Sullivan Marina And Campground
4.7110 reviews1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, USA
Sullivan Marina And Campground
$18.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for standard electric sites range from $18 to $36 per night, depending on the season and amenities; additional fees for reservation modifications and cancellations may apply.
About this campground
Nestled along the sparkling shores of Lake Shelbyville, Sullivan Marina and Campground offers the perfect blend of waterfront adventure and comfortable camping. With convenient electric hookups at every site and direct access to one of Illinois' premier recreational lakes, this hidden gem invites you to cast a line at sunrise, launch your boat for an afternoon cruise, or simply relax as gentle waves lap against the marina docks.
The Sullivan Marina and Campground caters to long-term campers and offers tent and RV accommodations. The campground also includes rentable rooms.
Historical SignificanceThough the area's recorded history may be modest, Sullivan Marina and Campground sits within a landscape that has welcomed generations of outdoor enthusiasts seeking respite along Lake Shelbyville's peaceful shores. Today's campers continue this tradition of lakeside recreation, creating their own memories where water meets woodland.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons at Sullivan Marina, where spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect fishing weather, summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and water sports, and autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant colors. The campground welcomes visitors from early spring through late fall, with each season offering its own unique charm. While winter's chill typically closes the camping season, the milder months provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures under sunny skies and starlit nights.
ElevationSet within the gently rolling terrain of central Illinois, the campground offers level camping sites that provide easy access to both the marina facilities and the surrounding natural areas, making it ideal for campers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a stunning oak and hickory forest that transforms with the seasons, creating a natural amphitheater of color and life. In autumn, the canopy explodes into a breathtaking display of crimson reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows that reflect off the lake's surface. This mature hardwood forest provides cooling shade during summer months and serves as home to abundant wildlife, offering campers front-row seats to nature's daily performances.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of central Illinois, Sullivan Marina rests within a unique ecological crossroads where ancient oak and hickory forests meet remnants of tallgrass prairie. This diverse landscape supports a rich tapestry of wildlife, from deer quietly browsing at dawn to colorful songbirds filling the air with music. Scattered prairie flowers add splashes of color throughout the growing season, while the surrounding hardwood forest creates a natural sanctuary that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Campsite details
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate that sites are close together, which may limit privacy.
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with access to the lake or shade from oak and hickory trees.
Best CampsitesCampsites near the water are favored for their views and proximity to activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV and three tents, or four tents per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are close together, with long-term campers occupying some areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 17 to October 25 with peak season rates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be modified via Recreation.gov or the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available; reservable in advance is not applicable.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies; late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
Activities you can enjoy
Sullivan Marina and Campground offers direct access to Lake Shelbyville for various water-based activities. Activities include swimming, fishing, and boating. The campground is also known for its annual August fireworks show hosted by the owner.
Boating
The facility has direct lake access for boating. It also features a fully functional fuel dock and marina.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires must use locally sourced firewood due to ecological concerns.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep banks may make water access challenging; insects and wildlife such as deer and squirrels are common.
Active alertsOccasional trail closures and water level issues may impact usability.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital and emergency services are in Shelbyville, 3 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 17 - October 25
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Lake Shelbyville with access to boating and fishing.
Common complaintsSites are reportedly close together; service at the restaurant is inconsistent according to reviews.
HostManaged by campground staff, but contact information for the host is unavailable.
Campground Map
1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, USA
Driving directionsFrom Shelbyville, Illinois: Go three miles east of Shelbyville on State Route 16 to County Road 2200E. Turn left and go two miles to County Road 1500N. Turn left again and drive 1.4 miles to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads, with no known seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Shelbyville (3 miles, ~5 min), Sullivan (~10 miles, ~15 min).
Nearby supplies
Shelbyville offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations within a short drive (~3 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.7
10 reviews
Sullivan Marina And Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally have positive experiences at Sullivan Marina and Campground, noting its clean facilities, good food at the on-site restaurant, and an annual fireworks show.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities maintained by the owner, the on-site North End Pub & Grill with good food, and the annual fireworks show in August as a customer appreciation event.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Sites may be too close together, limiting privacy. Service at the restaurant can be inconsistent, and the menu options have reportedly decreased while prices increased.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend visiting during the annual August fireworks show. They also suggest trying the Sunday breakfast at the North End Pub & Grill.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is particularly popular due to the annual fireworks show in August and the increased accessibility of the marina.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"John keeps this place very clean. We have a blast out here." "The food is good. Staff is a 50/50 shot. Sometimes we get great service, sometimes we don't." "3 nice things about this place: It has...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025