About WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP)
Overview Wilborn Creek Group Camp sits on the northern 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. A boat ramp, courtesy dock and fish cleaning station are about a mile from the group camp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are 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 The group camping area has 10 paved full hook-up sites. Each site offers 50 Amp service along with water and sewer. The area also has several picnic tables and grills to accommodate those who wish to tent camp. The facility has one dual, unisex shower facility with flush toilets. Picnic shelter with electricity. Boat ramp nearby in the Wilborn Creek Recreation Area. Plenty of outdoor activities for guests: kayaking, canoeing, paddling, shoreline fishing, walking, and more. Sullivan Beach is only a 15-minute drive from the Wilborn Creek Group Camp. Natural Features Wilborn Creek is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the dominant tree species in the lake region. 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
How to Get There
From Sullivan, Illinois, go west on State Route 121 for 5 miles. Turn left on County Road 5 and drive 3.5 miles, then make a right on County Road 18 and drive 0.75 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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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 WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP)
Heading to WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP)? 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 WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP)?
No central reservation system listed for WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233753) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP)?
From Sullivan, Illinois, go west on State Route 121 for 5 miles. Turn left on County Road 5 and drive 3.5 miles, then make a right on County Road 18 and drive 0.75 miles to the campground.
How do I contact WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP)?
You can reach the park at phone: 217-774-3951 or email: stephen.w.summers@mvs02.usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
