Lake Shelbyville Public Campgrounds
Federal & State Facilities

Most of Lake Shelbyville's campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS™) accepts reservations for individual sites at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground. NRRSTM is a nationwide reservation system for the Corps and the Forest Service. Reservations may be made in one of three ways:

    1. by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777
    2. by going to http://www.recreation.gov on the Internet
    3. in person at campground fee booths

Site specific reservations may be made at any Corps campground up to 240 days in advance of your camping trip, but not less than four days. Group camp and picnic shelter reservations may be made 360 days in advance. User fees must be paid at the time the reservation is made.

Coon Creek

Coon Creek Recreation Area is located north of the city of Shelbyville on the west side of the lake. Coon Creek has 207 electric sites of which 125 are reservable. Coon Creek has flush toilets, showers, a playground, a beach, trailer dump station and a boat ramp.

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. This campground requires a 2 night minimum stay on weekends. This campground requires a 3 night minimum stay on holidays. This is Coon Creek at Lake Shelbyville, Illinois. Is this the campground you are requesting? Coon Creek is open from the first Thursday in April through Columbus Day. The camping fee in Coon Creek is $16/night single sites, and $32/night for double sites. G & H loops are open for the 2003 season on May 1 and close on September 2. 1 RV and 3 tents OR 4 tents are permitted for all single sites. 2 RV's and 6 tents OR 8 tents are permitted for all double sites. Some sites will not accommodate this much equipment. Check individual site notes. The banks are steep and it may be difficult to get to the water from many sites.

Directions: To reach this campground, go 4.5 miles north of Shelbyville on Illinois State Route 128 to County Road 1750 north, then .9 mile east to County Road 1900 east, then north .35 mile to County Road 1785 north, then east 1.75 miles to County Road 2075 east then go south 1.7 miles.

Forrest W. "Bo" Wood

Forrest W. "Bo" Wood Recreation Area is located just on the north side of the lake. Bo Wood has 79 electric sites with a total of 47 reservable sites. Bo Wood has flush toilets, showers, a playground, a trailer dump station, and a boat ramp.

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. This campground requires a 2 night minimum stay on weekends. This campground requires a 3 night minimum stay on holidays. Forrest W. "Bo" Wood is open from the first Thursday in April through the last Sunday in October. The camping fee in Bo Wood is $16 per night for single sites and $32 per night for double sites. 1 RV and 3 tents OR 4 tents are permitted for all single sites. 2 RV's and 6 tents OR 8 tents are permitted for all double sites. Some sites will not accommodate this much equipment. Check individual site notes. If you are looking for a reservable picnic shelter and individual picnic sites, check the Forrest W. "Bo" Wood Day Use Area. The banks are steep and it may be difficult to get to the water from many sites.

Directions: To reach this campground, go 2 miles south of Sullivan on Illinois State Route 32 to the Forrest W. "Bo" Wood sign. Then right one-half mile to the campground

Lithia Springs

Lithia Springs Recreation Area is located northeast of the city of Shelbyville on the east side of the lake. Lithia Springs has 113 electric sites with a total of 67 reservable sites. Lithia Springs has flush toilets, showers, a playground, a beach, a trailer dump station, and a boat ramp. Lithia Springs marina is located adjacent to the recreation area. At normal summer pool level, the banks are steep and it is difficult to get to the waters edge in many locations.

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. This campground requires a 2 night minimum stay on weekends. This campground requires a 3 night minimum stay on holidays. Lithia Springs is open from the first Thursday in April through the last Sunday in October each year. The camping fee is $16 per night for single sites and $32 per night for double sites. 1 RV and 3 tents OR 4 tents are permitted for all single sites. 2 RV's and 6 tents OR 8 tents are permitted for all double sites. Some sites will not accommodate this much equipment. Check individual site notes. The banks are steep and it may be difficult to get to the water from many sites.

Directions: To reach this campground, go 3 miles east of Shelbyville on State Route 16 to County Road 2200E, then north 2 miles to County Road 1500N, then go west 1.4 miles to the campground.

Lone Point

Lone Point Recreation Area is located north of the city of Shelbyville on the west side of the lake. Lone Point has 63 family electric sites and one non-electric site of which 60 are reservable. Lone Point has flush toilets, showers, a playground, a trailer dump station, and a boat ramp. Four group camp areas are located in this campground. The group camps will accommodate 5, 7, 8, and 10 camping units.

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. 2 night minimum on weekends. 3 night minimum on holidays. Lone Point is open from the first Thursday in May through Labor Day. The fees are $14 per night for single sites and $28 per night for double sites. 1 RV and 3 tents OR 4 tents are permitted for all single sites. 2 RV's and 6 tents OR 8 tents are permitted for all double sites. Some sites will not accommodate this much equipment. Check individual site notes. If looking for a reservable picnic shelter and individual picnic sites check the Lone Point Day Use Area. The banks are steep and it may be difficult to get to the water from many sites.

