North Sandusky Campground

Star4.50
539 reviews
8420 Loon Lane
StargazingGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

446 ft

Price

$18 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
North Sandusky Campground
$18.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The site fees range from $18 to $26 per night for standard electric sites depending on season and site conditions.
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

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Provider
618-724-2493
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What Campers Say

4.50

Top-Rated

Based on 539 reviews

117 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouslake

Some mention

unlevelsignal

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

8420 Loon Lane

North Sandusky Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at North Sandusky Campground

Spring 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer but reviews note bugs and overcrowding at peak times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in IL

Autumn praised for foliage ('tapestry of reds and golds') and crisp, clear skies.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in IL

Spring described as ideal: wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Mar; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 28, 2025 - November 2, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from March 28, 2025 to November 2, 2025.

About North Sandusky 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.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingHiking 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.
FishingFishing opportunities are plentiful, with Rend Lake offering a variety of fish species. Some user reviews note catching catfish and crappie directly from the shore.
BikingBiking 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.
BoatingBoating 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 viewingWildlife 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include falling tree limbs during storms, uneven terrain at some sites, and insects like turkey mites.

Weather at North Sandusky Campground

Reviews

4.5
539 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 539 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 539 reviews

Common 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 539 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 539 reviews

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 539 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 539 reviews

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 539 reviews

Accessibility 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 539 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Some users report experiencing pest issues with their pets during the stay, including bites from no-see-ums and ants.
Based on 539 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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