike trails and fishing opportunities while being prepared for occasional...
Based on 339 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are described as ideal seasons for camping, offering mild weather and beautiful views. Summer reviews highlight issues like bugs and overcrowding.
Based on 339 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This is by FAR the cleanest and best maintained campground we visit.'
2. 'Fishing at Rend Lake was wonderful, and the bike trails are awesome.'
3. 'The shower house was great - clean and...
Based on 339 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 011 in Pintail is frequently mentioned as one of the best sites but is noted for mild slope issues. Site 053 in Wood Duck is described as severely eroded and unfit for comfortable camping.
Based on 339 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews highlight accessible facilities such as paved pads and clean shower houses, though some raised concerns about uneven paths and site slopes.
Based on 339 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users report experiencing pest issues with their pets during the stay, including bites from no-see-ums and ants.
Based on 339 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025