About COON CREEK (IL)
Overview Coon Creek is a large campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. Families enjoy the playground, swimming area and shaded campsites within the facility. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.Visit the Lake Shelbyville, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for News Releases, Event Information, & Emergency Updates. https://www.facebook.com/LakeShelbyvilleUSACEVisit it our USACE Lake Shelbyville Website for more information on Lake Shelbyville. https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Shelbyville/Recreation Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Coon Creek provides a boat ramp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock. Visitors can also explore the lake shore on foot via a 0.7-mile Hide N Seek at Coon Creek nature trail within the Campground. The trailhead can be located across from the amphitheater near the main shower house. Facilities Coon Creek Campground is 100% reservable with 181 campsites. All sites are equipped with electric hookups. The facility has flush toilets, showers, a playground, bicycle pump track, basketball court, sand volleyball court, swimming beach, Hide N Seek Nature Tail, dump stations, and boat ramp.Natural Features This facility overlooks the lake shore and is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species, and 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 mam
How to Get There
From Shelbyville, Illinois: Go 4.5 miles north of Shelbyville on State Route 128 to County Road 1750 N. Turn right (east) and drive 0.9 miles to County Road 1900 E. Make a left (north) and go 0.35 mile to County Road 1785 N. Turn right (east) and drive 1.75 miles to County Road 2075 E. Turn right (south) and go 1.7 miles to the facility.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to COON CREEK (IL)
Heading to COON CREEK (IL)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for COON CREEK (IL)?
No central reservation system listed for COON CREEK (IL). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233465) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COON CREEK (IL)?
From Shelbyville, Illinois: Go 4.5 miles north of Shelbyville on State Route 128 to County Road 1750 N. Turn right (east) and drive 0.9 miles to County Road 1900 E. Make a left (north) and go 0.35 mile to County Road 1785 N. Turn right (east) and drive 1.75 miles to County Road 2075 E. Turn right (south) and go 1.7 miles to the facility.
How do I contact COON CREEK (IL)?
You can reach the park at phone: 217-774-3951.
References & Official Resources