How much does camping cost at Gun Creek?

Camping fees at Gun Creek range from $18-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gun Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Gun Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gun Creek before I book?

Yes! Gun Creek has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Gun Creek?

Gun Creek is open March 13 to November 21. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Gun Creek?

Yes, Gun Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Gun Creek have?

Gun Creek has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gun Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gun Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Gun Creek?

Gun Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Gun Creek?

Popular activities at Gun Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Gun Creek

4.25

531 reviews

12165 Golf Course Drive

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Illinois Spring Camping Illinois RV Camping Illinois +7 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

446 ft

Price

$18 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 14 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

446 ft

Price

$18 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 14 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Gun Creek

$18.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Full hook-up (Water, Sewer, & Electric): $26.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $30.00; Group Shelter: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $18.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

12165 Golf Course Drive

Gun Creek

12165 Golf Course Drive

Weather at Gun Creek

Best Time to Camp at Gun Creek

Best season: spring. Spring delivers mild, comfortable weather (typical daytime highs 55–75°F, lows 40–50°F) and is when Rend Lake and the surrounding woods come alive — migratory birds, wildflowers in the prairies, and active bass/bluegill fishing make early season visits especially rewarding. Trails and lakeshore are less crowded than summer, so hiking, wildlife viewing, and shoreline fishing are at their peak without the midsummer heat and bugs. Expect occasional cool mornings; bring a light layer for dawn/evenng Peak months: April, May, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as the best season: mild temps, wildflowers, migratory birds, good fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 13 to November 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 14 through November 23, 2025.

About Gun Creek

Gun Creek sits on the shores of Rend Lake in southern Illinois, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers paved sites with electric and water hookups, modern amenities including showers and a dump station, and direct access to one of the state's premier fishing and boating destinations. Campers enjoy spacious sites, quiet surroundings, and proximity to trails for hiking and biking through prairie and woodland habitat.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring delivers mild, comfortable weather (typical daytime highs 55–75°F, lows 40–50°F) and is when Rend Lake and the surrounding woods come alive — migratory birds, wildflowers in the prairies, and active bass/bluegill fishing make early season visits especially rewarding. Trails and lakeshore are less crowded than summer, so hiking, wildlife viewing, and shoreline fishing are at their peak without the midsummer heat and bugs. Expect occasional cool mornings; bring a light layer for dawn/evenng Peak months: April, May, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation446 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain at 446 feet elevation where prairie fields transition into deciduous forest along Rend Lake's 20,633-acre shoreline. Mature trees provide shade and privacy on select sites, while open meadows border the loops. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, red foxes, and waterfowl move through the mixed habitat. The lake dominates the view from waterfront sites, its expanse stretching beyond the tree line. Some loops sit back from the water in denser woods.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo indication of hotel-style lodging within Gun Creek Campground; nearby resorts offer such options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific details about cultural or educational programs offered at Gun Creek Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityGun Creek Campground offers accessible flush toilets, showers, vault toilets, parking, and campsites.

Site 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.

PrivacySite privacy is mixed; some are secluded with trees providing privacy, while others are closely spaced.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid 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 CampsitesSite 84 gets repeated mentions for waterfront views and a spacious layout. Reviews recommend checking individual site feedback before booking due to inconsistent levelness across the campground.

Need help booking Gun Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Gun Creek Campground at Rend Lake offers a comprehensive set of amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers. The campground features a boat dock, boat ramp, playground, and 100 reservable campsites, all equipped with electric hookups. Additional conveniences include a dump station, showers, flush toilets, potable water supply, and picnic tables. Accessible facilities such as flush toilets, showers, vault toilets, and parking are provided. User reviews have highlighted varied experiences with these amenities, including issues such as unlevel sites and outdated picnic tables at certain locations.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

531 reviews

Satisfactory

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 531 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 531 reviews

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 531 reviews

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 531 reviews

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 531 reviews

Seasonal 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 531 reviews

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 531 reviews

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 531 reviews

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 531 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Campgrounds

Rend Lake

Gun Creek

About Rend Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Gun Creek, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Rend Lake, IL, located in the heart of southern Illinois, is a natural haven for wildlife and a recreational haven for visitors. Rend Lake consists of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land. Campers will delight in the nearly 800 sites found in 5 public campgrounds on Rend Lake. Boaters are provided access to the lake through the numerous boat ramps. Beaches, picnic sites and trails provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor fun. Nearby attractions such as the 27-hole championship Rend Lake Golf Course, Southern Illinois Artisans Shop, and the Rend Lake Resort provide special opportunities for the recreationist.

Directions

Located near Mt. Vernon, IL, 15 miles south of junction of I-64 and I-57.