Lake Shelbyville spans 11,100 acres with over 250 miles of shoreline across central Illinois. Located 40 miles south of Decatur at an elevation of 599 feet, the area features a mix of oak-hickory forests and prairie landscapes. Most campgrounds around Lake Shelbyville offer seasonal operation from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The various inlets and coves of Lake Shelbyville provide excellent fishing spots, particularly at Lithia Springs where fishing enthusiasts gather. "Definitely a fishing oriented campground! The sites have both cement pads and gravel depending on the site. Some of the sites are huge, most are nice size and more or less well maintained," notes Shelly S.
Hiking trails: The Chief Illini trail connects multiple recreation areas with varying difficulty levels. At Fox Ridge State Park Campground, visitors find more challenging terrain. "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped mountains of soil in the area where this park is located. The surrounding farm land is flat as can be, but the forested hills and creek beds in the park are almost mountainous," according to Michael M.
Boating access: Most campgrounds feature boat ramps or marina access, particularly useful during summer months. "Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville! We stayed at Site #12 overlooking the lake," reports b K., noting the easy water access combined with campsite views.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many visitors appreciate the spacing and layout of campsites at Lone Point. "We stayed at loan point in a 20 foot travel trailer on site 55 which was a great spot to be. We had a small, narrow, and very steep path to a beach area that was great for exploring and building rock formations," shares Melissa B., highlighting the private access to water.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses as a key feature of their stay. "Campground well maintained and bathrooms/showers are kept clean. Easy access to lake, my family has been coming here every year for 20 plus years," notes Nathan E. about Lithia Springs.
Family-friendly amenities: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers numerous amenities for families seeking comfort while glamping near Shelbyville, Illinois. "This is our close to home, fave weekender site. Electric only but still love. Spaced out, gravel sites and asphalt roads. We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from," comments Kaitlin D.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season from May through September, advance booking is essential. "If camping on weekends May to September will need to book in advanced," advises Nathan E. about Lithia Springs, a common theme across most Lake Shelbyville campgrounds.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "The main campground closes on Labor Day however there is a small section near the boat ramp open year round and this has nice sites in it with camp stove stands as well as grills and awesome fire pits," Michael M. explains about Lone Point.
Weather preparedness: Central Illinois weather can change rapidly, requiring appropriate gear. At Wolf Creek State Park Campground, one camper noted: "We had an almost full moon, but otherwise I think the stars would've been pretty awesome. The next morning we woke up and took a little hike down to Shelby Reservoir to see what was around."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. "AT&T has good phone service. Only one dumpster for trash and it's at the entrance to the campground. Shower house is clean and well maintained," explains Josh H. about his experience at Eagle Creek State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort provides multiple recreation options within walking distance. "Great campground for a chill entertaining weekend with kids. 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," shares Sarah S.
Safety considerations: Campgrounds vary in terrain and water access. "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," notes Austin-Tarra G. about Forrest W. Bo Wood campground.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing offers learning experiences for children. "There is tons of deer and other animals to watch and watch out that they don't steal your food while you are sleeping. The wild life is great for photography and makes for some good fireside stories," advises Michael M. regarding Eagle Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Forrest W. Bo Wood offers accommodations for larger rigs with varying levels of privacy. "It's crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site," mentions Juliana about the campground layout, providing insight for selecting optimal sites.
Hookup information: Electric service varies across campgrounds, with limited full-hookup options. "Nice big spacious sites! Reserve early to get full hookup! Right on lake Shelbyville," advises Sonya A. about Bo Wood.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies considerably throughout the area. "There are 105 campsites and they fill up with reservations in the spring and summer months. Half the campsites have electric hookups and water near the sites, the other half now have full hookups and 50 amp service," explains Michael M. about Lithia Springs.