Directions: 4 1/2 miles north of Shelbyville on Route 128 to County Road 1750 north, then east 9/10 of a mile to County Road 1900 east, then north about 1/3 of a mile to County Road 1785 north, then east 2 1/2 miles to County Road 2150 east, then south 7/10 of a mile to County Road 1725 north, then east 1/4 mile to County Road 2175 east, then south 7/10 of a mile to campground.

Opossum Creek

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. The shelter is available from March 1 through November 30 each year. The fee for the shelter is $30 per day. Shelter hours are from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. No vehicles allowed to drive or park on the grass.

Directions: East of Shelbyville, north of Route 16 at the Dam.

Whitley Creek

Whitley Creek is only open on weekends and holidays. The gates open at 10am on Fridays, and close at 8pm Sundays (Mondays on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. Campground requires a 2 night minimum stay on weekends. Campground requires a 3 night minimum stay on holidays. 1 RV and 3 tents OR 4 tents are permitted for all single sites. 2 RV's and 6 tents OR 8 tents are permitted for all double sites. Some sites will not accommodate this much equipment. Check individual site notes. Park is only open on Fridays and Saturdays from May to September with the exception of the following weekends: May 22, 2003, July 3, 2003, August 28, 2003.

Directions: To reach this campground, go 4.25 miles south of Sullivan on Illinois State Route 32 to the Bruce-Findlay Road, then 1 mile west to the Whitley Creek Recreation Area sign, then go north 1.25 miles to the campground.

Eagle Creek State Park

R.R. 1 Box 198-B
Findlay, IL 62534
(217) 756-8260

The Eagle Creek State Recreation Area, a 2,200-acre site on the west side of Lake Shelbyville, has several fully developed picnic areas–complete with grills, tables, water and sanitary facilities, and playgrounds–scattered conveniently throughout the park for the casual day visitor.

There are 75 Class A Reservable sites with electricity, showers, water hydrants, fire blocks and picnic tables. Class B/S, and Class D sites are available but not reservable. The Organized Group Camp area is reservable. Shower buildings are closed by November 1st (may be earlier if bad weather) and reopen May 1st (may be earlier if good weather).
Boating and Fishing

From the four-lane launching ramp (adjacent to a 175-car parking lot), you can set out for a variety of water sports or lazy days of angling. In addition, there are two marinas on the lake providing a full range of boating and fishing supplies.There is a handicap transfer station for boaters at the boat ramp. A high water boat ramp provides access when the lake floods.

Miles of flooded brush, timber and rock rip-rap shorelines, many points with submerges ridges and hundreds of tributary streams emptying into Lake Shelbyville provide prime and productive fishing areas, teeming with black and white crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, muskie, bullhead, carp and sunfish.

Three marked nature trails are available for tranquil and refreshing sojorns in the forest. More adventurous hikers enjoy setting off on the12-mile Illini Trail. A three-mile cross-country ski trail provides invigorating wintertime activity.

In addition to designated areas within Eagle Creek, hunting is available in the 785-acre Eagle Creek Wildlife Area just to the west. Shotgun squirrel, rabbit and quail hunting ia allowed or you can really test your skill stalking deer with bow and arrow. A state hunting license is required as well as a seasonal hunting permit, available for free from the park office. A bow range is provided for public use.

Hidden Springs State Park

R.R. 1, Box 200
Strasburg, IL 62465
(217) 644.3091

The name Hidden Springs was selected to designate this particular state forest because of the seven known springs on the property which were used for drinking water by the early settlers. Over the years these springs have been covered over by natural situation and vegetation (hence the name "Hidden Springs"). Rocky Spring and Quicksand Spring have access trails.

The entire forest area was originally planned as a state lake. These plans were altered when the construction of Shelbyville Reservoir began. The property was then assigned to the Division of Forestry in 1960 to be managed as a state forest. Following reorganization of the department in 1975 the property was reassigned to the Division of Land and Historic Sites. The area continues to be managed under the concept of multiple-use — sound timber and resource management complimented by compatible recreational opportunities.

The forest ownership consists of three separate tracts covering portions of eight sections of land. The terrain varies from flat bottomland areas along Richland Creek (which flows diagonally from northeast to southwest the entire length of the forest) to relatively steep hillsides. Generally the topography is gently rolling and broken by small draws and streams.

Rolling Meadows picnic area offers a large shelter, drinking water, playground equipment, privies, tables, stoves and a fire ring. Red Bud Lane, on the south end of this area, provides three small secluded sites. A small picnic area at the Big Tree has tables and stoves.

Possum Creek, a Class "C" campground, includes drinking water, privies, sanitary disposal station, pedestal stoves, fire blocks and a fire ring. Campers may set up camp on the site of their choice. Forest staff issue permits on routine rounds. Shady Grove Campground accommodates groups by reservation only. Ground fires in both areas are allowed only in the fire rings provided.

