Squirrel’s Nest Campground

For Illinois residents, the quest for a perfect outdoor retreat often leads to the scenic wonders of Southern Illinois, a region celebrated for its expansive lakes and tranquil natural settings. If you’re searching for a campground that combines the beauty of nature with a strong sense of community and friendly faces, look no further than Squirrel’s Nest Campground in Sesser, Illinois. This inviting destination is consistently lauded by visitors for its "awesome environment" and, more importantly, its "awesome people," creating a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

Squirrel’s Nest Campground offers more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it provides a genuine sense of belonging amidst the picturesque backdrop of Rend Lake. As an Army Corps of Engineers campground, you can expect well-maintained facilities and a commitment to preserving the natural environment. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind around a campfire, enjoy the local wildlife, and feel truly at ease, knowing you’re surrounded by a welcoming community. Whether you're seeking a short-term escape or a longer stay, Squirrel’s Nest aims to accommodate your needs with its diverse offerings.

As a professional content writer specializing in local business SEO-optimized descriptions, my aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Squirrel’s Nest Campground. Drawing on the enthusiastic feedback from real customers and publicly available data, this article will highlight what makes this Sesser campground a truly suitable and appealing choice for Illinois locals planning their next outdoor adventure.

Squirrel’s Nest Campground is conveniently situated at 14789 Cockrum Ln, Sesser, IL 62884, USA. This location places it on the west side of Rend Lake, a significant advantage for campers seeking easy access to water-based activities. Rend Lake, the second largest man-made lake in Illinois, is a sprawling body of water offering 19,000 acres for recreation and boasts 162 miles of shoreline, making it a prime destination for fishing, boating, and various water sports.

The campground's accessibility is a key benefit for Illinois residents. It is readily reachable from major transportation routes, particularly Interstate 57, which runs north-south through Illinois. Visitors can typically exit I-57 at Benton (Exit 77) and follow state routes that lead directly to the Rend Lake area and ultimately to the campground. This straightforward route ensures a manageable drive for families and individuals traveling from various parts of Illinois.

Despite its natural, serene setting, Squirrel’s Nest Campground is not isolated from essential conveniences. The nearby town of Sesser, along with communities like Benton, provides access to grocery stores, gas stations, bait and tackle shops, and other local services. One review mentions the convenience of a "store right outside the front gate," which suggests that basic supplies are easily obtainable. This balance of tranquil outdoor immersion with convenient access to necessities makes Squirrel’s Nest an ideal choice for Illinois locals.

As an Army Corps of Engineers campground, Squirrel’s Nest Campground is equipped with fundamental services and facilities designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for all visitors.

• Campsites with Hookups: The campground offers a total of 127 campsites. These sites typically come with electric hookups, and some may offer full hookups (water, sewer, and electric), accommodating a range of RVs, trailers, and tent campers.

• Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water is available near the campsites, ensuring guests have easy access to fresh water throughout their stay.

• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is provided for the disposal of RV and camper waste, a crucial amenity for recreational vehicle users.

• Restrooms and Showers: The campground offers communal restroom and shower facilities, ensuring guests have access to necessary hygiene amenities.

• Handicap Accessible Sites: Most sites are designed to be handicap accessible, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity for all visitors.

• Convenience Store: Public information indicates the presence of a "convenience store" at Squirrel's Nest Campground. This on-site store is a significant advantage, providing easy access to last-minute necessities, snacks, drinks, or camping supplies without needing to leave the campground.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Site Rentals: The campground accommodates both short-term stays (e.g., overnight or weekend trips) and offers long-term site rentals, providing flexibility for different lengths of visits.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: While not explicitly stated for every site, it is standard for Corps of Engineers campgrounds to provide individual picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite, allowing for outdoor dining and traditional campfires.

Squirrel’s Nest Campground is cherished by its visitors for several key features and highlights that contribute to its "awesome environment" and positive reputation among Illinois campers.

• Friendly and Welcoming Community: The most emphasized highlight in customer reviews is the "great people" and "awesome people" who frequent and manage the campground. This friendly atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community and ensures a pleasant and welcoming experience for new and returning campers alike.

• Awesome Environment: The general ambiance of the campground is consistently praised, suggesting a well-maintained and enjoyable setting that allows for relaxation and appreciation of nature.

• Proximity to Rend Lake: Situated on the west side of Rend Lake, the campground offers convenient access to this vast body of water. This is a significant highlight for those interested in fishing, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying scenic lake views.

