Lake Shelbyville forms the centerpiece of camping opportunities near Sullivan, Illinois, with most sites situated within 20 miles of town. The terrain features rolling prairie interspersed with wooded areas, with elevations ranging from 600-640 feet above sea level. Year-round camping is available at several locations, though mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly after sunset.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: The 12-mile trail from Lone Point Campground to Eagle Creek offers moderate to difficult hiking along the lakeshore. "There is a 12 mile trail from Lone Point to Eagle creek along the lake shore line, this trail is moderate to difficult hiking," notes a regular visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Lithia Springs provides excellent access to Lake Shelbyville's fishing spots. The marina nearby offers "boat gas, fishing equipment, bait, snacks and other items you might need in a pinch," according to a camper who frequently visits the area.
Beach activities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features unusually warm waters due to the nearby nuclear plant discharge. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Friends Creek Campground, "The sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart and with the many trees, it did not feel crowded, despite being almost full when we were there," according to a recent visitor. This campground offers a quieter alternative to the busier lake options.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses at Fox Ridge State Park Campground. "Great little campground close to Charleston and Eastern Illinois University. Not really anywhere to fish close, but nice quite park," notes one visitor. Another adds, "The shower house is clean and well maintained."
Lakeside camping spots: Several campgrounds offer sites directly on the water. 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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Lake Shelbyville campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. At Forrest W. Bo Wood, one camper noted, "Reserve early to get full hookup! Right on lake Shelbyville."
Bug issues: Evening insects can be problematic at certain times. "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 one camper about Bo Wood.
Off-season considerations: Water services are typically shut off in winter. One camper at Clinton Lake reported, "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort offers multiple activities for children. A grandmother reported, "Took grandkids there for the day. 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."
Yurt camping options: For families looking for yurt camping near Sullivan, Illinois, several state parks provide this glamping option. These structures offer more comfort than traditional tents while maintaining an outdoor experience.
Quieter camping loops: At Clinton Lake, different sections have distinct atmospheres. "The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families," advises one regular camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Eagle Creek State Park Campground, RV sites vary significantly. "Most of the sites are large with extra lawn area to set up games," notes one visitor. Another adds, "Sites are nice but not many pull in RV sites or tent sites."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at most campgrounds in the region. 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."
Level site considerations: Many campgrounds have varied terrain. At Clinton Lake, "Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover. This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan."
