Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Shelbyville, IL

Bo Wood Campground's dedicated dog parks for large and small dogs provide pet owners with fenced exercise areas near Lake Shelbyville. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard leash policies outside designated off-leash zones, with Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort, Coon Creek, Lithia Springs, and Opossum Creek all welcoming pets at their sites. The campgrounds feature a mix of tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. Campers with pets particularly appreciate Bo Wood's spacious sites that offer ample room for dogs to rest comfortably at camp. The dog parks at Bo Wood are a significant draw for pet owners, though they require a walk from some camping areas.

Lake Shelbyville's shoreline provides numerous opportunities for dogs to swim and cool off during summer months. Several campgrounds offer direct lake access where pets can enjoy the water alongside their owners. The 12-mile Chief Illini Trail connecting Lone Point to Eagle Creek accommodates leashed dogs for hiking adventures through moderate to difficult terrain. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with summer bugs becoming problematic after sunset at some campgrounds. Campers report that Bo Wood experiences swarms of sewer flies in the evening hours, making it advisable to keep pets inside after dark. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with accessible water sources for pets. Shelbyville town is typically within a 10-minute drive of most campgrounds, providing convenient access to pet supplies, veterinary services if needed, and additional amenities.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Shelbyville, Illinois (48)

    1. Coon Creek (IL)

    18 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "We've been camping at Coon Creek, on a beautiful Lake Shelbyville, for a few years now, the place is perfect for family vacations. And that's exactly what we do."

    "There are many sites on this campground that are wooded and have views of Lake Shelbyville. Boat ramp to put in your boat or kayaks and sand beach for the kids to go swimming."

    2. Lithia Springs

    10 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $36 / night

    "Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville! We stayed at Site #12 overlooking the lake."

    "Quiet campground, although you can hear a train off in the distance and anyone on the water. The shower house is very nice, clean and private."

    3. Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort

    7 Reviews
    Lake Shelbyville, IL
    3 miles
    Website

    "Right next to the lake. Plenty of room for everyone, from tents to the massive RVs. The pool very clean and never gets over crowded. Staff are knowledgeable and polite. Friendly/quiet dogs allowed."

    "Pavilion and picnic area near pool and playground perfect for family gatherings or kids birthdays. Even a small game room. Dog friendly too! Small pond to fish (catch/release). We will be back."

    4. Lone Point

    6 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $16 - $240 / night

    "One of the first campgrounds I ever went to and when camping in Illinois, my go-to campground and lake. My wife and I love this lake and have a lot of memories here."

    "I have camped here as well as all the Lake Shelbyville campgrounds many times before."

    5. Opossum Creek

    6 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $16 - $32 / night

    "Plenty of parking and can walk down to the lake. Water hookup and electric. Full hookups available closer to front of park. We like quiet and this site was great."

    "This campground is only about 6 miles from the town of Shelbyville where there is a Walmart, restaurant’s, gas stations, bait, hardware stores, medical care, the Shelbyville Dam, Beach, City Park with"

    6. Spillway (IL)

    3 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    "This campground is located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam."

    7. Forrest W. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "Right on lake Shelbyville."

    "Located on Lake Shelbyville, Bo Wood is an Army Co of Engineers park. Plenty of full hook ups and tent camping spots. Most by the lake."

    8. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "This campground has a dog park and beautiful views, but the sites are very crowded.  There are full hook up sites and electric only.  If you like the party atmosphere, this place is for you. "

    "Beautiful views of the lake! Just all-in-all a well maintained park. So, why not 5 stars?"

    10. Opossum Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mode, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 644-3091
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Shelbyville, IL

336 Reviews of 48 Shelbyville Campgrounds


  • T
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Opossum Creek

    Peaceful Campground

    We stayed on site 39. Quiet view of woods and part of cove. Plenty of parking and can walk down to the lake. Water hookup and electric. Full hookups available closer to front of park. We like quiet and this site was great. I tent camp too and the sites at the end of our "leg" look great. Even got our kayaks to the water not far from our campsite which was a bonus! If you have a boat, there is boat ramp too with large parking lot. Not too far from Shelbyville and the dam also. Overall a great campground!

  • Aaron B.
    Jun. 16, 2019

    Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    Wooded Solitude / Family Friendly

    Review of Drive In Tent Camping Site 2. Showed up on a Thursday night and had our pick of all the drive in and walk in sites. We decided on site 2 in the drive in area. Previous reviews and a book by John Schirle on Tent Camping in Illinois helped us with this decision as well. Decent maintained sites with some older picnic tables and fire rings, but let's be honest this stuff sits outside 24/7. Site 2 seemed to sit back the farthest with site 1 a close second. Both wooded sites that made for great shade and helped some when it was raining. Any two families looking for two sites could certainly set up and share the experience. Nice little cove behind them to try fishing. Just watch the hike down the path or ravine. Dog friendly, fresh water supply (hint put the handle all the way up and wait a few seconds), ability to store stuff in the car close by, outhouse toilets visible at the walk in parking lot, and helpful host for easy check in who even sells fire wood made for a great few days ($5 a bundle). Rated B/S site at a cost of $10 a night.

  • Kevin M.
    Aug. 20, 2018

    Lone Point

    A place of memories

    One of the first campgrounds I ever went to and when camping in Illinois, my go-to campground and lake. My wife and I love this lake and have a lot of memories here.