• Managed by Army Corps of Engineers: As a COE campground, Squirrel's Nest typically adheres to high standards of upkeep and management, providing a reliable and well-organized camping experience.

• Convenience Store On-Site: The presence of a convenience store within the campground premises is a major plus, offering immediate access to supplies and saving campers trips to town for minor necessities.

• Versatile Site Options: With 127 sites and various hookup options, the campground can accommodate different types of camping, from smaller tents to larger RVs, catering to a broad range of preferences.

• Accessibility: Most sites being handicap accessible ensures that the campground is welcoming and usable for a wider range of visitors.

• Potential for Wildlife Viewing: Given its natural setting on Rend Lake, there are likely opportunities to observe local wildlife, enhancing the outdoor experience.

As an Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campground, Squirrel’s Nest Campground primarily offers discounts through federal recreation passes, which provide consistent value for eligible visitors rather than short-term promotional deals.

• America the Beautiful Passes (Interagency Passes): Holders of these passes, such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass, are typically eligible for a 50% discount on their campsite fees. These passes are a fantastic value for eligible Illinois residents who frequently visit federal recreation areas.

• While specific pricing for Squirrel's Nest isn't readily available, USACE campground rates generally range from approximately $16-$30 per night for electric sites, meaning a 50% discount can make camping highly affordable.

• Seasonal Rates: Like most campgrounds, rates might vary slightly depending on the season, with potential lower rates during off-peak periods (e.g., early spring or late fall) compared to the busy summer months. It's always advisable to check the most current rates for your desired travel dates.

• Long-Term Site Rentals: The campground explicitly offers long-term site rentals, which often come with a different pricing structure than daily or weekly rates, potentially providing a more economical option for extended stays. Inquire directly about these arrangements.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and eligibility for discounts, it is always recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website (as most COE campgrounds use this system for reservations) or contact the Rend Lake Project Office directly.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or any other questions regarding Squirrel’s Nest Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 14789 Cockrum Ln, Sesser, IL 62884, USA

• Phone: While the specific phone number for Squirrel's Nest Campground is not widely listed independently, as a USACE campground on Rend Lake, the general contact for the Rend Lake Project Office is typically used for inquiries and reservations across the lake's camping areas.

• A general number for Rend Lake recreation areas, which may include Squirrel's Nest inquiries, is (618) 724-2493, as seen for other nearby Rend Lake campgrounds like Owl's Roost and Gun Creek. Another possibility is (618) 625-6115, which is associated with North Sandusky Campground, also on Rend Lake.

• Website: Reservations for USACE campgrounds like Squirrel's Nest are typically made through Recreation.gov. Searching for "Squirrel's Nest Campground Rend Lake" on Recreation.gov is the most reliable way to find booking information and potentially direct contact details if available.

It is important to note that direct phone numbers for individual USACE campground loops are often not publicly advertised; rather, a central project office number handles all inquiries for the lake's recreation areas.

For Illinois residents, Squirrel’s Nest Campground in Sesser offers an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing option for their next outdoor adventure. Its unique combination of a friendly community, reliable facilities, and a prime location on Rend Lake makes it an ideal retreat for a diverse range of campers.

Firstly, the overwhelming positive feedback about the "great people" and "awesome people" at Squirrel’s Nest is a huge draw. For Illinoisans seeking not just a place to camp, but a welcoming and community-focused environment, this campground truly stands out. This friendly atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and allows for enjoyable interactions, making every visit feel like a reunion with friends, old and new.

Secondly, its location on the west side of Rend Lake provides unparalleled access to one of Southern Illinois's most beloved natural assets. For locals who enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, or simply soaking in picturesque lakeside views, Squirrel’s Nest offers the perfect base. This proximity to extensive water-based recreation means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the activities they love, making it an incredibly convenient option for weekend getaways or longer family vacations.

Furthermore, as an Army Corps of Engineers campground, visitors can expect well-maintained facilities, including electric hookups, clean restrooms and showers, and a convenient dump station. The on-site convenience store is another significant advantage, ensuring that essential supplies are always within reach. The availability of both short-term and long-term site rentals also provides flexibility, catering to different needs and allowing locals to establish a seasonal home if desired.

In essence, Squirrel’s Nest Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant community within an "awesome environment" that provides comfort, convenience, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its friendly atmosphere and excellent location make it a top choice for Illinois residents looking for a memorable and welcoming camping experience in the heart of Southern Illinois.