Matthew H.
Scout
ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Lakeside View
Campground host is super cool. Best campground in the Springfield area, in my opinion!
Camping near Sullivan, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The rural countryside surrounding Sullivan, Illinois features multiple campgrounds concentrated around Lake Shelbyville, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabin rentals. Lake Shelbyville serves as the centerpiece for camping in this region, with notable developed campgrounds including Coon Creek, Lithia Springs, and Opossum Creek. Most camping areas in the region are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering well-maintained facilities including boat ramps, picnic areas, and fishing access points along the 26-mile lake.
Campground availability typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Several campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer periods when waterfront sites fill quickly. A review mentioned, "We've been camping at Coon Creek, on a beautiful Lake Shelbyville, for a few years now, the place is perfect for family vacations." Roads throughout the region are generally well-maintained, providing easy access to most developed campgrounds. The proximity to Shelbyville offers campers convenient access to supplies, with several visitors noting the convenience of nearby stores and restaurants. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making shaded sites particularly desirable during July and August.
Water access represents a primary draw for campers in the Sullivan area, with numerous sites offering views of Lake Shelbyville. Campgrounds feature a range of amenities from basic tent sites with electricity to full-hookup RV sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. One camper observed, "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." Several camping areas include fishing opportunities, boat launches, and swimming areas. Weekday camping tends to be quieter, while weekends see increased activity both in campgrounds and on the lake. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, making most sites accessible for various camping setups from tents to large RVs.
Best Campgrounds near Sullivan (61)
1. Coon Creek (IL)
"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."
from $18 - $48 / night
Check Availability2. Wolf Creek State Park Campground
"The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."
"We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone."
3. Bo Wood
"In 2017 it has 150 camping sites, a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, several picnic areas and a bait shop at the entrance on Illinois Route 32 4 miles South of Sullivan."
"It is right next to the lake. I get some views. In the pictures I posted you’ll see what I’m talking about."
from $18 - $48 / night
Check Availability4. Forrest W. Bo Wood
"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."
"It’s crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site. Lots of people here today"
from $18 - $48 / night
Check Availability5. Eagle Creek State Park Campground
"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."
"The trails were well marked and nice lake with pavilion near the lake."
6. Lithia Springs
"At the end of the circles there are some sites right on the lake and the boat ramp is nearby. Nice latrines and showerhouses."
"Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville! We stayed at Site #12 overlooking the lake."
from $18 - $36 / night
Check Availability7. Lone Point
"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."
from $16 - $240 / night
Check Availability8. Opossum Creek
"There is a children's playground and trails to walk toward the lake and fantastic views. If you don't care about full hook up, try for the sites 39 to 46 and 11 to 34 that offer more privacy. "
"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 lakeside"
from $16 - $32 / night
Check Availability9. Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort
"Right next to the lake. Plenty of room for everyone, from tents to the massive RVs. The pool very clean and never gets over crowded. Staff are knowledgeable and polite. Friendly/quiet dogs allowed."
"It’s close to home for us but also, very clean with nice staff and a fun environment. The pool is a huge plus, it’s so incredibly nice."
10. Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville
"But a beautiful lake and campground."
Drive Time
- 32 min from Decatur, IL
- 53 min from Champaign, IL
- 1 hr 7 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 24 min from Bloomington, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Sullivan, IL
56 Photos of 61 Sullivan Campgrounds
Ryne T.
Bo Wood
juliana
Forrest W. Bo Wood
Sonya A.
Wolf Creek State Park Campground
Lori W.
Eagle Creek State Park Campground
Meg S.
Coon Creek (IL)
Debra M.
Opossum Creek
The Dyrt
Bella Vita Private Resort
Abby H.
Spring Creek Campground
Natassha F.
Camp Lakewood
Rachel H.
Walnut Point State Park Campground
Art S.
Friends Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Sullivan, IL
322 Reviews of 61 Sullivan Campgrounds
Brian
TravelerMontrose county fair grounds
Montrose county fair grounds
This is a county fairgrounds/park. There's a few sites with hookups that cost 25$ or you can camp anywhere here without hookups for 15$. It's an honor system box by the bathroom. It's super easy to find, take exit 105 off I70 and head north about a quarter mile. There's a dirt road on the right with camping signs pointing you in. The road in goes through a cemetery and after that is the park.
Tammy S.
GuideLithia Springs
Nice park, lovely views
Lovely views of the lake. We had site 60. Lots of area around us, space between sites. Our sight was not the most level, but we made it work.
