How much does camping cost at Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Camping fees at Forrest W. Bo Wood are $18 - $48/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Forrest W. Bo Wood first-come first-served or reservation?

Forrest W. Bo Wood accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Forrest W. Bo Wood before I book?

Yes! Forrest W. Bo Wood has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Forrest W. Bo Wood is open April 16 to October 28. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Yes, Forrest W. Bo Wood has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Cell phone service at Forrest W. Bo Wood is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Forrest W. Bo Wood have?

Forrest W. Bo Wood has 140 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Yes, pets are allowed at Forrest W. Bo Wood. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Forrest W. Bo Wood offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Popular activities at Forrest W. Bo Wood include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Forrest W. Bo Wood

4.63

1.2K reviews

1989 St. Highway 16

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Illinois#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois#1 Spring Camping Illinois#1 +10 more

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$18 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

140 campsites

Season

Open from April 17 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$18 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

140 campsites

Season

Open from April 17 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)Official Website

Get Directions

Forrest W. Bo Wood

$18.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BUDDY SITE & FULL HOOK-UP: $48.00; BUDDY SITE - 50AMP ELECTRIC: $40.00; BUDDY SITE - STANDARD ELECTRIC: $36.00; FULL HOOK-UP: $24.00; STANDARD...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

217-774-3951stephen.w.summers@mvs02.usace.army.mil

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Campground Map

1989 St. Highway 16

Forrest W. Bo Wood

1989 St. Highway 16

Nearby places

Sullivan: 2 miles (~5 minutes), Shelbyville: Approximately 20 miles (~25 minutes)

Weather at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Best Time to Camp at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage along the bluffs, and excellent fishing and wildlife viewing; leaf color along the oak-hickory stands is at its most dramatic from mid-September through late October. Expect warm early-fall days (mid 70s–80s°F in September) giving way to crisp, cool conditions in October (highs in the 50s–60s°F, nights often in the 30s–40s°F). Boating and hiking are still very enjoyable with far fewer weekend crowds than midsummer, making it a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Identified as best season: comfortable weather, peak foliage and excellent fishing/viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 16 to October 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 17 to October 25 during the peak season.

About Forrest W. Bo Wood

Forrest W. Bo Wood sits on Lake Shelbyville's shoreline, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with full-hookup RV sites and tent camping across a large footprint. The campground features a boat ramp, dog park, and direct lake access for fishing and boating. Reviewers praise the spacious pull-throughs and helpful staff, though shower house cleanliness and weekend crowds draw occasional complaints.

Forrest W. 'Bo' Wood accommodates a range of camping styles, including RV camping with full hookups, tent camping, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage along the bluffs, and excellent fishing and wildlife viewing; leaf color along the oak-hickory stands is at its most dramatic from mid-September through late October. Expect warm early-fall days (mid 70s–80s°F in September) giving way to crisp, cool conditions in October (highs in the 50s–60s°F, nights often in the 30s–40s°F). Boating and hiking are still very enjoyable with far fewer weekend crowds than midsummer, making it a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation666 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySteep bluffs drop toward Lake Shelbyville, creating dramatic lakeside terrain at 666 feet elevation. The campground sits in a transition zone where eastern oak-hickory forest meets prairie remnants. Towering hardwoods provide shade across most sites, though this also means bugs gather thick at dusk. Fall brings peak color from mid-September through late October as the canopy shifts to reds and yellows. The bluffs reveal layers from ancient seas and glacial activity, but the steep terrain makes lake access challenging in many areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; accommodations are limited to campgrounds with full hookups for RVs and tent sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV and three tents, or four tents per site
Two RVs and six tents, or eight tents for double sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov, app, or phone call.

AccessibilityCampsites generally accommodate RVs and tents with features like paved and level surfaces, but some sites have uneven terrain requiring careful positioning. Accessibility reviews highlight the proximity of shower and bathroom facilities.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large, accommodating even big rigs (up to 42 feet). Some sites offer pull-through options and full hookups.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. While some campsites are spacious and well-spread, others are criticized for being too close to neighbors. Sites in Area 5 are often praised for their spaciousness and privacy.

Total Campsites140 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for relief from summer heat; lakeside sites like #6 offer stellar water views. Avoid sites like #104 if standing water is an issue.

Best CampsitesSite 132 gets frequent praise in reviews. Sites 6, 28, and 117 are noted for views and space. Area 5 sites generally offer better spacing and privacy. Site 40 has full hookups and good reviews. Avoid weekend camping if you want distance from neighbors, as spacing varies widely across loops.

