Opossum Creek Recreation Area

For Illinois residents seeking a tranquil and well-maintained camping experience, Opossum Creek Recreation Area in Shelbyville, IL, offers a compelling retreat. Situated on the beautiful Lake Shelbyville, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campground is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. It's an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, whether you're an RV enthusiast, a tent camper, or a family with children.

The charm of Opossum Creek Recreation Area lies in its ability to provide a serene natural setting while still offering essential amenities for a comfortable stay. As one satisfied camper noted, it's a "Nice quiet campground" with "Nice wide campsite, some with full hookups. Tent sites have great lake views." This combination of spacious sites and picturesque vistas truly enhances the outdoor experience. The presence of a "Nice playground" further solidifies its appeal for families, ensuring that younger campers have dedicated spaces for fun and activity.

Like many USACE-managed campgrounds, Opossum Creek is typically "a really nice campground," as another reviewer points out, suggesting a standard of quality and upkeep. While individual experiences with facilities like bathrooms can vary, the core appeal remains in the well-maintained sites and the overall natural environment. For Illinois locals, knowing there's a reliable and scenic campground available within a reasonable driving distance provides a fantastic opportunity for regular getaways to reconnect with nature and enjoy the vast recreational offerings of Lake Shelbyville. The quietude and natural beauty make it a highly desirable spot for those prioritizing peace and a genuine outdoor escape.

Opossum Creek Recreation Area is located at 1598 N N 2000 E Rd, Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA. This address places it on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville, a prominent man-made lake in Central Illinois managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While the exact rural road names might seem a bit off the beaten path, the campground is strategically positioned to provide both seclusion and relatively easy access for Illinois residents.

For those traveling by car, particularly with larger RVs or trailers, it's crucial to heed advice from experienced campers regarding navigation. One reviewer specifically recommends avoiding certain GPS routes that might lead you down "small, bad road," advising instead to "Take 128 instead to county rd 1650 (not 1600) and follow the signs." This local knowledge is invaluable for a smooth arrival. Once you're on County Road 1650, the last half-mile or so might be less than ideal, but it's a short stretch to reach the campground. This careful planning ensures that visitors from cities like Decatur (approximately 45 minutes), Springfield (about 1 hour 30 minutes), or Champaign-Urbana (around 1 hour 45 minutes) can reach this quiet haven with minimal hassle. The benefit of its slightly more secluded location is the enhanced tranquility and natural immersion it offers, making the journey well worth it for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

• Over 60 campsites available, accommodating both RVs and tents.
• Site types include full hookup (water, electric, sewer), electric-only (20/50 amp), and tent-only non-electric sites.
• Paved sites for RVs and gravel sites (e.g., small pea gravel), with many being level and wide.
• Flush toilets and showers available within the campground.
• Drinking water access points.
• Dump station for RV waste.
• Boat ramp and courtesy dock for convenient lake access.
• Fish cleaning station.
• Playground for children.
• Picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite.
• Shaded sites are available, offering relief from the sun.
• Reservations available through Recreation.gov, up to six months in advance.

• Direct access to Lake Shelbyville, a major recreational lake in Illinois.
• Quiet campground atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature.
• Spacious and level campsites, ensuring comfortable setup for various camping units.
• Excellent lake views from many sites, especially tent-only areas.
• Family-friendly amenities, including a dedicated playground.
• Opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming (at nearby designated beaches on Lake Shelbyville), and wildlife viewing.
• Proximity to other Lake Shelbyville recreation areas and the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center.
• Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, suggesting a well-structured and generally well-maintained facility.
• Abundant natural features, including oak and hickory trees that provide shade and vibrant fall foliage, and various species of birds and mammals.
• Offers sites with full hookups, a significant convenience for RV campers.

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campground, Opossum Creek Recreation Area operates under a standardized fee structure rather than traditional "promotions" or "special offers" typically seen at private businesses. However, there are inherent cost benefits and value propositions for Illinois residents:

• Affordable Daily Rates: Campsite fees are standardized and generally competitive for the amenities offered. For instance, tent-only sites may be around $16/night, standard electric sites around $16-$18/night, water & electric sites around $20/night, and full hookup sites around $24/night. Double capacity sites are typically double the single capacity rate.
• America the Beautiful Passes: Holders of specific interagency passes, such as the America the Beautiful Senior Pass or Access Pass, often receive a 50% discount on standard amenity fees, including camping. This is a significant saving for eligible individuals.
• Boat Launch Fee: A daily boat launch fee of $5.00 applies for using the boat ramp at Opossum Creek.
• Online Reservations: The ability to reserve campsites up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov provides certainty and planning convenience, especially during peak seasons.
• First-Come, First-Served: While many sites are reservable, there may be some sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.

For the most precise and current fee schedule, reservation availability, and details on any specific policies (such as pet restrictions or quiet hours), it is always best to consult the Recreation.gov website or contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office directly.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Opossum Creek Recreation Area, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1598 N N 2000 E Rd, Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA

Phone: (217) 774-3951

Mobile Phone: +1 217-774-3951

Reservations are typically made through the Recreation.gov website or by calling their toll-free reservation line. The phone numbers listed usually connect to the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, which manages Opossum Creek and other recreation areas on the lake. It's advisable to call ahead for current conditions, availability, and specific directions, particularly concerning the best approach roads for larger vehicles.

Opossum Creek Recreation Area is an outstanding choice for Illinois residents seeking a peaceful and enriching outdoor experience close to home. Its location on the serene Lake Shelbyville provides an immediate escape into nature, offering abundant opportunities for fishing, boating, and simply unwinding by the water. For those living in Central Illinois, the relatively short drive makes it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer, rejuvenating vacations without the need for extensive travel.

The reviews from fellow campers underscore its suitability, highlighting "nice wide campsite, some with full hookups," and praising it as a "Nice quiet campground" with a "Nice playground." This combination of functional amenities and a tranquil environment caters to both comfort and outdoor adventure, ensuring a pleasant stay for families, couples, and solo campers alike. The availability of full hookup sites is a significant draw for RV owners, while tent campers can enjoy scenic lake views.

While a past reviewer mentioned challenges with GPS directions and a short section of rough road, this specific feedback serves as valuable insider information for locals, enabling them to plan their route effectively and ensure a smooth arrival. The overall quality and management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers instill confidence in the facility's standards. Opossum Creek Recreation Area truly offers a quiet, well-equipped, and picturesque setting for Illinois residents to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that their state so abundantly provides. It's a local gem for those who cherish peace and outdoor activity.