- IIrene M.Guide
Lake Taylorville City Campground
In the middle of long-term campers
Challenge to find the assigned camping site, which turned out to be on a slope with a picnic table in the middle of it, which I was unable to move, so I took another spot that was somewhat flatter. There are only 12 overnight campsites at this campground which do have concrete slabs however they are all very slanted and the electric box is a ways away. In addition, the bathhouse is no where near these sites.
- Claire C.Scout
Camp Lakewood
Late check-in, very accommodating
Beautiful campground! Walk-in tent site. Late arrival. Bathrooms are spotless.
Cha M.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Common smaller campground with great views
This is the bigger campground between hickory point and deer run options. The shower house, snack shop, and city water are onsite. There are vault toilets near the primitive camping, as well as another water spigot. Playground, pavillion, and sand volleyball court give options to entertain kids, with plenty of fishing, trails, and lake views to entertain the adults. We primitive camped here at the closest site to the parking. #57 is the closest, with the rest of the primitive sites being more of a trek to the site. However, the privacy, quietness, and views are 100% worth the trek to us. We did camp with a doggo, who does bark at passerby’s that are “too close” in her opinion but otherwise doesn’t. All the campers during our stay except for one very disruptive couple, did not complain at all and many came to give her loves or treats to help prevent further barking when they passed by. And honestly, the couple that did make the comment, clearly need to be at different campgrounds because the host had to come break them up after quiet hours began and they didn’t respect that rule. We also then were woken up by the same couple as they were packing up the next morning due to them yelling at each other. The hosts did try to make sure they slowed down while passing this site though, and I do believe if we had made some sort of complaint to them, they would have handled it immediately. We love this campground, and honestly we feel as if anywhere there are rvs allowed, you will likely have someone make a comment about the dog. It’s never been other tent campers, even the ones on electric sites. The snack shop has ice (currently $3 even a bag, with hosts including tax in the $3 to make it easier for campers), firewood bundles (not sure on price) as well as many smaller campground necessities including snacks and drinks, some fishing tackle, and some other camping things such as bug spray and sunblock. I did not check any prices on those. There is technically a bait shop also nearby, though between two longer stays here and at deer run, we’ve only seen him open once. And according to one of the hosts, he doesn’t seem to have “regular hours” other than he’s for sure closed Sundays and Mondays. The following Tuesday after learning this, he was also closed all day. So I’m not sure about anything there. He does also have an ice machine outside though.
- Cha M.Scout
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Small, quiet, state park camping
Couple camping here, spent multiple nights in a row in primitive camping here. As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away. Shower house and city water available that way. Playground for kiddos on site. Lots of people bring pets, including equestrian for those campsite. Those do include the post to tie up on at each site. The hosts (bob and dawn were really checking in on us that stay, including being able to help when we accidentally killed our car battery. They also made thorough and consistent rounds which we appreciated. Also had Lynn, one of the idnr guys here, come back at the end of his shift to make sure we had learned about the storms coming in. He even checked in again the next chance he got to make sure we were okay still. We did end up leaving early, to which there is not refunds (I think this is state parks in general) however at $6 a night for primitive, we took that loss especially during an extreme heat warning (for multiple days). If you want a quieter campsite, I would recommend this one over hickory point as hickory point seems to be more RVers instead of the more primitive style of camping tends to be.
Julie F.
RangerWolf Creek State Park Campground
So many sites. Great camp hosts
Rolled in on a July Saturday at 6:30pm. There are hundreds of sites at this campground and so many were still open. Was looking for a Class C site (I.e. rustic site, no hookups). Chatted with camp hosts « papa Bruce » and « grandma sugar burger » They were so sweet and accommodating. For same day, it’s first come first serve so bring cash - you can online pay with a card online 3 days minimum before. 8$ Class C and 20$ Class A (hookup). Dump station and water and trash receptacles. Lots of hiking trails and eating activities - sadly we didn’t have time to explore.
- IIndia J.Traveler
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Great campground, private and quiet primitive sites!
We've stayed at Hickory Point before, but this was our first time at Deer Run. It has not disappointed! The primitive sites (there are 5 with no electric or water hookups) are off set in the back of the campground, providing privacy and quiet, which is what we were going for this time. The primitive sites without electric or water are $6 a night, and you can for pay up to 14 nights at a time. There are electric and water hook up sites for $8 a night, they just aren't as private but still lovely! The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well. There are well water spigots at Dee Run and Hickory Point, but the city water spigot is at Hickory Point only. It rained quite a bit our first two nights here, but there are so many trees covering the primitive sites you couldn't really feel it until it was thunder storming. We stayed nice and dry inside the tent. There are a LOT of sassy raccoons who will still your food - and the containers that never had food in them in fact- as well waking up to crows cawing every morning- may not be everyone's thing, but I sure enjoy that aspect. The hosts are fantastic and make rounds every 2-3 hours each day, anything we've needed they e been able to help with or point us in the direction to go next. Great campground to stay at, whether for a night or a week, no complaints here thus far!
