Shelbyville, Illinois · Shelby County · Campground
Overview Opossum Creek Recreation Area has a quiet campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. 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. …
Overview Opossum Creek Recreation Area has a quiet campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. 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. Opossum Creek provides a fishing pond for children age 12 and under with an accessible fishing dock. There are also several other 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 Opossum Creek Campground is 100% reservable. Most of the campsites have electricity and accommodate both RVs and tents, though there are several tent-only non-electric sites as well. Flush toilets, showers, a playground and dump station help create a comfortable camping environment.Natural Features Opossum Creek overlooks the lake shore and provides plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's 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. Nearby Attractions Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding a
Photos
Don't forget your life jacket! — USACEOpossum Creek Boat Ramp Amenities — USACEOpossum Creek has the best tent camping — USACEOpossum Creek Campground has no fee booth hours — USACE Park RangerNewly renovated boat ramp parking lot — USACE2025 Campground Map — USACEOpossum Creek Campground — USACEComfort Stations in Opossum Creek Campground — USACEOPOSSUM CREEK BOAT RAMP — USACEOpossum Creek Playground — USACE
How to Get There
From Shelbyville, Illinois, take State Route 128 north for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto County Road 1650 N. Continue nearly a mile to County Road 1880 E. Turn right and travel 0.5 mile to County Road 1600 N. Turn right again and drive one mile into the Opossum Creek facility.
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 OPOSSUM CREEK
Heading to OPOSSUM CREEK? 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 OPOSSUM CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for OPOSSUM CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233567) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at OPOSSUM CREEK?
OPOSSUM CREEK has 70 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to OPOSSUM CREEK?
From Shelbyville, Illinois, take State Route 128 north for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto County Road 1650 N. Continue nearly a mile to County Road 1880 E. Turn right and travel 0.5 mile to County Road 1600 N. Turn right again and drive one mile into the Opossum Creek facility.
