South Sandusky Day Use

South Sandusky Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. The area has two large reservable picnic shelters, each with a capacity of 50, with picnic tables, grill and drinking water. A boat ramp and playground are within walking distance, and there are two restroom facilities and a shower facility. South Sandusky offers the most accessible public swimming beach on the lake. The sandy beach is spacious enough to accommodate a large number of people and gives visitors convenient access to the refreshing waters of Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl and others as seasons change through the year. Visitors can also reach the Rend Lake Bike Trail, over 20 miles of paved pathways through scenic woodlands and across views of Rend Lake and the Big Muddy River. There is boating, hiking, fishing, hunting and swimming, and around the lake an archery complex with a 3D trail and elevated shooting platform, a dog park with a swimming feature, and two public swimming beaches, including the pet-friendly North Marcum Beach. Nearby are the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center, the Rend Lake Marina, the Rend Lake Dog Park and the Blackberry Nature Trail.