Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center

10/05/2026

WATER SERVICE HAS BEEN RESTORED AS OF NOON 5-OCT-26
TEMPORARY WATER DISRUPTION: GUN CREEK
Due to damage to a water hydrant in Gun Creek Campground there will be a temporary water service disruption while crews make necessary repairs.

09/25/2026

💲 Paying the $5 boat launch fee just got easier!
Scan & Pay is now available at Jackie Branch, Turnip Patch, and Ina Boat Ramps!
📱 First download the recreation.gov app on your phone, scan the QR code, and complete payment on your device!
Cash payment is still accepted at these locations.
🛥 All other USACE boat ramps have automated fee machines for quick and easy payments by credit or debit. Don't want to pay each time you launch? Purchase a USACE annual pass at the fee machines, Rend Lake Visitor Center, Blackout Bait and Tackle, or Rend Lake Sporting Goods.

09/23/2026

This Saturday!!
There is still room to join the guided bike ride, call 618-724-2493 or email [email protected] to register!

🚴Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Rend Lake Bike Fest on September 26 in celebration of National Public Lands Day! 🚴Hosted by the USACE in partnership with Southern Illinois E-Bikes, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Core Friends of Rend Lake, and Black Dog E-Bike Rentals. Event runs from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with food trucks, kids bike/helmet raffles, and bike safety basic with FCSO. A guided trail ride will kick-off at 10:30 a.m., featuring invasive species plant removal along the trail. All tools will be provided. Borrow an e-bike for free courtesy of Southern Illinois E-Bikes and Black Dog. Pre-registration for the bike ride is required. Call 618-724-2493 or email [email protected] to register.

Black Dog Storage & Kayak Rentals
Kyle Bacon - Franklin County Sheriff
Core Friends of Rend Lake
Southern Illinois E-Bikes
@618.artisans

09/14/2026

With summer coming to an end, it's time to announce the winners of the Wear It to Win It water safety photo contest! 📸

From Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, visitors submitted pictures of family and friends playing it safe by wearing a properly fitting life jacket while recreating at Rend Lake. Thanks to everyone who submitted a photo, we had a lot of great submissions!
Congratulations to the winning submissions!

🏆Grand prize: Cassie Riley - winner of 3 nights camping
🥈2nd Place: Alexandria Fedderke - 1 day use picnic shelter reservation
🥉3rd Place: Ronna Vance - 4 day-use passes

Honorable mentions (left to right):
Janie Welch
Jennifer Lynn
Ashleigh Settle

09/11/2026

That's a wrap on the 2026 recreation season! ☀️This weekend is the last weekend to enjoy Rend Lake beaches, so gear up and enjoy your last beach day at Rend Lake for 2026. South Sandusky and North Marcum Beaches close September 14. See below for other recreation closing dates.

🏖️Sept 14 - South Sandusky Beach, Shelters 1&2, South Sandusky Boat Ramp, North Marcum Beach, Shelters 7&8, Sycamore Loop South Sandusky Campground, and Beaver Lodge Loop South Marcum Campground Closed

👋November 1 - Rend Lake Visitor Center closed on weekends, open M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., River Road Closed

🏕️November 2 - South Marcum Shelter 9, Gun Creek Shelter 10, North Sandusky Campground, Shagback Group Camp, South Sandusky Campground, Dale Miller Group Camp Closed

🏕️ November 9 - South Marcum Campground Closed

🐶November 16 - North Marcum Archery Range, Rend Lake Dog Park Closed

🚚November 23 - Gun Creek Campground Closed

09/09/2026

Partners in action! 🤝Have you used the ADA-accessible kayak launch and fishing pier at Jackie Branch Boat Ramp? What do you think?
Thank you to the Union Sportsmen's Alliance and Laborers' Union Local 773 for the vital funding and labor provided to make this project a reality!

09/08/2026

Have you noticed a new addition at the USACE Rend Lake Campgrounds? 📚Check out our new little free libraries! The concept is simple - take a book; share a book! 📖Enjoy a good read while relaxing at the campgrounds this fall! These libraries were constructed by volunteers, painted by one of our very talented Student Conservation Association interns, and stocked with book donated from volunteers and the Benton Public Library !

09/06/2026

🚴Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Rend Lake Bike Fest on September 26 in celebration of National Public Lands Day! 🚴Hosted by the USACE in partnership with Southern Illinois E-Bikes, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Core Friends of Rend Lake, and Black Dog E-Bike Rentals. Event runs from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with food trucks, kids bike/helmet raffles, and bike safety basic with FCSO. A guided trail ride will kick-off at 10:30 a.m., featuring invasive species plant removal along the trail. All tools will be provided. Borrow an e-bike for free courtesy of Southern Illinois E-Bikes and Black Dog. Pre-registration for the bike ride is required. Call 618-724-2493 or email [email protected] to register.

Black Dog Storage & Kayak Rentals
Kyle Bacon - Franklin County Sheriff
Core Friends of Rend Lake
Southern Illinois E-Bikes
@618.artisans

09/05/2026

This Labor Day weekend, we recognize the Park Rangers and other staff working hard to make sure your holiday weekend is safe and enjoyable! 🛥

Make your long weekend one to remember! Designate a sober skipper, wear a life jacket, follow boating regulations, and be a good steward of your public lands this weekend!

09/03/2026

Heading out for the long Labor Day weekend? While having fun in the sun, play it safe by wearing a life jacket and boating with a buddy. Assign a "Water Watcher" to keep eyes on children constantly. Remember, drowning is silent and can happen in seconds. Have a safe and happy holiday!