Best Campgrounds near Shelbyville, IL

Camping near Shelbyville, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Coon Creek, provide access to Lake Shelbyville, which is great for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "The beach for swimming was the kids' favorite part."
• Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Fox Ridge State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Great hiking trails and clean shower and bath houses."
• Playgrounds and Sports: Campgrounds like Okaw Valley Kampground have playgrounds and sports facilities. A reviewer noted, "Kids liked the slides in the playground."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. One visitor at Double J Campground said, "The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, spacious sites. A camper at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area remarked, "Sites were spacious but didn’t have much privacy, which allowed our kids to play with others easily."
• Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A review for Sangchris Lake State Park Campground highlighted, "Tony and Danielle and the rest of the campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!"

What you should know:

• Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Coles Creek Recreation Area, are only open from early May to late September. A camper noted, "Great campsite has lots of sites including a section just for first come first serve."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. For instance, Weldon Springs State Park Campground lacks water hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. One camper at Weldon Springs mentioned, "My friend had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Okaw Valley Kampground has a nice pool and playground, making it great for kids.
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. A family at Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area enjoyed biking around the area.
• Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. A camper at Camp Lakewood mentioned, "Firewood bundles were $10!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site before booking. A reviewer at Double J Campground noted, "Good gravel spots with full hookups."
• Use Online Resources: Check reviews and photos online to find the best spots. One RV traveler at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area shared, "We had 3 sites and made one a home base."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, so expect some noise. A camper at Fox Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a playground for the kiddos across the street."

Camping near Shelbyville, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!