Lake Shelbyville creates the topographical centerpiece for camping near Windsor, Illinois, with 11,100 acres of water surface and 172 miles of shoreline. The reservoir sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with typical water depths reaching 35-40 feet in the main basin. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall visitors experience moderate 50-70°F conditions with less humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Access prime spots at Lithia Springs, where the marina provides boat gas, fishing equipment, and bait. "The sites are huge, most are nice size and more or less well maintained. At the end of the circles there are some sites right on the lake and the boat ramp is nearby," notes Shelly S., highlighting the fishing-focused environment.
Hiking with elevation changes: Explore Fox Ridge State Park where the landscape differs dramatically from surrounding farmland. "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped off 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," explains Michael M.
Swimming options: Cool off at Sangchris Lake State Park which offers multiple recreational areas including a beach. "This park has multiple public use areas, 2 campgrounds, boat launches, fishing piers and a beach," reports Susan L., who enjoyed "sunset views and stars" during her stay.
What campers like
Private beach access: Some sites at Lone Point offer direct paths to secluded shoreline. Melissa B. describes her experience: "We had a small, narrow, and very steep path to a beach area that was great for exploring and building rock formations. We even caught the sunset on the beach that night."
Equestrian camping: Wolf Creek State Park offers dedicated facilities for horse owners. "The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails. There are 13 horse camp sites and additional trailer parking for about 6 more rigs with tie out posts for riders that will not be camping," explains Michael M.
Off-season solitude: Fall and winter camping options exist at several Windsor-area campgrounds. "This park is open year round so the fantastic camping in spring and fall are available. You should watch out for hunters in the area when bow season starts October 1st," advises a camper about Eagle Creek State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Reservation planning: Popular lakefront sites book months ahead at most campgrounds, particularly for summer weekends. "If camping on weekends May to September will need to book it in advance," warns Nathan E. about Lithia Springs.
Cell service variability: Signal strength fluctuates throughout the camping areas. At Sangchris Lake State Park, one camper noted: "Decent AT&T cellular coverage (it varies but able to stream, etc)," while others reported minimal connectivity at Wolf Creek during weekday stays.
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds remain open year-round. "The main campground closes on Labor Day however there is a small section near the boat ramp open year round," reports a camper about Lone Point's partial winter operations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Robin Hood Woods offers kid-focused amenities. "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," shares Tina H., highlighting activities beyond typical camping.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events enhance summer stays. "Weekend activities for the kids" are mentioned by Janelle H. at Robin Hood Woods, who notes the campground is "fun, clean, safe for the family."
Tent-specific sites: Seek quieter camping loops for family tent experiences. At Bo Wood Recreation Area, Katherine T. advises: "Would return again if I could snag a tent loop site," noting that her site "backs up to woods" but was "definitely in a loop of the park better suited to travel trailers/RVs."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between campgrounds. At Forrest W. Bo Wood, "Plenty of full hook ups and tent camping spots. Most by the lake. Well kept with bathroom and shower facilities, a playground and laundry," reports Monica R.
Site leveling considerations: Check campground reviews for terrain details. "Nice big spacious sites! Reserve early to get full hookup!" advises Sonya A. about Bo Wood Recreation Area, while Fox Ridge campers note that most sites are "level" but vary in size and privacy.
Yurt camping alternatives: Windsor area offers limited yurt options, with most semi-permanent structures classified as cabins or cottages. For those seeking yurt camping near Windsor, Illinois, alternatives include glamping structures at Wolf Creek and Eagle Creek, which provide similar enclosed camping experiences.