  • Austin-Tarra G.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Forrest W. Bo Wood

    Good Spot Except for the Large Amount of Sewer Flies

    We stayed at Boo Wood Campground for about five days and enjoyed much of their amenities.

    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. There was a large boat ramp with ample parking. We put in our kayaks on the boat ramp and enjoyed a nice paddle on a portion of the Shelbyville Lake.

    We paid less than$25 a night for full hooks up and we had an almost lake view.

    Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad. We let our dogs out past 8 p.m. and our camper was covered with swarms of psychodidae(sewer) flies. Once we quickly got in our camper, we spent the next hour killing the swarms of sewer flies that entered our camper. We learned our lesson and once the sun went down, we did not leave our camper.

  • b K.
    Jun. 4, 2022

    Lithia Springs

    Great campground & marina!

    Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville! We stayed at Site #12 overlooking the lake. The site was large and level although it can be tricky to back into. Also, the site is adjacent to a water observation/access area which invites a lot of foot traffic. This can be frustrating especially if you have pets.

  • Whistle P.
    Nov. 6, 2022

    The Double J Campground and RV Park

    This place has a great location

    The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean. Our Starlink had zero obstructions worked lightening fast. We LOVED having a dog park to exercise our dogs daily!

    Great location, close to all the Springfield attractions and Slauterhaus Brewing in Auburn, IL (this is the best brewery nearby, better than Buzz Bomb or Obed & Issacs in town!).

  • Debra M.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Bo Wood

    Four Stars because of the Dog Park

    This campground has a dog park and beautiful views, but the sites are very crowded.  There are full hook up sites and electric only.  If you like the party atmosphere, this place is for you.  If you like a more spread out and quiet park, look at Lithia Springs or Opossum.  Your park pass from any COE campground will get you in.

    Photos view from dog park.

  • Chris S.
    Oct. 6, 2019

    Bo Wood

    Lovely last camping trip of the season

    Giving this 4 stars for the awesomeness of the sites themselves. We were in 121. All of the sites we saw in our “loop” were super wide, all gravel and quite level. So well kept.....fire pit with grate, large picnic table....really, the site couldn’t have been better. Beautiful views of the lake! Just all-in-all a well maintained park. So, why not 5 stars? I really wanted good shore fishing and not only was it a long walk, but really not very good/easy to get to, or comfortable standing once you get there. Beautiful dog parks....one for large dogs and one for small, but again, a long walk from the campground. Not feasible for our older dog. One other thing, absolutely no lighting at night along the campground roadways. After dark, we watched a truck go into the ditch looking for the turn out (granted, the occupants sounded like they were well into partying), but the pitch darkness at night made it feel a little unsafe, especially walking the dog after dark. Still, the sites themselves are awesome.


Guide to Shelbyville

If you're looking for a great place to camp with your furry friends near Shelbyville, Illinois, there are several pet-friendly options that offer a variety of amenities and activities.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

  • At Coon Creek, campers can enjoy large, well-spaced sites surrounded by mature trees, perfect for pets to roam.
  • Lithia Springs features sites with electric hookups and plenty of shade, making it a comfortable spot for both pets and their owners.
  • Opossum Creek offers a peaceful environment with water access, ideal for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking with your dog.

Tips for camping with dogs near Shelbyville

  • Always keep your dog on a leash while exploring the trails at Forrest W. Bo Wood to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet, especially during hot days at Bo Wood, where shaded areas can be limited.
  • Make use of the dog park facilities available at Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort to let your dog socialize and play.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great activities

  • Camp Lakewood offers a small pond for fishing and a playground, making it a fun spot for families with pets.
  • Enjoy the beach access at Lithia Springs, where your dog can splash around while you relax by the water.
  • Spillway provides excellent fishing opportunities and bike trails, perfect for active pet owners looking to explore the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any pet-friendly cabins at Lake Shelbyville?

While many campgrounds around Lake Shelbyville welcome pets, cabins with pet accommodations are limited. Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort offers cottage rentals that may accommodate pets with prior approval and a pet deposit. Most camping options around the lake are primarily RV and tent sites. If you're seeking indoor accommodations with your pet, contact campgrounds directly about their specific cabin pet policies, as these can change seasonally and may have breed or size restrictions.

What pet restrictions apply at Lake Shelbyville camping areas?

Most Lake Shelbyville campgrounds require pets to be leashed (typically 6-foot maximum) at all times when outside your camping unit. At Forrest W. Bo Wood, pets must be attended and properly restrained, though they do offer a dedicated dog park for off-leash play. Lithia Springs maintains similar leash rules throughout the campground. Pets are typically not allowed in public buildings, shower houses, beaches, or designated swimming areas. Always carry proof of current vaccinations and be prepared to clean up after your pet, as waste disposal is strictly enforced at all sites.

Are there any pet-friendly activities or trails around Lake Shelbyville?

Lake Shelbyville offers numerous pet-friendly hiking opportunities on trails that wind through wooded areas and along the shoreline. Opossum Creek features walking paths where leashed pets can join you for scenic lake views. For dedicated pet recreation, Bo Wood campground has a designated dog park where your four-legged companions can exercise off-leash. Many of the lake's public access areas and day-use spots welcome leashed pets, making it easy to enjoy shoreline walks, picnics, and general exploration together. Remember to bring water for your pet and waste bags to maintain these pet-friendly areas.