Lake Shelbyville campgrounds offer camping options across 11,100 acres of water surface and 172 miles of shoreline. Most sites are managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and provide standard amenities including fire pits with cooking grates and lantern posts. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with some sites available year-round. Winter temperatures average 20-40°F while summer months reach 75-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Shelbyville provides excellent fishing access for various species. At Coon Creek, campers report "Lake Shelbyville has everything: biking, hiking, a beach, fishing and the town has a small movie theater showing current movies for $4.00" according to Ronald B. The lake is particularly known for crappie, bass, and catfish.
Boating and kayaking: The lake features multiple boat ramps and rental options. At Lithia Springs, "The marina here is great with boat gas, fishing equipment, bait, snacks and other items you might need in a pinch. They also rent fishing boats and pontoon boats so you can go on a boating excursion while camping here for a price," notes Michael M.
Hiking trails: Explore moderate to challenging terrain along the lakefront. One camper at Lone Point mentioned, "There is a 12 mile trail from Lone Point to Eagle creek along the lake shore line, this trail is moderate to difficult hiking." Trails connect several campgrounds around the lake, offering different views of the shoreline.
What campers like
Spacious camping sites: Many campgrounds feature exceptionally wide sites with good separation. At Lone Point, Melissa B. shares her experience: "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."
Tent camping with lake views: Several pet-friendly campgrounds offer prime tent sites. A camper at Opossum Creek noted, "There are 81 sites in total, 17 tent with electric, 17 full hook up and the remaining are electric RV sites." Many tent sites include electric hookups, a welcome feature during hot summer months.
Dedicated pet facilities: Beyond the standard pet-friendly policies, Bo Wood offers specialized pet amenities. According to one camper, "This campground has a dog park and beautiful views, but the sites are very crowded." The dog parks feature separate areas for large and small dogs, making it an excellent choice among dog-friendly campgrounds near Shelbyville.
What you should know
Seasonal bug issues: Some campgrounds experience significant insect activity after dark. At Bo Wood, one reviewer warns: "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."
Lake access varies by site: Not all lake-facing sites provide easy water access. At Opossum Creek Campground, Teri M. explains: "We stayed on site 39. Quiet view of woods and part of cove. Plenty of parking and can walk down to the lake... Even got our kayaks to the water not far from our campsite which was a bonus!"
Bathroom and shower facilities: Quality varies between campgrounds. While most feature clean facilities, some lack certain amenities. Crystal from Coon Creek notes, "There are flushing toilets, but weren't that great to me... doors wouldn't lock and there were no soap dispensers."
Tips for camping with families
Buddy sites for group camping: Several campgrounds offer specialized sites for multiple families. Meg S. recommends Coon Creek: "Gather 10-12 of us, reserve a buddy site, so we can all be on one campsite (big enough to fit 5 tents and an RV). If you have a small group and want to get a small site, there are plenty of those."
Playgrounds and recreation areas: For families with children, look for campgrounds with dedicated play spaces. A visitor to Robin Hood Woods mentioned, "There's a pool, playground, fishing pond and small arcade room. You can rent a peddle type cart that holds 4 people who all peddle. They really loved them."
Swimming options: Beaches aren't available at every campground. Patricia D. observed about Bo Wood, "For a beautiful campsite to be surrounded by a lake. You can't really see or Have access to swim in. There is a beach for the lake but it's outside the campground and down the road."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at most campgrounds. Michael M. explains at Lithia Springs, "Half the campsites have electric hookups and water near the sites, the other half now have full hookups and 50 amp service. It is recommended to fill your tanks as you enter so you won't need to get water during your stay for the sites on the point."
Site leveling considerations: Site conditions vary considerably across the area's pet-friendly campgrounds. Kevin C. at Opossum Creek notes, "Plenty of shade. This is an older campground showing some of its age. The few full hook up sites are beautiful. Many of the other sites are out of level."
Off-season advantages: Consider camping outside peak months for a quieter experience. Michael M. advises, "I find that October camping at Bo Woods most agreeable with less people tent camping and less boat traffic on the lake. The fishing this time of year is also very good."
