Forrest W. Bo Wood

4.64

1.2K reviews

1989 St. Highway 16

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Illinois#1 Fall Camping Illinois#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois#1 +8 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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Forrest W. Bo Wood

$18.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $18 to $48 depending on site type and season. Discounts available for Interagency Senior Lifetime or Annual Pass holders.

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$40.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

321 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakestaff

Some mention

crowdedbugs

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1989 St. Highway 16

Forrest W. Bo Wood

1989 St. Highway 16

Driving directionsFrom Sullivan, Illinois, take State Route 32 south for two miles to the Forrest W. 'Bo' Wood sign, then turn right and drive a half-mile to the campground.

Accessible via paved roads; road conditions are suitable for all vehicle types. Located near State Route 32, ensuring easy access year-round.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies available in Sullivan, which is approximately 2 miles from the campground. Additional amenities such as restaurants and hardware stores can be found in Shelbyville, about 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Central Illinois reveals its dramatic personality through distinctly different seasons, each offering unique camping experiences. Summer arrives with characteristic Midwest intensity—hot days perfect for lake swimming give way to balmy evenings ideal for stargazing. As autumn approaches, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise, with moderate temperatures creating perfect conditions for hiking while nature paints the landscape in brilliant hues. Winter brings its own stark beauty, with crisp air and peaceful solitude, while spring awakens the landscape with gentle warmth and renewed life. The shoulder seasons often provide the most comfortable camping weather, with fewer crowds and spectacular natural displays.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer offers boating and swimming but is hot, humid and buggy per reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IL

Fall noted for milder weather and scenic foliage; strong seasonal experience.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for milder weather and good fishing/boating opportunities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed for the season (open Apr 17–Oct 25).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 17 to October 25 during the peak season.
Current Alerts: None reported.

About Forrest W. Bo Wood

Nestled along the pristine northern shore of Lake Shelbyville, the Forrest W. 'Bo' Wood Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its impressive collection of over 140 campsites. This beloved destination seamlessly blends modern conveniences with natural beauty, where families gather around evening campfires beneath towering oak and hickory canopies. From the well-maintained playgrounds where children's laughter echoes through the trees to the convenient boat ramp that launches countless sunrise fishing expeditions, every amenity has been thoughtfully placed to enhance your outdoor experience. Hot showers await after days spent exploring, ensuring comfort meets adventure at every turn.

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

Historical SignificanceThe surrounding region tells a rich story of both natural heritage and cultural traditions. Just a short drive away, Wolf Creek State Park and the Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex serve as living museums of Illinois' diverse ecosystems, where patient wildlife watchers might spot everything from majestic herons to elusive deer. Birding enthusiasts flock to these preserves, binoculars in hand, seeking glimpses of both resident species and seasonal migrants. The area's cultural tapestry is woven with threads of Amish heritage, where time seems to slow down at authentic establishments like Yoder's Amish Restaurant, offering hearty, home-cooked meals that have sustained generations of local families.

Weather and SeasonsCentral Illinois reveals its dramatic personality through distinctly different seasons, each offering unique camping experiences. Summer arrives with characteristic Midwest intensity—hot days perfect for lake swimming give way to balmy evenings ideal for stargazing. As autumn approaches, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise, with moderate temperatures creating perfect conditions for hiking while nature paints the landscape in brilliant hues. Winter brings its own stark beauty, with crisp air and peaceful solitude, while spring awakens the landscape with gentle warmth and renewed life. The shoulder seasons often provide the most comfortable camping weather, with fewer crowds and spectacular natural displays.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of central Illinois creates subtle elevation changes throughout the recreation area, with the campground positioned to take advantage of scenic lake views and natural drainage patterns.

Natural Features and SceneryDramatic bluffs plunge toward the sparkling waters of Lake Shelbyville, creating a landscape where forest meets water in spectacular fashion. Ancient oaks and stately hickories form a living cathedral overhead, their branches creating dappled shade patterns that dance across campsites throughout the day. Come autumn, this verdant canopy explodes into a fireworks display of reds, oranges, yellows, and deep purples that reflect perfectly in the lake's mirror-like surface. Spring and summer bring their own magic, as native prairie flowers dot the landscape with splashes of color—purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and delicate wild roses creating a natural garden that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of central Illinois, this northern shore sanctuary showcases the region's characteristic landscape where ancient glacial activity carved out the perfect basin for Lake Shelbyville. The campground occupies a transitional zone where the oak-hickory forests of the eastern woodlands meet the prairie ecosystems that once dominated Illinois. These steep lakeside bluffs tell a geological story millions of years in the making, their layers revealing the ancient seas and subsequent ice ages that shaped this land. Today, this diverse terrain supports a rich tapestry of plant life, from towering hardwoods to delicate wildflowers, creating multiple ecosystems within a single recreational area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

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

Site layoutThe campground is divided into multiple loops, with sections offering different amenities such as full hookups, tent-only sites, and premium lakeside spots.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityApproximately half of the sites are reservable, while the remaining operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Busy days may require early arrival to secure non-reservable sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled up to midnight one day before the scheduled arrival date. Changes involve a $10 fee, and late cancellations may forfeit the first night’s fee.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.

FishingLake Shelbyville offers abundant fishing opportunities for species such as catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill. Ponds with farmed fish are also available. 'Great place for fishing!' remarked one camper.

BikingBiking is a popular activity within the campground due to its mostly flat terrain. Paths near sites allow for safe biking for children and adults. 'Great places to ride bikes,' commented one user.

BoatingThe campground features a large boat ramp with ample parking. Users often use this amenity for kayaking and paddleboarding. 'Easy lake access to the boat ramp,' reported one review.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to diverse species such as songbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and mammals like deer and rabbits. Bird watchers frequently note sightings of eagles and pelicans.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep descents to the lake may pose access challenges. Bugs, including sewer flies, are noted in multiple reviews. Poison ivy is present in some wooded areas.

Active AlertsNone reported.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed only with locally sourced firewood to prevent invasive pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital and emergency services available in Sullivan, approximately 2 miles away. Sullivan also has police and fire stations.

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

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville, with steep descents to the lakeshore. Fishing ponds and marinas are nearby.

Camp HostHosts are frequently praised for friendliness and quick assistance, including delivering registration tags directly to campers.

Weather at Forrest W. Bo Wood

Reviews

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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

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