Rend Lake

The Rend Lake Visitor Center near Whittington provides boat ramp access to Rend Lake, a popular recreational destination in southern Illinois. This access point serves kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats looking to explore the lake's expansive waters. The facility is non-reservable and operated as part of the larger Rend Lake recreation area managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Several nearby access areas on Rend Lake feature accessible fishing docks (20 feet long with textured aluminum surfaces) that double as boat launch points, including Bonnie South, Waltonville Dam, Bluegill Hole, and Nason South. Paddlers should check current conditions before visiting, as some boat access areas may be seasonal. For overnight trips, three reservable campgrounds—South Sandusky, South Marcum, and North Sandusky—are located within 10 miles of the access site.

Before launching, contact the Rend Lake Visitor Center or check the Illinois DNR website for current water conditions, access availability, and any specific regulations for the lake.

This recreation area is part of Rend Lake