Lone Point Recreation Area

For Illinois residents yearning for a refreshing escape into nature, Lone Point Recreation Area offers an exceptional camping experience on the majestic Lake Shelbyville. Located near Findlay, IL, this well-regarded campground is a gateway to the vast recreational opportunities that one of Central Illinois's premier lakes provides. Whether you're an avid angler, a seasoned RV traveler, or simply looking to unwind by the water, Lone Point is designed to offer a comfortable and engaging outdoor adventure.

Camping in Illinois has never been more accessible or enjoyable, and Lone Point Recreation Area exemplifies this evolution. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it combines natural beauty with essential amenities, creating a seamless experience for visitors. Imagine waking up to a breathtaking lake view, spending your days exploring the water or trails, and winding down with the peaceful sounds of nature. This campground provides the ideal setting to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with family, friends, and the tranquility of Illinois's picturesque landscapes. It's a prime destination for those looking to immerse themselves in outdoor activities without venturing too far from home.

Many Illinois families and outdoor enthusiasts return to Lone Point year after year, drawn by its reputation for cleanliness, spacious sites, and the sheer beauty of Lake Shelbyville. The diverse range of activities available ensures that every visitor, from the most active adventurer to those seeking quiet relaxation, finds something to love. This dedication to providing a high-quality outdoor experience makes Lone Point Recreation Area a standout choice for anyone in Illinois considering their next camping trip.

Lone Point Recreation Area is strategically located at 1653 N 2175 East Rd, Findlay, IL 62534, USA. This address places it on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville, a significant recreational hub in Central Illinois, within Shelby County.

The campground's accessibility is a key advantage for Illinois locals. While one review notes that it's "a little off the highway and the back roads weren't exactly smooth," the scenic drive leads to a rewarding destination. From Shelbyville, you can reach Lone Point by going 4.5 miles north on State Route 128 to County Road 1750 N, then 0.9 miles east to County Road 1900 E, then 0.35 miles north to County Road 1785 N, continuing 2.5 miles east to County Road 2150 E, turning right and going 0.7 miles to County Road 1725 N, taking a left and traveling 0.25 miles to County Road 2175 E, and finally turning right and continuing 0.7 miles to the recreation area. This well-marked route ensures visitors can find their way with relative ease, making it a convenient destination from various parts of Central Illinois, including Decatur, Springfield, and Champaign.

Being positioned directly on Lake Shelbyville means immediate access to its expansive waters. The surrounding area is characterized by an oak and hickory forest, which provides ample shade and a natural backdrop for camping. The lake itself is a vast resource for fishing, boating, and swimming, making Lone Point an ideal base for water-based activities. Additionally, the proximity to the town of Findlay ensures that basic supplies, gas stations, and a few dining options are within a reasonable driving distance, balancing the serenity of the outdoors with the convenience of nearby services.

Lone Point Recreation Area, as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed campground, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to enhance the camping experience for all visitors. These services are designed to ensure comfort and convenience during your stay.

• Campsite Reservations: All campsites at Lone Point are generally reservable, with 60 out of 63 family electric sites being available for advance booking. Reservations can be made online via

  www.recreation.gov

  , by calling 1-877-444-6777, or in person at campground fee booths. A minimum stay of 2 nights on weekends and 3 nights on holidays is typically required.
• Variety of Campsites: The campground features 63 family electric sites and one non-electric site. Many sites are suitable for RVs and tents, with options for single capacity (1 RV and 3 tents OR 4 tents) and double capacity (2 RVs and 6 tents OR 8 tents) sites. Some sites also offer full hookups (water, electric, sewer). There are also four group camp areas available for larger parties.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: A highly praised feature by visitors is the availability of "very nice and clean" bathroom/shower houses, ensuring a comfortable experience for all campers.
• Boat Ramp and Courtesy Dock: Lone Point provides a multi-lane boat ramp and a courtesy dock, offering direct and convenient access to Lake Shelbyville for boating and fishing enthusiasts. A fish cleaning station is also available nearby.
• Dump Station: A trailer dump station is on-site, providing a convenient service for RV campers.
• Playground: The campground includes a playground, making it a family-friendly destination for those with younger children. There is also a larger playground at Coon Creek, just minutes away.
• Picnic Shelter and Individual Picnic Sites: A reservable picnic shelter is available near the boat ramp parking lot, offering a shaded area for group gatherings. Individual picnic tables are also provided at each campsite.
• Drinking Water: Access to drinking water hydrants is available throughout the campground.

Lone Point Recreation Area offers numerous features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers and outdoor enthusiasts in Illinois. These attributes contribute to its popularity and the memorable experiences visitors have.

