Lake Shelbyville stretches 25 miles along central Illinois with over 11,000 acres of water surface and 172 miles of shoreline. The reservoir sits between Shelbyville and Sullivan, surrounded by prairie and wooded terrain that offers diverse camping options. Fall camping remains popular through mid-October with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
What to Do
Fishing access with dock proximity: At Coon Creek, waterfront sites provide convenient boat and fishing access. "Lake Shelbyville has everything: biking, hiking, a beach, fishing and the town has a small movie theater showing current movies for $4.00," notes Ronald B. Many sites allow visitors to leave boats in the water overnight near their campsite.
Family swimming options: Wolf Creek State Park Campground offers a beach area for swimming, though it closes after Labor Day. "There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round," writes Michael M. Camp Lakewood also features swimming areas: "The swimming area is basically just a dock you can jump off of but it's not crowded at all so plenty of room for my family," according to Riley J.
Local entertainment: Within a short drive of Spring Creek Campground, campers can access town amenities. "We camp here especially on weekends when we have to be home early or have commitments during the day," shares Sara T. The town of Shelbyville offers a small movie theater with current films for just $4, making it an affordable evening option.
What Campers Like
Spacious, private waterfront options: Coon Creek offers premium water-view sites. "We chose a buddy site even though we weren't camping with another family because we like the location. It was right at the end of the peninsula, and it is by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in," reports Melissa B.
Well-maintained facilities: Most Lake Shelbyville campgrounds feature clean, regularly serviced amenities. "The bathrooms are so clean! Nice place over all!" notes Riley J. about Camp Lakewood. Spring Creek impresses visitors with its natural setting: "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been in in a long time. It's small, owned by an older farmer, has electricity and bathrooms."
Affordable camping rates: Many campgrounds around Lake Shelbyville offer competitive pricing. Spring Creek Campground charges just "$25 per night, this place is beautiful," according to James C., while tent camping runs only $15. Most campgrounds maintain reasonable rates compared to other recreational destinations.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operation schedules: Most campgrounds have limited availability after October. "Part of the campground is open after Labor Day, but the main season is Memorial day to Labor day," explains Michael M. about Coon Creek. Some facilities like showers and swimming areas close earlier than camping access.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise that may affect site selection. Percival Springs RV Campground sits near a small airport where "you can watch the helicopter or people fly with parachutes," notes Gillian L. Height restrictions may apply on access roads: "There could be a height problem for people coming off expressway as there is a train track with a 13'10" clearance."
Reservation requirements vary: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others offer first-come options. "Same day is first come first serve," explains one Wolf Creek visitor. During peak summer months and holiday weekends, advanced reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for premium waterfront sites.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Robin Hood Woods Campground offers dedicated recreation areas. "Beautiful new pool was perfectly maintained with plenty of tables and chairs to make a day of the time at the pool. Pavilion and picnic area near pool and playground perfect for family gatherings or kids birthdays," reports Sarah S.
Bug preparation necessary: Evening insect activity can be significant around the lake. "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. Screened shelters for dining areas are particularly useful during summer months.
Off-season wildlife viewing: Fall and winter camping provides unique nature observation opportunities. "There are lots of hiking trails and deer run through the park in herds in the winter months," notes Michael M. October visits coincide with fall foliage, creating scenic camping conditions with fewer crowds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection concerns: Many RV sites around Lake Shelbyville have specific limitations. At Robin Hood Woods, "Sites are a little to close. Trees in the shaded spots don't allow you to put your awning out," warns Terry. When booking, verify whether sites are back-in or pull-through as many campgrounds offer limited pull-through options.
Utilities and hookups: Water connections may require planning at some campgrounds. At Kamper Kompanion RV Park, visitors appreciate the "Easy on off, right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad," according to Jessica T. Wolf Creek campers should "bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away," advises Nathaniel K.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations, though not all sites offer full hookups. Spring Creek Campground provides "electricity but only a few have water. There are clean restrooms with free showers. There is a central dumping station upon exit," notes James C.
