Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to the Kaskaskia River below Lake Shelbyville Dam at this small campground managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Located behind the Spillway Motel across from the dam, the facility provides 16 full hookup sites and approximately 20 primitive campsites priced at $10 per night. The campground includes drinking water, restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and allows campfires and pets.
A boat ramp provides water access, while an on-site bait shop supports anglers targeting the productive spillway waters. Full-time residents occupy some cabins and trailers year-round. October visitors report minimal crowds despite the proximity to town. For additional camping choices, consider campgrounds around Shelbyville or the nearby Kaskaskia River Camp. Reservations are available for those planning extended river fishing trips.
Description
Overview
Spillway is a day use area on the shore of the Kaskaskia River just below the Lake Shelbyville dam.
Situated in the heart of central Illinois, the river, lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, picnicking and simply relaxing by the water.
Natural Features:
This facility is mostly open with some wooded areas. Oak and hickory are the dominant tree species.
Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer.
Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.
Recreation:
Spillway is a fun place to relax along the river. It has plenty of open space and a playground for children.
Lake Shelbyville and the Kaskaskia River also offer a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without boats, there are also several ponds with farmed fish available around the lake.
Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.
Facilities:
This facility has a reservable picnic shelter that can accommodate 50 people. Six picnic tables, a playground, volleyball courts, fish cleaning station, flush toilets and spigots for drinking water are provided.
Nearby Attractions:
Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSpillway (IL) is located in Illinois
Directions
Spillway is located at Lake Shelbyville dam, just east of the City of Shelbyville, Illinois. From Shelbyville, take State Route 16 east. Turn left (north) just after the dam into the day use area.
Coordinates
39.40694419 N
88.77972282 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/16/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 39 min from Decatur, IL
- 1 hr 7 min from Champaign, IL
- 1 hr 8 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 30 min from Bloomington, IL
