Situated on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, Forrest W. Bo Wood sits within the US Army Corps of Engineers-managed recreation area roughly two and a half miles south of Sullivan. The campground runs from mid-April through late October, with nightly rates between $18 and $48 depending on site type. Most sites have direct lake proximity, and the terrain mixes open grassy areas with tree cover that provides shade through the warmer months.
Full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer connections, are available here, and the campground accommodates RVs up to 150 feet. Tent campers can find sites, though reviewers note that some loops are laid out primarily for trailers and offer limited privacy between spots. The boat ramp with dedicated parking makes it straightforward to launch kayaks or small watercraft directly onto Lake Shelbyville. Dogs are welcome, and the campground includes a dog run, playground, and laundry facilities. Reservations go through Recreation.gov, and the two-week-per-thirty-day limit is worth noting for longer stays.
Crowding comes up frequently in reviews. Sites in the back of the campground spread out more than those near the road, and the hookup sites in particular fill fast. "Clean, well maintained, nice spacious spots," notes Debi in her review. One practical warning from multiple visitors: insects become a significant problem after dark, particularly near the sewer hookup areas, so screening and staying inside after sunset is worth planning for. Campers wanting a different setup can compare pet-friendly camping near Lake Shelbyville or check out Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville about a mile to the south.
Description
Overview
Forrest W. ''Bo'' Wood Recreation Area has a large campground on the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.Visit the Lake Shelbyville, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page for News Releases, Event Information, & Emergency Updates. https://www.facebook.com/LakeShelbyvilleUSACEVisit it our USACE Lake Shelbyville Website for more information on Lake Shelbyville. https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Shelbyville/
Recreation
Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the water, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.
Facilities
Forrest W. Bo Wood Campground is 100% reservable. It is a large facility with more than 140 campsites that all provide electric hookups. For those without RVs, there are several tent-only sites. The campground has flush toilets, showers, a playground, dog park, fish cleaning station, dump station and a high-water boat ramp.
Natural Features
This facility lies on the shoreline with a steep descent down to the water. Oak and hickory forests offer plenty of shade. Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer. Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink, raccoons, & opossums.
Nearby Attractions
Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The City of Sullivan Water Department has asked all users of this recreation area to conserve the use of water. Low water supply levels are a result of last years drought conditions. This request is an effort to keep Bo Woods recreation area open. Please only fill tanks for what you plan to use on site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsForrest W. Bo Wood is located in Illinois near Sullivan
Directions
From Sullivan, Illinois, take State Route 32 south for two miles to the Forrest W. ''Bo'' Wood sign, then turn right and drive a half-mile to the campground.
Address
1989 St. Highway 16
Shelbyville, IL 62565
Coordinates
39.5513889 N
88.6222222 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 35 min from Decatur, IL
- 56 min from Champaign, IL
- 1 hr 10 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 27 min from Bloomington, IL