Need help booking Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Forrest W. 'Bo' Wood offers a wide range of amenities suitable for RVs and tents. There are over 140 campsites, each equipped with electric hookups, and some tent-only sites. Facilities include flush toilets, showers, a playground, a dump station, and a high-water boat ramp. The site also features fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles. However, reviews report varying experiences with amenities such as bathrooms and showers, with some mentioning cleanliness issues while others praise the well-maintained facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Forrest W. 'Bo' Wood provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and hiking. The campground is particularly popular for fishing and boating due to its proximity to Lake Shelbyville. Other activities include birding, picnicking, and playground use.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Bluffs, fall foliage, wildlife and lake vistas provide many photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available through dumpsters located near bathing facilities. Recycling details are not explicitly mentioned.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews regarding cell phone service. AT&T and Verizon generally provide adequate coverage with 2-4 bars, but T-Mobile users report improved coverage post-Sprint acquisition. One reviewer commented, 'Good phone reception ATT,' while another mentioned intermittent service.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

1.2K reviews

Top-Rated

Forrest W. Bo Wood is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews praise the spacious campsites and friendly staff. Common themes include excellent fishing and boating opportunities, clean facilities, and the dog park. Complaints often center around cleanliness issues in the bathrooms, mold in showers, and bugs during evening hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 1168 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1168 reviews.

Site 125Loved
Site 125 praised for its size but warned about falling walnuts in the fall.
Site 135Loved
Site 135 appreciated for its spaciousness and proximity to bathrooms.
Site 40Mentioned
Site 40 recommended for its view and pull-through convenience.

What Campers Love

Large campsites, proximity to Lake Shelbyville, boat ramp, dog park, spacious pull-through sites, helpful staff, clean grounds. 'Wonderful dog park. Sullivan very close for groceries,' noted one...

Based on 1168 reviews

Common Concerns

Critiques include mold in bathrooms, uneven campsite terrain, bugs in the evenings, and limited views in certain areas. 'Bathrooms and showers need updates,' commented one user.

Based on 1168 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend early check-in to secure preferred sites, bringing bug spray, and reserving well in advance for busy weekends. 'Site 40 full hookup was great!' wrote a camper.

Based on 1168 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted for milder weather and scenic foliage, while summer sees issues with bugs and humidity. Winter camping is not mentioned, as the campground closes for the season.

Based on 1168 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Wonderful dog park. Sullivan very close for groceries and places to eat,' said one reviewer. 'Bathrooms need TLC,' wrote another. 'Individual bathrooms, complete with toilet, sink, shower, and lock...

Based on 1168 reviews

Accessibility Features

Facilities generally accommodate RV and tent setups, but uneven terrains are noted for some sites. 'Attendant was very friendly and helpful,' highlighted an accessibility review.

Based on 1168 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and the campground features a dog park praised for its cleanliness and agility courses. 'Best dog park I've seen in a campground!' commented one reviewer.

Based on 1168 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Forrest W. Bo Wood

$18.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BUDDY SITE & FULL HOOK-UP: $48.00; BUDDY SITE - 50AMP ELECTRIC: $40.00; BUDDY SITE - STANDARD ELECTRIC: $36.00; FULL HOOK-UP: $24.00; STANDARD...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

217-774-3951stephen.w.summers@mvs02.usace.army.mil

Go if

You want a spacious site near fishing and boating, bring your dog, and can live with imperfect bathhouses.

Skip if

You need spotless showers and bug-free evenings, or you're set up under walnut trees near site 125 in fall.

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Campgrounds

Lake Shelbyville

Forrest W. Bo Wood

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 55% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 736 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Campsites
Grade A-.Belonging
Grade B+.Cleanliness

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Scenery
Grade C.Things to do
Grade C+.Rules & policies

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Illinois grades overall

About Lake Shelbyville

Context for the broader area surrounding Forrest W. Bo Wood, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Lake Shelbyville is located in the heart of central Illinois. It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for people of all ages. Lake Shelbyville consists of 11,100 acres of water and 23,000 acres of land. Camping opportunities are available in 8 public campgrounds. Boaters are provided access to the lake year round, even during high lake elevations. Beaches, picnic sites, and trails provide the perfect addition for outdoor family fun. Eagle Creek Resort provides lodging and an 18-hole golf course.

Directions

Located 113 miles east of St. Louis, MO, 208 miles south of Chicago, IL, 87 miles west of Terre Haute, IN, and 35 miles south of Decatur, IL.

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Forrest W. Bo Wood

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Forrest W. Bo Wood

Campground Map

Weather at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Best Time to Camp at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Planning Tips

About Forrest W. Bo Wood

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Eagle Creek State Park Trail Campground

Hidden Springs State Forest Campground

Sullivan Marina And Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Forrest W. Bo Wood

Best Time to Camp at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Forrest W. Bo Wood?

Amenities available

Things to do at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Eagle Creek State Park Trail Campground

Hidden Springs State Forest Campground

Sullivan Marina And Campground