Lake Shelbyville is in the heart of Illinois. In the 1940s, those living in the area were concerned that river flooding was damaging farmland and the area’s infrastructure. They then went to Congress who authorized the construction of three dams on the Kaskaskia River for flood control, including Lake Shelbyville. Today, the lake offers many recreational areas and activities, including the nearby Wolf Creek and Eagle Creek State Parks.
During your visit to the lake, be sure to partake in the many activities and attractions that are offered. Head down one of the many hiking trails in the area, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. Take a tour of the dam to learn more about its history and operations. On the water, take a boat out to explore and enjoy a hot day. Fish from land or water on the well-stocked lake.
There are six campgrounds at Lake Shelbyville, each capable of accommodating those with large RVs. Primitive tent sites are available as well. The recreation areas each have a boat ramp and many other amenities. The campgrounds are open from the spring to fall, though exact dates may vary. Many campsites can be reserved while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lake Shelbyville is located in Central Illinois. Surrounded by many towns and cities, visitors to the lake won’t have to go far to find services such as gas or groceries.
Once settled in at your campground you may find it necessary to drive to other recreation areas to enjoy some activities such as a swimming beach or hiking trails. There are several parking lots throughout the recreation areas on the lake.
The campgrounds and campsites are paved. Even those with large RVs should have no trouble navigating the roads around the lake or campground.
On the western shore of Lake Shelbyville, you’ll find Opossum Creek Recreation Area. This campground has a mix of RV and tent sites. Most have electric hookups, but others are primitive.
A playground, restrooms with showers, and a dump station are all available for use to those who visit Opossum Creek.
Lone Point Recreation Area is on the western shore of the lake. Surrounded by hickory and oak trees, this campground is both shady and secluded.
Lone Point Campground is a great spot for group camping and can accommodate groups up to 80 people. There are 10 paved sites with electric hookups that can fit many RVs or tents. A boat ramp, playground, and restrooms with showers are at Lone Point to make your stay more comfortable.
Lithia Springs is a well-shaded campground with over 100 campsites. One the eastern shore of Lake Shelbyville it is just a short walk to the water from many of the campsites. All sites at Lithia Springs have electric hookups.
There are many amenities at Lithia Springs. These include a swim beach, boat ramp, and playground.
From April to October each year, Bo Wood Recreation Area is open for camping. There are over 140 campsites with electric hookups. Located on the northern end of Lake Shelbyville, this recreation area has a boat ramp for those with a boat. Other features of Bo Wood include a playground, dump station, and restrooms with showers.
Visitors to Lake Shelbyville are sure to see some of the area’s wildlife. Many different types of waterfowl and shorebirds may be seen on and near the lake. Mink, squirrels, rabbits, and muskrats may be seen or heard rustling in the woods along the hiking trails or in the campgrounds. During quiet mornings, white-tailed deer are commonly sighted grazing near the lake.
Lake Shelbyville is stocked with many different types of fish on an annual basis, providing visitors with a fantastic opportunity for fishing. Fishing piers scattered around the lake make ideal spots to fish from the shore. If you plan to bring or rent a boat, find a quiet spot away from crowds to cast your line. Catfish, crappie, walleye, bass, and bluegill are common catches.
Lake Shelbyville has many hiking and biking trails of varying lengths. The longest is the 11-mile Chief Illini Trail and the shortest is the Coon Creek Nature Trail at .7 miles. While out exploring the trails stay on the path using trail markers. Some trails may be overgrown. Check conditions and use caution. Some trails or bridges can close due to high water. Additionally, there are a couple of weekends each year that trails close for Shotgun Deer Season.
Wilborn Creek is a group camp area on the north side of Lake Shelbyville. This campground is open from April to October and while reservations are accepted, the group camp is available on a first-come, first-served basis as well.
Wilborn Creek has 10 campsites with full hookups and 50-amp electric. Amenities of this campground include a picnic area, restroom with showers, a playground, and swim beach.
Coon Creek is on the western side of Lake Shelby and is well-shaded by a thick forest of hickory and oak trees. The campground has 181 campsites and is open from May to October. All campsites have electric hookups. About half of the campsites can be reserved, while the rest are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are many amenities that can be enjoyed by park guests. A playground, swimming beach, and boat ramp are just a few perks of Coon Creek to make your stay more enjoyable.
Dam tours are a great way to learn more about the history, construction, and purpose of Lake Shelbyville. Dam tours are operated on weekends during the summer months, beginning Memorial Day. If planning to come with a large group, you’ll want to call in advance of your visit.
During the heat of summer, take a dip in the water at one of the several swimming beaches on Lake Shelbyville. Lithia Springs and Coon Creek swimming beaches are open to campground guests only. The beaches at Wolf Creek, Wilborn Creek, Sullivan, and Dam West recreation areas are open to the public.
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Shelbyville. There are several boat ramps around the lake making it easy to launch your boat or other watercraft into the water. If you don’t have or are unable to bring your boat for your visit, there are three marinas on the lake and each offers boat rentals.
