Lake Shelbyville offers 11,100 surface acres of water surrounded by 172 miles of shoreline. The lake sits at approximately 599 feet above sea level with water depths reaching 67 feet near the dam. Several equestrian camping facilities around Lake Shelbyville provide specialized accommodations for riders, with trail systems ranging from 2-7 miles in length throughout the surrounding hardwood forests.
What to do
Fishing from private docks: Wolf Creek State Park has lakefront sites with dock access. "Lots to do and see. They have a bridge and trail that connect campsite to marina. Looove it," mentions a visitor at Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.
Stargazing during weeknights: The reduced light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. "We stopped in to Wolf Creek State Park later in the day on a Wednesday after trying to stop at a different campground that was closed. We were worried about finding a spot as the sun was going down so we called even though no one usually answers phones at state parks (esp during COVID). The woman that answered was SO nice," notes a reviewer at Wolf Creek State Park Campground.
Primitive camping for solitude: Several parks offer walk-in tent sites away from RV areas. "I camped here in a tent before we had an rv. The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking," reports a camper at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian camping: Horse campgrounds near Lake Shelbyville provide ample room for rigs and horses. "We have camped here many times and this time was awesome as well. The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails. 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," explains a visitor to Wolf Creek State Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain their bathhouses regularly. "The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores," notes a camper at Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area.
Lakefront access: Sites with water views are highly rated. "This is a wonderful campground with drive in availability, equestrian camp and reservable sites! The have great camp hosts Dave and Sharon on the reservable side that will help out in anyway and are so friendly! This campground also has boat access and a beach and hiking trails," shares a camper about Wolf Creek.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife can be problematic around camps. "Camped here in a tent. Loved it. Raccoons are really brave and ate not afraid of humans. They know how to rip open a tent for food. Nothing is safe here. But a beautiful lake and campground," warns a visitor to Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville.
Equestrian site requirements: Horse camps typically require visitors to have horses. "On July 4th 2025 we were given the option of moving our entire campsite or being kicked out of the park. JULY 4TH! We booked our campsite in the last week of April, paid in full. We were the second party to book any spot in the entire campground! We chose our spot specifically for the access to the water and seclusion from the rest of the sites. Come to find out(a day after we set up camp) we booked in 'horse camp' which apparently requires you to have horses," reports a Wolf Creek visitor.
Off-season limitations: Some facilities close after Labor Day. "There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round. There are lots of hiking trails and deer run through the park in herds in the winter months," notes a Wolf Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds have play areas for children. "It does have a great play area but nothing else for kids. Good shower houses. Surrounded by nothing but trees and stars," mentions a camper at Sangchris Lake State Park.
Midweek camping for quieter experience: Weekends can get crowded, especially during fishing season. "We camped midweek in October. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. The showers and bathrooms were clean. It was cold! We were in a camper van. We should have brought firewood, as firewood was only available at an exorbitant price for very few pieces. We were told that the campgrounds filled up on the weekends with fishermen," shares a visitor to Sangchris Lake State Park.
Equestrian trails for family riding: Horse trail systems near Lake Shelbyville accommodate riders of various experience levels. "The camp host was super friendly, the sites were large and the primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low," notes a camper at Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup preparation: Some sites have distant water access points. "Nice park, spacious sites, bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away. Shower house was older but was heated and water was hot. Definately will be back again," advises an RVer at Wolf Creek State Park.
Site selection for privacy: Many campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. "This is a great little place to go fishing and just spend some time relaxing. Deer Run is mostly trailers and RVs, but can easily accommodate tent campers, and is less crowded than Hickory Point. The campground hosts are very friendly and helpful," recommends a visitor to Sangchris Lake State Park.
Electric reliability: During peak usage times, power systems may be strained. "Site 24 is huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric but no water at site. The site is totally private on one side because of a lake inlet and there's a large back area right on the lake. The gravel pad is located right near a large, old bald cypress," notes a camper at Sangchris Lake State Park.
