Camping opportunities near Findlay, Illinois center around Lake Shelbyville, a 11,100-acre reservoir with over 172 miles of shoreline at normal pool elevation of 599.7 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with average July temperatures of 86°F and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor recreation. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures averaging 24-40°F from December through February.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Shelbyville offers multiple fishing spots for various skill levels. At Coon Creek, the lake is known for bass fishing with easy shoreline access. "There are several paths down to the waters edge and the beach, lots of little hiking, tons of Geocaching, and a great little beach," according to camper Melissa B.
Equestrian trails: 13 dedicated sites are available for horse camping at Wolf Creek State Park Campground. "There are 13 horse camp sites and additional trailer parking for about 6 more rigs with tie out posts for riders that will not be camping. There are several miles of horse trails and the area is set apart from hiking trails," notes Michael M.
Swimming options: Multiple beaches around Lake Shelbyville offer swimming during summer months. Sangchris Lake features "a beautiful shoreline" with "wonderful fishing to be had. Great to ride a bike around, too!" according to Jessica N. Most swimming beaches close after Labor Day weekend.
What campers like
Private fishing access: Many campsites allow direct access to fishing spots. At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from," reports Kaitlin D. Sites near the water tend to book quickly during peak season.
Spacious, shaded sites: The camping areas feature mature trees providing natural separation between sites. "The sites are mostly gravel and level. The only thing I would say is make sure that you bring a screen tent for eating outside as the bugs really get bad at night," advises Melissa B. about Coon Creek.
Cabin variety: The camping cabins near Findlay, Illinois range from basic units to those with kitchen facilities. At Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort, "We stayed in the rental cabins, but are in the waiting list for a seasonal site. Right next to the lake. Plenty of room for everyone, from tents to the massive RVs," says Janelle H.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds alter operations based on season. "There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round," explains Michael M. about Wolf Creek State Park. Winter visitors should confirm facility availability before arriving.
Reservation requirements: For premium waterfront sites, advance booking is essential. "If you want a lake spot, make a reservation way in advance," advises Rhonda W. about camping at Sangchris Lake State Park.
Insects can be intense: Summer months bring mosquitoes and flies, especially near water. "Make sure that you bring a screen tent for eating outside as the bugs really get bad at night," warns a camper about evenings at Coon Creek.
Varied bathroom facilities: Shower houses and restroom quality differ between campgrounds. At Spring Creek Campground, "Shower house/bathrooms. Everything very clean," reports Borkhuis D., while others note that some facilities may close during off-season months.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. At Robin Hood Woods, there's "a pool, playground, fishing pond and small arcade room. You can rent a peddle type cart that holds 4 people who all peddle. They really loved them," shares Tina H.
Family-friendly water access: Designated swimming areas provide safer options for children. "Lake Shelbyville has everything: biking, hiking, a beach, fishing and the town has a small movie theater showing current films for $4.00," according to Ronald B. at Coon Creek.
Buddy sites for group camping: Families traveling together should look for specialized configurations. Coon Creek features "several buddy sites here that are set up very well for groups of RV's and tents camping together," explains Michael M., making it ideal for multi-family trips.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events occur at some campgrounds during peak season. At Okaw Valley Kampground, "Weekend activities for the kids" are offered, according to reviewers, providing structured entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific site details before booking. At Camp Lakewood, "The sites are fairly tight. Couldn't erect our screen house even if we wanted to," notes John T., highlighting the importance of checking site dimensions.
Utility connections: Available hookups vary significantly between locations. "We had site #2 waterfront pull through with full hook up and shaded till late afternoon," reports B M. about Camp Lakewood, while other campgrounds may offer electric-only sites.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow roads. "The road to our site had a tight turn and required a little maneuvering but not terrible," advises Sharon J. about navigating Camp Lakewood with a 30-foot travel trailer.
Dump station locations: Not all sites offer sewer hookups, requiring planning for longer stays. "There is a central dumping station upon exit," notes James C. about Spring Creek Campground, which is typical of many state park facilities in the region.
