Gun Creek

4.26

531 reviews

12165 Golf Course Drive

Summer Destination

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

Quick Facts

446 ft

Price

$18 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 14 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

446 ft

Price

$18 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 14 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gun Creek

$18.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 531 reviews

241 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouslake

Some mention

unlevel

"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 However, recurring complaints include unlevel campsites, narrow roads, outdated facilities, and challenges accessing dumpsters."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

12165 Golf Course Drive

Gun Creek

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.

Best Time to Camp at Gun Creek

Each 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers boating/fishing but reviewers note extreme heat and limited shade in spots.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised in reviews for cooler temps, shaded sites and ideal camping conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted as ideal with gentle breezes and excellent fishing conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 23–Mar 14; winter camping not offered.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 14, 2025 - November 23, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 14 through November 23, 2025.
Current Alerts: Null

About Gun Creek

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingHiking trails are available, but specific details on trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.

FishingFishing opportunities include catching white bass and catfish, as noted in user reviews. Nearby fishing areas and the lake provide diverse fishing experiences.

BikingBiking trails are available, with user reviews highlighting enjoyable experiences on the bike course.

BoatingBoating facilities include a boat dock and boat ramp, making it convenient for campers to engage in water activities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with seasonal sightings of deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, and waterfowl.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeveral 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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted but must be kept within the designated fire pits at each campsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesNull

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters for trash are available, but some campers noted difficulty locating them or finding them overflowing.

Water FeaturesGun Creek sits directly on the eastern banks of Rend Lake. Several campsites provide waterfront views and easy lake access.

Camp 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.

Weather at Gun Creek

Reviews

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

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

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

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