Guide to Sullivan
The campsite options near Sullivan, Illinois center around Lake Shelbyville, a 26-mile reservoir with over 170 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s with high humidity from June through August, while spring and fall bring milder temperatures in the 60s-70s. Most campgrounds in the area sit at approximately 600 feet elevation, with terrain featuring oak and hickory forests surrounding the lake.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Bo Wood, visitors can use the fish cleaning station and multiple fishing areas. "Lots of great fishing around and several marinas if you don't have your own boat," notes one camper who enjoyed the accessible shore fishing options.
Kayaking launches: The gravel paths at Opossum Creek provide easy lake access for paddlers. "We got our kayaks to the water not far from our campsite which was a bonus," explains a reviewer who appreciated the convenient launching spots.
Biking routes: Lake Shelbyville offers miles of biking trails connecting campgrounds. "Great place to ride bikes; didn't venture on lake but it was beautiful. Bo Wood is on north end of lake and is the quiet side," writes one visitor who preferred the less crowded northern section.
Golf courses: Eagle Creek State Park features an 18-hole golf course adjacent to the campgrounds. "There is a golf course and a run down lodge/hotel that has been closed for several years," mentions a reviewer who noted the amenities beyond standard camping facilities.
What campers like
Private water access: Many sites at Lithia Springs have their own paths to the water. "Most sites have a decent amount of room between them and there are some buddy sites where you share a large table cooking area and park facing each other," explains a reviewer who appreciated the spacious layout.
Swimming areas: Wolf Creek State Park maintains a beach that remains open through Labor Day. "There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round," notes a camper familiar with the seasonal operations.
Shaded sites: The mature trees throughout campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "This place is really shady and is not exposed to the sun. The sites here are really clean and well maintained," shares a camper who stayed at Coon Creek.
Tent-specific areas: Several campgrounds offer dedicated tent camping sections with more privacy. "I tent camp when I stay here now, but have camped here with a motorhome and filled up when I entered and dumped when I left for a long weekend," explains a visitor who enjoys both styles of camping at Lithia Springs.
What you should know
Reservation windows: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "This campground is very shady on a beautiful lake. The tent campsites are level and there is enough space between the sites to make for a quiet night," explains a Coon Creek reviewer who recommends booking early.
Bug activity: Evening insects can be problematic during summer months. "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," warns a Bo Wood camper.
Wildlife concerns: Lone Point Campground and other areas have active wildlife. "There is tons of deer and other animals to watch and watch out that they don't steal your food while you are sleeping," cautions a reviewer about the local fauna.
Camp host availability: Host presence varies between campgrounds and seasons. "I never saw a ranger the entire time I was there and the host didn't show up until Friday. The bathrooms were dirty and weren't cleaned until Friday," reports a Wolf Creek visitor during an off-peak stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Robin Hood Woods Campground offers unique play structures. "Wonderful pirate ship playground. Weekend activities for the kids. Electric golf carts allowed," shares a parent who enjoyed the family-friendly amenities.
Kid-friendly events: Several campgrounds host seasonal activities. "I believe I was told the Rangers do events for the kids," mentions a Bo Wood visitor who noted the educational programs offered.
Beach selection: Compare beach options between campgrounds for the best swimming experience. "There is a beach for the lake but it's outside the campground and down the road," points out a Bo Wood camper explaining the need to plan for transportation to swimming areas.
Weather considerations: Plan for shade during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. "Half of my trip was in the high 90s and the sun was just beaming on the building. So it was not pleasurable to use the bathroom or take a shower then," warns a Bo Wood camper about the lack of air conditioning in facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. "The sites are divided into many loops and have side pull-in sites and back-in sites. The RV and tent sites are grouped in the same loops," explains a Coon Creek reviewer noting the variety of parking options.
Hookup distribution: Full hookup availability varies widely between campgrounds. "There are 81 sites in total, 17 tent with electric, 17 full hook up and the remaining are electric RV sites. There are 6 water hydrants in the park that make it easy for all not water sites to fill up with their hose," details an Opossum Creek visitor.
Water hose requirements: Plan for distance to water connections at some sites. "Nice park, spacious sites, bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away," advises a Wolf Creek State Park camper who discovered this limitation during their stay.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "The campground featured a dog park which provided room for our dogs to run around. There was also a large boat ramp with ample parking," notes a reviewer who appreciated the extra amenities at Bo Wood Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Sullivan, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Sullivan, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sullivan, IL is Coon Creek (IL) with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
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