• Stunning Lake Views: Many campsites, such as Site 46 mentioned in a review, offer "what a view of the lake!" This picturesque setting allows campers to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water.
• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers consistently praise the "large" sites, which provide ample room for camping equipment and a sense of privacy between neighbors, enhancing the overall comfort of the stay.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: The cleanliness of the facilities, especially the shower houses and restrooms, is a recurring highlight in customer feedback. "The shower house was extremely clean," and "facilities were really clean" are testaments to the park's upkeep.
• Direct Lake Shelbyville Access: With its own boat ramp and fish cleaning station, Lone Point provides direct and easy access to Lake Shelbyville, renowned for excellent fishing (crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, muskie) and various water sports.
• Hiking Trail Access: Lone Point serves as a trailhead for the Chief Illini Trail, an 11-mile National Recreation Trail that winds along the edge of Lake Shelbyville, offering scenic views and opportunities for adventurous hikes. A shorter 3-mile Little Chief Illini Trail also starts here.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The area is heavily forested with oak and hickory trees, providing ample shade and a vibrant display of fall foliage. The diverse ecosystem supports numerous species of songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, deer, and other mammals, offering great opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a playground on-site and another larger one just minutes away at Coon Creek, Lone Point is well-equipped to entertain younger visitors.
• Dedicated Staff: Customer reviews highlight that "the employees were awesome," indicating a friendly and helpful staff committed to ensuring a positive experience for campers.

As a public recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lone Point Recreation Area operates with a set fee structure rather than traditional promotional offers common in private establishments. However, the value and accessibility it provides can be considered a form of ongoing benefit for Illinois residents:

• Affordable Camping Rates: Lone Point offers competitive rates for its campsites. For example, single electric sites are listed at $16/night, while full hookup sites are $24/night. Double electric sites are $32/night, and a Walleye Group Camp (10 sites) is $160/night. These rates are generally more economical compared to many private campgrounds.
• Included Amenities: The camping fees encompass access to high-quality amenities such as clean flush toilets and showers, a playground, a trailer dump station, and a boat ramp. This comprehensive inclusion provides significant value without additional charges for essential facilities.
• Reservation System Convenience: The option to reserve sites up to six months (and group sites up to one year) in advance via

  www.recreation.gov

  or phone ensures that campers can secure their desired spot, especially during peak seasons, without hassle. While not a discount, the ease of planning is a considerable benefit.
• Interagency Passes: Visitors holding certain federal passes, such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass (including the Senior Pass or Access Pass), may receive discounts on camping fees, making it even more affordable for eligible individuals. It is always advisable to confirm specific pass acceptance and discount details directly with the campground or through

  www.recreation.gov

  .

For the most current information on fees, policies, and any applicable passes, it is recommended to visit the official

www.recreation.gov

For more information, to make reservations, or to inquire about Lone Point Recreation Area, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1653 N 2175 East Rd, Findlay, IL 62534, USA

Phone: (217) 774-3951 (This number is for the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, which manages Lone Point and other recreation areas on the lake).

Mobile Phone: +1 217-774-3951

For online reservations and detailed park information, including maps and specific site details, the official reservation portal is

www.recreation.gov

www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Shelbyville.aspx

www.facebook.com/LakeShelbyvilleUSACE

Lone Point Recreation Area is an outstanding choice for Illinois locals seeking an enriching and accessible outdoor experience. Its suitability for residents across the state stems from a combination of its prime location, comprehensive amenities, and the sheer abundance of recreational opportunities available.

Firstly, the campground's direct access to Lake Shelbyville is a significant draw. For anyone in Illinois who loves water activities – be it fishing, boating, or simply enjoying a lakeside view – Lone Point offers an ideal base. The lake is well-known for its excellent fishing prospects and provides ample space for all types of watercraft, ensuring that residents can fully immerse themselves in their preferred aquatic pursuits without extensive travel. The "what a view of the lake!" from many sites further enhances this appeal, offering a serene backdrop for relaxation.

Secondly, the consistently praised cleanliness and quality of the facilities, particularly the restrooms and showers, provide a level of comfort that makes camping enjoyable for everyone. This attention to detail, coupled with spacious campsites that offer a sense of privacy, ensures that even those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience will feel at home. The presence of a playground and the overall family-friendly atmosphere make it an ideal spot for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Lastly, Lone Point’s blend of natural beauty and structured recreational activities truly caters to diverse interests. From embarking on a challenging hike along the Chief Illini Trail to simply relaxing by a campfire, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Illinois wildlife, there is something for every local. The commitment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintaining this area as a valuable public resource means that residents have access to a high-quality outdoor experience that remains affordable and well-managed. For Illinois locals, Lone Point Recreation Area is more than just a campground; it’s a readily available slice of outdoor paradise, promising adventure and relaxation right in their home state.