Forrest W. Bo Wood

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

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.

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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

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

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

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/5/26
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/5/26
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/5/26

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/5/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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

Drive Time


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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Forrest W. Bo Wood

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

38%
37%
25%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted spacious sites with excellent facilities and family amenities on Lake Shelbyville. Some feedback indicated variable spacing between sites and occasional bug issues after dark.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2023

Not a lot of privacy for tent camping

This was a quick overnight in a tent on a road trip for me. Site 75 was what was available when I booked last minute. It's level with grass to pitch a tent but definitely in a loop of the park better suited to travel trailers/RVs etc. Not much privacy between sites but backs up to woods. The bathrooms were clean with good hot showers. Would return again if I could snag a tent loop site.

Site75
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by Katherine T., July 31, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2023

Quiet, clean dites

It’s crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site. Lots of people here today

Siteloop 2 site26
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by juliana , June 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by juliana , June 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by juliana , June 26, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2021

Good Spot Except for the Large Amount of Sewer Flies

We stayed at Boo Wood Campground for about five days and enjoyed much of their amenities.

The campground featured a dog park which provided room for our dogs to run around. There was also multiple playgrounds and even a small amphitheater. There was a large boat ramp with ample parking. We put in our kayaks on the boat ramp and enjoyed a nice paddle on a portion of the Shelbyville Lake.

We paid less than$25 a night for full hooks up and we had an almost lake view.

Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad. We let our dogs out past 8 p.m. and our camper was covered with swarms of psychodidae(sewer) flies. Once we quickly got in our camper, we spent the next hour killing the swarms of sewer flies that entered our camper. We learned our lesson and once the sun went down, we did not leave our camper.

Site124
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by Austin-Tarra G., October 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by Austin-Tarra G., October 11, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2021

Bo Wood is a hidden treasure

Located on Lake Shelbyville, Bo Wood is an Army Co of Engineers park. Plenty of full hook ups and tent camping spots. Most by the lake. Well kept with bathroom and shower facilities, a playground and laundry.

Sitemany
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by Monica R., August 27, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Forrest Bo Woods, Corp of Engineer campground

One of the nicest on the lake. Clean, well maintained, nice spacious spots, boat ramp and parking, dog run, playground. Reservation made on Recreation.gov. Sometimes available spots for one night. Can stay for two weeks in thirty day period.

Site117
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2021

Nice place to camp need to get back

Nice place for a weekend visit or a week of fun on Lake Shelbyville. Sites are spread out fairly well and there’s plenty of shade from the summer sun. Wish it were closer to home. A bit far for a short weekend away but always worth the time.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2020

Very nice!

Nice big spacious sites! Reserve early to get full hookup! Right on lake Shelbyville.

  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by Sonya A., August 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Forrest W. Bo Wood by Sonya A., August 21, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2019

Another adventure

I thought the campsites were crammed together.  The primitive looked nicer but we were in our camper and wanted electric.  It’s a nice place but I like a little more space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Forrest W. Bo Wood Campground?

Forrest W. Bo Wood Campground offers comprehensive amenities including full hookup sites, electric-only sites, and tent camping areas. Facilities include clean bathrooms, shower facilities, and on-site laundry. Recreation options are plentiful with a playground for children, a dog park for pets, and multiple picnic areas. The campground features shaded sites, a small amphitheater, and direct lake access. Most sites provide lake views, and the grounds are well-maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. There's a mix of open and wooded sites with varying levels of privacy between them.

Where is Bo Wood Campground located in Sullivan, IL?

Forrest W. Bo Wood Campground is located on the shores of Lake Shelbyville near Sullivan, Illinois. It's an Army Corps of Engineers park that provides direct access to the lake. While specific address details aren't mentioned, the campground is positioned to give campers easy access to both water recreation and local amenities. Given its location on Lake Shelbyville, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.

How do I make reservations for camping at Lake Shelbyville's Bo Wood Campground?

Reservations for Bo Wood Campground can be made through Recreation.gov. It's advisable to reserve early, especially for full hookup sites which are in high demand. The campground allows stays of up to two weeks within a thirty-day period. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible for single-night stays, but availability is limited, particularly during peak seasons. For the best selection of sites, plan your reservation well in advance of your intended stay.

Is there a map available for Bo Wood Campground?

Maps of Bo Wood Campground are available through Recreation.gov when making a reservation. The campground layout consists of both primitive areas and developed sites with various hookup options. Sites are spread throughout the property with some areas more crowded near the road and more spacious sections toward the back of the campground. For the most detailed and up-to-date map, contact the Army Corps of Engineers who manage the property or check the Recreation.gov website before your visit.

Does Bo Wood Campground have boat access to Lake Shelbyville?

Yes, Bo Wood Campground provides excellent boat access to Lake Shelbyville. The facility features a large boat ramp with ample parking for vehicles and trailers. The campground is situated right on Lake Shelbyville, making it convenient for boaters and water enthusiasts. Most campsites are positioned near the lake, offering easy access to water activities. This direct lake access makes Bo Wood particularly popular among campers who prioritize boating, fishing, and other water recreation during their stay.