Five fishing ponds, two accessible by vehicle, the other three by foot only, are found on the forest property. Fish stocked are bass, bluegill, redear and channel catfish. Richland Creek flows the length of the forest but fishing opportunities are negligible. Swimming anywhere on forest property is strictly prohibited.

Possum Hollow Nature Trail, 3/4 mile in length, provides access to Park Pond and the pine seed orchard. Trail guides, available at the headquarters, campground, and picnic area, guide the visitor to the 35 interpretive stations. The Big Tree Trail, one mile in length, features a sycamore 78 inches in diameter, one of the largest to be found in Illinois. Rocky Spring Trail, three miles in length, includes Rocky Spring, a forest improvement area, walnut production areas and varied land and vegetation types. Seventeen miles of fire lanes also provide access to remote areas of the forest. Your cooperation in keeping both motorcycles and horses off foot trails and fire lanes is appreciated.

A pleasurable and peaceful forest environment awaits the visitor. A bird check list is available at the headquarters to those who come to enjoy the many songbirds on the area. Flowers and mushrooms grow prolifically throughout the forest.

Except for the 240 acres where the headquarters, campground and Rolling Meadows picnic area are located, the entire area is open to hunting. Only shotgun and bow and arrow are permitted. Hunting fact sheets and maps concerning species and times are available at 10 hunter parking lots or the forest headquarters. Hunters are required to complete hunter survey cards for each hunting trip. Please consult the forest superintendent if in question about boundaries, hours, or any other aspect of the hunting program. Wildlife food plots, providing habitat for the varied wildlife population are scattered throughout the area.

Directions to Hidden Springs State Forest. From Interstate 57 .Get off of I57 at Mattoon Exit Go west on Route 16 thru Mattoon, continue on Route 16 west thru the town of Gays , through the next town of Windsor. Two miles west of Windsor Route 16 Junctions with 32 South.  Turn left on 32 . Go 4 miles through the town of Strasburg Proceed 2 miles , turn right off of Route 32 Brown Information signs for Hidden Springs. 4 miles on this road you will be at drive to the office of Hidden Springs State Forest.

Wolf Creek State Park

R. R. 1, Box 99
Windsor 61957
217.459.2831

Eight miles northwest of Windsor, the sites encompass large tracts of carefully maintained indigenous woodlands ideal for camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, boat fishing, water skiing, pontoon boating, windsurfing or just plain bobbing and drifting on the glittering expanse of the lake itself.

In addition to visiting the small, friendly wooded campgrounds or taking part in the action on the lake, swimming is available from the beach. You can also take a leisurely stroll through nearby forests. An abundance of deer, pheasant, rabbits, wild turkey and songbirds are almost always visible.

Portions of the park have been cleared of physical barriers and are accessible to disabled visitors.

Family picnic areas are scattered throughout Wolf Creek State Park. Complete with grills, tables, water, sanitary facilities and playgrounds, you’ll find everything you need to have a great outing. Two areas are equipped with shelters and facilities for disabled visitors. The Lost Shelter picnic area is an isolated, scenic area and is available by reservation.

There are 304 Class A campsites with restrooms and showers, electricity and picnic tables, a camgound cabin, and 78 Class C sites. In addition, there are two family tent camping areas, an organized group camp, and an equestrian campground. The shower buildings are closed by November 1st (may be earlier if bad weather) and reopen May 1st (may be earlier – weather depending).

A 140-site area in the Lick Creek section has also been designated for reservations. Requests for reservations are accepted starting in January for sites to be reserved between May 1 and October 31.

From the four-lane launching ramp (adjacent to a 175-car parking lot), you can set out for any variety of water sports. Rental boats and motors are available from several private marinas on the lake, which also provide a full range of boating and fishing supplies. There is a high water boat ramp for when the lake floods.

The miles of flood brush, timber and rock rip-rap shorelines, the many points with submerged ridges, and the hundreds of tributary streams emptying into Lake Shelbyville provide prime and productive fishing areas. The lake is teeming with black and white crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, muskie, bullhead, carp and sunfish. Special size and creel limits are in effect for some species, so please check with the site superintendent’s office for specific information on fishing opportunities and regulations.

Treat your whole family to a day at the beach. A developed swimming beach, opens at the end of May and closed on the first of September, is situated in the southwest section of the park. A high water swimming beach is available when the lake floods. No lifeguards are available, so please remain in the buoyed area and be careful. Alcohol is not allowed past the main gate into the beach area, and pets, food and drinks are not permitted on the sand. Picnic tables and grills are available nearby.

For refreshing walks in the forests, Wolf Creek contains seven hiking trails. For invigorating winter time activity there is a 16 1/2-mile snowmobile trail, and for the equestrian there is a scenic 15-mile equestrian trail. For information about the riding stable please call (217) 459-2444.