You've probably seen the signs. If you’ve ever trekked down Interstate 57 through Southern Illinois, the name Wayne Fitzgerrell flashes by on those big green boards near Benton. Most people keep their foot on the gas. They're heading to Paducah or maybe all the way to Florida. But honestly? They are missing out on 3,300 acres of what I’d call some of the best shoreline access in the Midwest.
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Whittington IL isn't just a place to stretch your legs. It's basically a peninsula. Three-quarters of the park’s boundary is actually Rend Lake shoreline. That’s a massive 19,000-acre reservoir staring you in the face.
It's named after Wayne Fitzgerrell, a state representative from Sesser. He was the guy who basically willed Rend Lake into existence back in the late 60s. The park itself was dedicated in 1975, and it’s been the "backyard" for Southern Illinois sportsmen ever since.
What the Locals Know About Rend Lake Fishing
If you talk to anyone in Whittington with a rod and reel, they aren't talking about "scenery." They’re talking about crappie. Rend Lake is famous for them. Both black and white crappie. In the early spring, the bank fishing here is legendary because the park’s layout lets you get to the water almost anywhere.
There are state records here. No joke. The current state records for both bowfin and black crappie were pulled out of these waters.
But it’s not all about the panfish. You’ve got:
- Largemouth Bass: The IDNR stocks these guys regularly. They recently dumped over 16,000 fingerlings in to keep the population healthy.
- Channel Catfish: They are everywhere. If you’re looking for a 1-to-3-pounder for a fry, you’ll find plenty.
- White Bass: This is a bit of a specialty for Rend. Because of the stocking programs, it’s one of the few spots in Southern Illinois where you can actually target white bass and have a real chance of a limit.
Camping at Wayne Fitzgerrell: More Than Just a Tent Pad
The camping situation here is actually pretty massive. We are talking 243 modern sites. Most have electric hookups.
There are three main loops: Bay Area, Hickman’s Point, and Lakeview. These are the ones you want if you’re a "planner" because they take reservations. If you’re a last-minute wanderer, Lookout Point and Shady Rest are usually kept as first-come, first-served.
The sites are mostly level, which is a godsend for RVers. Plus, you’ve got three shower buildings. Usually, they're kept pretty clean, though holiday weekends can get a little wild.
One thing that surprises people is the wildlife. You can be sitting at your picnic table and a white-tailed deer will just wander through. It's not rare. It's basically guaranteed.
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The Hunting and Field Trial Legacy
This is where the park gets its "State Recreation Area" (SRA) title. About 1,000 acres are specifically managed for hunting.
The controlled pheasant hunt is the big draw. They can take up to 120 hunters a day in the fall. It’s one of the few places in this part of the state where you’ll see a resident population of ring-necked pheasants.
Then there are the dogs. Wayne Fitzgerrell hosts over 25 sporting dog field trials every year. Beagles, retrievers, bird dogs—people bring their best animals here to compete for national honors. If you see a bunch of people on horseback with whistles and dogs, that’s what’s happening.
Trails, Horses, and Hitting the Water
If you aren't here to kill it or catch it, there’s still plenty to do.
There is a 4-mile hiking and biking trail. It’s paved and connects the day-use areas to the campgrounds. It even hooks up with the Rend Lake College Bike Trail if you’re looking for more miles.
For the equestrians, there’s a 9-mile bridle trail that loops around the wildlife fields. Just a heads up: it closes from mid-September to mid-April for hunting season. Check the calendar before you trailer the horses down.
Quick Facts for Your Trip:
- Location: Just off I-57, near Whittington and Benton.
- Boating: There are multiple ramps. The resort area has a full-service marina nearby for fuel and bait.
- Picnicking: Over 150 sites. Shelter 4 is the big one—it's got a fireplace and is fully ADA accessible.
- Cost: Standard camping is usually around $20 for electric, but they tack on an extra $10 for major holiday weekends like Labor Day.
The Resort Situation
Now, for the "elephant in the room." You might see signs for the Rend Lake Resort. Historically, this was a huge draw with a hotel and restaurant right on the water. It’s had some ups and downs—mostly downs—with closures and management shifts over the last decade. As of 2026, there’s always talk of revitalization, but always check the official IDNR status before you bank on a hotel room. Most people these days are sticking to the campgrounds or the nearby hotels in Benton.
Honestly, the best way to experience Wayne Fitzgerrell is from a campsite or a boat. It’s a "working" park. It’s designed for people who want to be in the environment, not just looking at it through a window.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Season: If it’s spring, grab your crappie jigs. If it's fall, check the pheasant hunting schedule before you plan a quiet hike.
- Reserve Early: For the Lakeview loop, you’ll want to hit the ExploreMoreIL website weeks in advance, especially for summer weekends.
- Pack the Binoculars: Between the bald eagles and the field trials, there is always something moving in the brush.
- Stop in Whittington: Before you enter the park, grab some supplies in town. The local shops know exactly what the fish are biting on that week.
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Whittington IL isn't a "hidden gem" to the locals, but for everyone else, it’s a 3,300-acre playground hiding in plain sight.