Shagbark Group Area

4.02

14 reviews

8420 Loon Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

459 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 12 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

459 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 12 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Rend Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Shagbark Group Area

$150.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard Electric sites are $175 per night during Peak Season (May 12 - September 7) and $150 per night during Non-Peak Season (September 8 -...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$175.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

618-724-2493

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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

friendly

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

8420 Loon Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Shagbark Group Area

8420 Loon Lane, Sesser, IL 62884

Driving directionsFrom I-57 take exit 77 and turn west onto Route 154. Turn south onto Rend City Road and continue straight into North Sandusky Campground. Shagbark Group Area is located in the back portion of the campground.

Accessible via paved roads; From I-57, Route 154 and Rend City Road are well-maintained and suitable for all vehicle types, including RVs.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in Benton, IL (~16 miles away) or Mt. Vernon (~25 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Shagbark Group Area

Experience the full spectrum of Southern Illinois seasons at Shagbark, where each month brings its own outdoor adventure. Summer months from May through September transform the area into a water lover's paradise, with warm temperatures perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. Spring and fall offer crisp, comfortable days ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Recent autumn conditions have delivered picture-perfect camping weather with daytime highs reaching a pleasant 45°F and cool nights dipping to around 31°F—perfect for gathering around the campfire. The campground embraces a seasonal rhythm, closing during winter months when nature takes its peaceful rest.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep with water activities; reviews note hot temps and strict check-in enforcement.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall described as quieter and pleasant; seasonal foliage likely enhances setting.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open in spring (non-peak); offers lake and forest activities though specifics vary by date.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed November 2 - March 27; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 12 - September 7 annually. 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

Nestled within the expansive North Sandusky Campground, Shagbark Group Area stands as the ultimate destination for family reunions, scout troops, and large outdoor gatherings. This thoughtfully designed group camping haven welcomes up to 200 adventurers with all the modern comforts you need for an unforgettable stay. Electric hookups power your basecamp while flush toilets and fresh drinking water keep everyone comfortable. Smooth paved roads and walkways make navigation easy, whether you're hauling gear or taking an evening stroll under the stars.

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

Historical SignificanceRend Lake stands as one of Southern Illinois' crown jewels, a testament to the region's commitment to balancing human recreation with wildlife preservation. This remarkable landscape has evolved into a premier destination where generations of families create lasting memories while sharing space with the abundant wildlife that calls these protected lands home.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Southern Illinois seasons at Shagbark, where each month brings its own outdoor adventure. Summer months from May through September transform the area into a water lover's paradise, with warm temperatures perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. Spring and fall offer crisp, comfortable days ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Recent autumn conditions have delivered picture-perfect camping weather with daytime highs reaching a pleasant 45°F and cool nights dipping to around 31°F—perfect for gathering around the campfire. The campground embraces a seasonal rhythm, closing during winter months when nature takes its peaceful rest.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the gentle lapping of Rend Lake's waters against the shore and the morning chorus of songbirds in the towering canopy above. Shagbark Group Area is embraced by a mature hardwood forest where majestic oaks and hickories create a natural cathedral. White-tailed deer emerge at dawn and dusk to graze in nearby clearings, while wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. The interplay of shimmering lake waters and dense woodland creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that photographers and nature lovers cherish.

Geological RegionDiscover the heart of Southern Illinois at Rend Lake, where 20,633 acres of pristine water create one of the Midwest's most spectacular recreational landscapes. This vast aquatic playground is cradled by ancient forests that stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a diverse ecosystem where water meets woodland. The region's rich geological heritage has shaped a landscape of gentle rolling hills, fertile bottomlands, and the expansive lake that serves as the centerpiece of outdoor adventure in this corner of Illinois.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 PM

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

Site layoutSingle loop layout dedicated to group camping, offers privacy for gatherings.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityExclusively reservable through Recreation.gov; no walk-up availability indicated.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made prior to arrival incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of reservation fees and potentially the first night's fee for late cancellations (less than 14 days prior for group sites).

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking is among the recommended activities, supported by access to trails within Rend Lake’s natural surroundings. Specific trail details like length and difficulty are not provided.

FishingFishing opportunities are available at Rend Lake, although details about fish species and specific fishing locations are not provided.

SwimmingSwimming is supported within the waters of Rend Lake, but specific information regarding safety measures or designated swimming areas is not included.

BikingBiking is available in the region, but the terrain and recommended skill levels for trails are not specified.

BoatingBoating activities are supported on Rend Lake, enabling campers to sail or ski the waters. Information on docking facilities or boat types is not described.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable feature of the Shagbark Group Area and surrounding Rend Lake. Deer and turkey are commonly seen roaming through mature forests.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include ticks, wildlife encounters (deer, turkey), and high summer temperatures.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted within designated fire rings/grills.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital and emergency services are located in Benton, IL, approximately 16 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities, including locations and pickup schedules, are not provided.

Water FeaturesLocated along the banks of Rend Lake, providing access to water activities like boating and fishing.

Weather at Shagbark Group Area

Reviews

4.0

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Shagbark Group Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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