BENTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake wishes to inform visitors that several recreation areas will be temporarily closed during the state firearm deer hunting seasons.

During the first firearm deer season, from Nov. 21-23, the following recreation areas will be closed to all vehicle and foot traffic due to the annual Rend Lake Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities:

• North Sandusky Day Use Area, Boat Ramp, and Campground
• South Sandusky Day Use Area, Campground, Beach, and Boat Ramp
• South Marcum Day Use Area and Campground
• Blackberry Nature Trail & Catfish Cove Pond & Trail
• North Marcum Bike Trails
• Rend Lake Bike Trail

Additionally, all sections of the Rend Lake Bike Trail managed by the Corps of Engineers will be temporarily closed during the firearm deer hunting seasons to persons not actively participating in deer hunting. The closures will take place on Nov. 21-23, Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 12-14, 2025.

Areas affected by these closures include:

• The section of the bike trail west of Franklin Cemetery, extending to the North Marcum Day Use Area
• Sections of the trail starting at North Sandusky Day Use Area, continuing to the South Marcum Campground
• Catfish Cove Pond & Trail

Federal law prohibits the use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), on all government-managed properties.

For further information, contact the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center at 618-724-2493 or email RendInfo-MVS@usace.army.mil. Updates and changes can be found on the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rendlakeusace.