Wilborn Creek (Group Camp)
1989 State Hwy. 16, SHELBYVILLE, IL 62565, USA
Wilborn Creek (Group Camp)
$240.00 - $240.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Electric sites cost $240 per night during peak season. This fee includes full hookups (electric, water, sewer).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$240.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$240.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$480.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider217-774-3951stephen.w.summers@mvs02.usace.army.mil
About this campground
Tucked away on the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville, Wilborn Creek Group Camp offers an ideal retreat for families, friends, and organizations seeking a shared outdoor experience in central Illinois. This thoughtfully designed group camping destination features ten spacious, paved sites equipped with full hookups including 50 Amp electricity, water, and sewer connections. Modern comforts meet natural beauty here, with dual unisex shower facilities and flush toilets ensuring convenience during your stay. Each site comes complete with picnic tables and grills for memorable outdoor meals, while a covered picnic shelter with electricity serves as the perfect gathering spot for group activities, rain or shine.
Wilborn Creek Group Camp accommodates groups with its 10 paved full hook-up sites, which feature electricity, water, and sewer connections. It supports tent and RV camping, as well as group camping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythms of central Illinois weather at Wilborn Creek, where moderate temperatures and generally dry conditions create ideal camping conditions throughout much of the year. Spring awakens the landscape with comfortable temperatures and blooming prairie wildflowers, while summer brings warm days perfect for lake activities. Fall transforms the campground into a spectacular display of autumn colors, and the typically low precipitation means more days to enjoy the outdoors. The prime camping season stretches from spring through fall, when nature puts on its finest show and temperatures remain pleasantly mild.
ElevationElevation data is not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a natural sanctuary where towering oak and hickory trees create a verdant canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor. This heavily wooded paradise bursts with seasonal beauty – from the delicate prairie wildflowers painting the landscape in spring and summer colors to the breathtaking autumn spectacle when the hardwood forest erupts in golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges. The diverse ecosystem supports an abundance of wildlife, where morning brings choruses of songbirds, afternoons might reveal graceful deer moving through the shadows, and evenings echo with the chatter of squirrels preparing for nightfall. Waterfowl frequent the nearby lake shores, adding their calls to nature's symphony.
Geological RegionWilborn Creek Group Camp rests along the scenic northern shoreline of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois, where the prairie meets the forest in perfect harmony. This remarkable location showcases the region's characteristic oak-hickory forest ecosystem, a testament to the area's rich natural heritage. The landscape transitions beautifully through the seasons, from carpets of native prairie flowers dotting the understory in spring and summer to the magnificent fall foliage display that draws visitors from across the Midwest. This convergence of lake, forest, and prairie elements creates a uniquely diverse environment that captures the essence of Illinois' natural beauty.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground has 10 paved full hook-up sites, suitable for both RVs and tent camping.
Sites PrivacyThe group camp is private and can be rented in its entirety, as noted by user reviews describing it as a 'private campground.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite-specific recommendations include bringing extension cords for pavilion use due to lack of electrical outlets and lights. Reviews suggest carrying cleaning supplies for facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights, with a rolling 30-day restriction.
Groups
The group camping area has 10 paved full hook-up sites designed for large gatherings. Reviews mention the facility is private and can accommodate groups exclusively.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 paved group sites with full hookups, arranged near a picnic shelter and shower facility.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 17 to October 25 during peak season; closed in off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information about walk-up availability is explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the scheduled check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations within 14 days of check-in forfeit the first night's fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Wilborn Creek Group Camp offers a rich array of outdoor activities centered around Lake Shelbyville. These include fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddling, walking, and shoreline relaxation. Wildlife observation is abundant, thanks to the diverse species in the surrounding oak and hickory forests.
Fishing
Lake Shelbyville provides excellent fishing opportunities for species like catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, and fish cleaning station are available within a mile of the campground.Swimming
Sullivan Beach is a 15-minute drive from the campground and offers swimming opportunities. The beach has a $2 per person walk-in fee for day use.Boating
Lake Shelbyville supports boating activities, with a boat ramp and courtesy dock located nearby. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular.Wildlife viewing
The heavily forested area around Wilborn Creek supports diverse wildlife, including songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, cottontail rabbits, white-tail deer, squirrels, muskrats, and mink.Beach activities
Sullivan Beach, located 15 minutes away, offers swimming and relaxation. The area requires a $2 per person walk-in fee for day use.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddling are popular activities around Lake Shelbyville and Wilborn Creek Group Camp.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but firewood must be purchased locally.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife like deer and squirrels, and insect-related risks due to the forested environment; no specific water or terrain hazards are noted.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services nearest to the campground include the Shelbyville Police Department (~15 miles) and Shelby Memorial Hospital (~15 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 17 to October 25 (2025 and 2026 seasons).
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash or recycling facilities is provided in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Lake Shelbyville and Sullivan Beach (~15-minute drive). Activities include fishing, boating, and swimming.
Common complaintsUser reviews mentioned maintenance issues such as unclean restrooms, lack of pavilion lighting and electricity, and a dilapidated mutual fire pit.
Campground Map
1989 State Hwy. 16, SHELBYVILLE, IL 62565, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and does not require off-road driving. Seasonal accessibility issues are not mentioned in the authoritative content.Nearby places
Sullivan, Illinois (~5 miles, ~10 minutes)
Shelbyville, Illinois (~15 miles, ~20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Shelbyville (~15 miles away).
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Wilborn Creek (Group Camp) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the group camp's privacy and suitability for gatherings, but cleanliness issues with restrooms and the lack of electricity in the pavilion are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Privacy was highly praised, with reviews stating it is a great place for gatherings. 'Wonderful group site! Great place to gather with friends.'
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Cleanliness issues in restrooms and the pavilion were prominent complaints. Reviews noted, 'Men’s restroom was disgusting and smelled horrible,' and 'No lights or electric outlets in the pavilion.'
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest bringing extension cords or small generators for electricity, as the pavilion lacks outlets and lights. 'We had to run cords from the men’s bathroom and have a small generator.'
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weather data suggests winter months have moderate wind and freezing conditions, but overall, summer provides the best camping experience due to clear skies and warmer temperatures.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Best part was we had a private campground as we rented the whole place & were with good friends & plenty of homemade food!' 2. 'Men’s restroom was disgusting and smelled horrible!' 3. 'Wonderful...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews focus on the group setting, often mentioning the privacy and the communal fire pit's condition ('falling apart'). No specific site numbers were identified individually.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews were available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Null
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement