How much does camping cost at Shagbark Group Area?

Camping fees at Shagbark Group Area range from $150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shagbark Group Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Shagbark Group Area 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 Shagbark Group Area before I book?

Yes! Shagbark Group Area has 5 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 Shagbark Group Area?

Shagbark Group Area is open March 27 to October 31. 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 Shagbark Group Area?

Shagbark Group Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Shagbark Group Area have?

Shagbark Group Area has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shagbark Group Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Shagbark Group Area. 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 Shagbark Group Area?

Shagbark Group Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shagbark Group Area?

Popular activities at Shagbark Group Area include Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shagbark Group Area

3.40

14 reviews

8420 Loon Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Top 24% in ILFall

Family FriendlyGreat for GroupsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Illinois

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

459 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 12 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Rend Lake Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

459 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 12 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Rend Lake Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Shagbark Group Area

$150.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $150.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$175.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

8420 Loon Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Shagbark Group Area

8420 Loon Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Nearby places

Sesser, IL - approximately 6 miles, Benton, IL - approximately 16 miles, Mt. Vernon, IL - approximately 25 miles.

Weather at Shagbark Group Area

Best Time to Camp at Shagbark Group Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather, dramatic hardwood color, and low crowds — expect crisp, dry days with highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s F (50–75°F) and cool nights dipping into the 40s. Water levels on Rend Lake are usually calm and clear, making September–October ideal for boating, shore fishing, wildlife viewing and group campfires beneath peak foliage. With fewer summer crowds and the full group-site facilities available, it's the easiest season to stage large get Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in IL

Described as strongest season: calm lake, peak hardwood color, quieter conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 12 to September 6 during Peak Season; Non-peak Season is March 27 - November 2. Closed November 2 - March 27.

About Shagbark Group Area

Shagbark Group Area sits on Rend Lake in southern Illinois, operated by the Rend Lake Project Office. This dedicated group campground offers an entire loop that can be reserved for private gatherings, with electric hookups, flush toilets, and lake access for fishing and boating. The secluded layout appeals to families and friend groups seeking an exclusive camping experience without neighboring campers.

Shagbark Group Area Campground caters primarily to group camping, providing large, reservable sites with electrical hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather, dramatic hardwood color, and low crowds — expect crisp, dry days with highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s F (50–75°F) and cool nights dipping into the 40s. Water levels on Rend Lake are usually calm and clear, making September–October ideal for boating, shore fishing, wildlife viewing and group campfires beneath peak foliage. With fewer summer crowds and the full group-site facilities available, it's the easiest season to stage large get Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation459 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature hardwood forest surrounds the campground, with oaks and hickories creating dense canopy shade. Rend Lake's 20,633 acres stretch beyond the tree line, visible through breaks in the understory. White-tailed deer graze near the loop at dawn and dusk. Wild turkeys move through the brush. The forest sits at 459 feet elevation on gently rolling terrain typical of southern Illinois bottomlands.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs are available to enhance educational and cultural experiences. Details regarding program topics or schedules are not described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity for group sites is 200 campers.

Groups

Group camping is designed to accommodate up to 200 campers, with facilities such as flush toilets and electricity hookups available to enhance convenience.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online website, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible sites are available at Shagbark Group Area, making it easier for campers with disabilities to enjoy the campground.

Site SizeThe campground can accommodate up to 200 campers, indicating sites are likely designed for large groups.

PrivacySites are grouped together for group camping, which may limit privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 001 within Shagbark Group Area is mentioned in reviews as offering privacy for group use.

Best CampsitesSite 001 is the only site referenced in available data. Since Shagbark rents as a single group loop, choosing a specific site matters less than booking the entire facility early.

Need help booking Shagbark Group Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Shagbark Group Area Campground provides amenities designed for group camping, including electric hookups, flush toilets, and drinking water. The campground's facilities aim to offer a comfortable camping experience for up to 200 campers. Additionally, paved parking and roads, picnic tables, grills, lantern posts, fire pits, and electricity hookups are available to enhance the camping experience. Pets are allowed, and accessibility features such as accessible sites are provided.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Shagbark Group Area is situated within Rend Lake, offering a natural haven for a variety of activities. Campers can engage in hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The region also supports hunting and interpretive programs. Visitors can enjoy scenic morning strolls, explore forests, and take advantage of the lake’s water-based activities.

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Shagbark Group Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the strengths of the group camping experience, as well as some frustrations with staff behavior and campground conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Shagbark Group Area is praised for its group-friendly layout and secluded loop, which allows groups to rent the entire campsite without interruptions. "Love it you can rent the whole campsite for a...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include staff strictness regarding check-in times, noise from early morning maintenance, and the condition of campground facilities. "We were made to wait in a line with our RVs in...

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 was mentioned specifically as part of the Shagbark Group Area and praised for its group camping setup but critiqued for traffic and the need for improvements.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan for late check-in times to avoid being caught waiting in the heat, as early entry is strictly enforced. Bring ear protection if noise from maintenance is a concern.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention hot temperatures, with staff enforcing strict entry times in the afternoon heat. Fall is described as quieter, though conditions may vary.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Group site was AWESOME! Well laid out and we had a great time," said Christina G. "Loved having the loop for our group," shared Jami R.

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are provided, though no specific user feedback on accessibility features is available.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no concerns from pet owners were mentioned in reviews.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want to reserve an entire campground loop for a family reunion or group gathering with lake access.

Skip if

You need flexible check-in times or prefer a campground without through traffic from non-campers.

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Campgrounds

Rend Lake

Shagbark Group Area

About Rend Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Shagbark Group Area, 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.