Skip to main content

​Boating & Fishing

From the four-lane launching ramp (adjacent to a 175-car parking lot), you can set out for any variety of water sports on Lake Shelbyville. Rental boats and motors are available from several private marinas on the lake, which also provide a full range of boating and fishing supplies. There is a high water boat ramp for when the lake floods.

The miles of flood brush, timber and rock rip-rap shorelines, the many points with submerged ridges, and the hundreds of tributary streams emptying into Lake Shelbyville provide prime and productive fishing areas. The lake is teeming with black and white crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, muskie, bullhead, carp and sunfish. Special size and creel limits are in effect for some species, so please check with the site superintendent’s office for specific information on fishing opportunities and regulations

Camping

There are 304 Class A campsites with restrooms and showers, electricity and picnic tables, a campground cabin, and 78 Class C sites. In addition, there are two family tent camping areas, an organized group camp, and an equestrian campground. The shower buildings are closed by November 1st (may be earlier if bad weather) and reopen May 1st (may be earlier - weather depending).

A 140-site area in the Lick Creek section has also been designated for reservations. Requests for reservations are accepted starting in January for sites to be reserved between May 1 and October 31.

Campground reservations can be made through ExploreMoreIL™.

Picnicking

Family picnic areas are scattered throughout Wolf Creek State Park. Complete with grills, tables, water, sanitary facilities and playgrounds, you’ll find everything you need to have a great outing. Two areas are equipped with shelters and facilities for disabled visitors. The Lost Shelter picnic area is an isolated, scenic area and is available by reservation.

Swimming

Treat your whole family to a day at the beach. A developed swimming beach, opens at the end of May and closes on the first of September, is situated in the southwest section of the park. A high water swimming beach is available when the lake floods. No lifeguards are available, so please remain in the buoyed area and be careful. Alcohol and pets are not allowed past the main gate into the beach area, and pets, food and drinks are not permitted on the sand. Picnic tables and grills are available nearby.

Trails

For refreshing walks in the forests, Wolf Creek State Park contains seven hiking trails. For invigorating winter time activity there is a 16 1/2-mile snowmobile trail, and for the equestrian there is a scenic 15-mile equestrian trail. For information about the riding stable please call 217-459-2444.