The best camping near Lake Shelbyville

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Shelbyville adventure.

100% (4 reviews)

Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Shelbyville

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Shelbyville

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Shelbyville

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Bella Vita Private Resort

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Ashmore, IL

Welcome to Bella Vita Resort and Glamping where we're dedicated to reviving the timeless joy of family bonding and outdoor adventure. In a world where life moves quickly, we invite you to slow down and savor every moment with your loved ones. Our mission is simple: to provide a wide array of group activities that cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun and create lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor experience, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Bella Vita. For those traveling with RVs, we offer spacious sites with 30/50-amp with partial and full hookups, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you prefer luxury tent camping, you will love our glamping tents. Our regular tent sites come equipped with 110 amp electric, allowing you to enjoy a cozy retreat under the stars while still having access to modern amenities. For true nature enthusiasts, we also offer primitive sites situated along the serene lake or river, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or simply taking in the picturesque views, our primitive sites offer a truly immersive camping experience. At Bella Vita Resort, we believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Join us in embracing the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure and family bonding, and rediscovering the joy of living your best life.

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1912 Vintage Barn Experience

7 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Niantic, IL

The 1912 Barn is a 110 historic post and beam barn that makes a wonderful backdrop for a night out in the country. Located only 25 minutes from Springfield historic sites and 10 minutes from Decatur, IL this location makes it easy to tour during the day and relax by the camp fire in the evening. Decatur has a mini golf course, splash cove water park, children's zoo and museum, a governor's mansion for tours and 3 museums to visit. Milikin University offers local college level sports. Decatur has a great lake for paddle boarding, boating and fishing with canoe trips down the local Sangamon River. Several local breweries and cute market areas makes Decatur a great place to visit. Take a ride on the trolley and learn out our history. Springfield sites are only a hop and skip away with many things to see and learn. Museums offer great programs and the New Salem Park is a fun day trip with the kids to learn about historic living. Lincoln's sites around in several counties are great to see

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Peaceful Prairie Tent Camping

3 sites · Lodging, Tents19 acres · Decatur, IL

We live on a 19 acre hobby farm with chickens, ducks, a goose, a pig and a pair of sheep and miniature donkeys. There is a pond full of frogs and turtles. We have a swimming pool that we share with guests. We have a tree house with nature games and books, a wildflower labyrinth, a creek and about 3/4 mile of trails in the woods. We are located very near several conservation areas with extensive hiking opportunities (Rock Springs and Sand Creek). Decatur has a water park (Splash Cove) and Overlook Adventure Park has batting cages, miniature golf and a ropes course. The Children's Museum of IL and Scovill Zoo are also fun for the kids. The Decatur Wellness Collective is located nearby and offers massage, yoga, meditation, reiki and Float therapy. There are also several local breweries (Door 4 Brewing, Decatur Brew Works and Golden Fox Brewing). We are certain that you will enjoy your stay here!

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Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · Palmer, IL

We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse, high tunnel and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables & fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, that we swim & boat in. There are hiking trails that go through many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking & mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised & made on the farm for folks to purchase. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm.

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Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Charleston, IL

Our property has a robust migratory bird population. We see Blue Heron, geese, ducks, song birds, birds of prey, including the occasional Bald Eagle visit our property. We have a small wetland area and pond, which attract a lot of wildlife, such as muskrat, deer, fox, frogs, turtles, and other small woodland animals. We have wooded areas as well as meadows, which are perfect for tent camping, and are a short walk from the parking area. Our property makes a great base camp for exploring local areas of interest. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is just a few miles south of Charleston. Lake Charleston is just a few miles away, and boasts several nesting pairs of Bald Eagles. There are also fishing, hiking and bike trails around Lake Charleston. We are very close to Illinois' largest Amish Community in the Arcola/Arthur area, with many Amish shops, bakeries, quilt shops, and more. Aikman's Wildlife Adventures is in nearby Chesterville. There is a very nice bike path just to the west of our property. This bike path takes you through Charleston, past the Coles County Fairgrounds, and into Mattoon.

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Willenborg Woods

4 sites · Lodging149 acres · Charleston, IL

Willenborg Woods is comprised of 149 acres of privately owned pristine woods with over eight miles of grass and single track trails for guests to explore. The beautiful Embarrass River runs the entire back of the property for guests to set up lawn chairs, an umbrella, and grill to enjoy the day on their own private sandbar, or canoe or kayak from Charleston Lake to a take out point on Willenborg Woods. Guests can clean up by taking a wonderful hot shower in the out door shower. Each morning, guests enjoy a basket delivered with fresh eggs from the friendly and individually named free range hens on the property.

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Camp Lakewood Campground

58 sites · RVs10 acres · Effingham, IL

Welcome to Camp Lakewood Campground! We are your premier Campground in Effingham, Illinois. We are proudly family-owned and operated by Kiefer Campgrounds. Kiefer Campgrounds are part of a collection of parks that spare no expense to ensure your stay with us is nothing less than the BEST! We are ideally located within 1 mile of I-70 and I-57, and we are open year round. We are also golf-cart friendly. Please visit www.camplakewoodcampground.com or give us a call at 217-342-1111 for more details.

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The Quiet Countryside

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Vandalia, IL

Easy access for campers located by a pond. Great for fishing and relaxing! 30 AMP electric hookup, can accommodate water fill up and sewer dump. There is a covered pavilion with picnic table and chairs. There is a grill and a fire pit. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway you will love it here! Located close to the interstate. Plenty of restaurants near by and Vandalia lake is 8 minutes from campsite.

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Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

We are originally from Northern California. We are enjoying our expansive farm with all it's fresh air, fresh food, plants, animals, and fun events. We enjoy time relaxing in hammocks and letting the world pass us by. Bring your family out to enjoy all the farm has to offer, or take advantage of the serenity and privacy! Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent near the creek (site 1) in a completely private site (kids can sleep in the truck bed topper or fort if they'd like) or on the field to the side of the house (site 2) for a semi-private spot nearest to the bathroom and with a wood chip drive entrance for larger vehicles or (site 3) a semi- private spot down by the creek and the hay bales to the left of the house. (Or pick a spot of your choosing). Enjoy the farm animals, walk the property, build a fire, and enjoy the outdoors! There are more animals to pet from April through October (typically we have bunnies, chickens, sheep, cats, dogs, alpacas, miniature horses, horses, pig, goat, etc.). In the winter the horses, alpacas, chickens, dogs, cats and sometimes bunnies are available to visit. Firewood bundles available for $10 The creek at times is swimmable, other times it's walkable, and sometimes in the heat of July it's very shallow. There is a state park (Ft. Daniel) less than 5 minutes away and others a bit further (Spitler or Sand Creek) Horseback riding may be available upon request - $25.00 per person or $50.00 per family. There is a large shaded playground in the front yard for the kids with a trampoline, small zip line, ninja line, slack line, silks, climbing dome, hammocks, etc. BATHROOM: If you are looking at the house from the street, the bathroom is on the right of the house, attached to the house. It is a small shed looking building and is pictured. It has a toilet and running hot and cold water.

The best camping near Lake Shelbyville guide

Overview

About

There is plenty to do on this large reservoir along the Kaskaskia River in Shelby County. At 11,100 acres, there are tons of coves and inlets for anglers. Swim at one of the public beaches to cool off on a hot day. Launch your boat or rent one for a day on the water.

Get everything you need at three full-service marinas along the lake. From there, take your boat on the water for a leisurely day of sun and fishing. Cast your line for bass, crappie, carp, and sauger.

Play in the sun at five man-made, sandy beaches. Spread out your towel and sunbathe for a few hours, or set up a volleyball net to play a game. The cool, deep water of the lake is the perfect way to take a dip in the summer months.

Head to historic Shelbyville to see the beautiful courthouse. Tour the mansion of Horace M. Tallman while you're there.

Several campgrounds dot the landscape surrounding the lake. RV and tent sites offer varying levels of hook-ups. Some campsites have lake views.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Lake Shelbyville is during the warm summer months when the park is in full bloom and the lake's waters invite you for a swim. Conversely, winter can be less hospitable, with certain areas prone to closure due to inclement weather, making some activities less accessible.

Know before you go

Always wear a life jacket when on the water; loaner stations are available around the lake.
Check for any closures or updates by calling (217) 774-3951 before your visit.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; plan accordingly.
Day use fees may apply for certain activities and amenities.
For camping reservations, call 1-877-444-6777 between 8:30am to 5pm.