Opossum Creek

Star4.12
307 reviews
1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, USA, 62565
StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

$16 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov - Lake Shelbyville site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Opossum Creek
$16.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for campsites vary between $16 and $32 depending on amenities and site type. Additional charges may apply for reservations made online ($8), via...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
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

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Provider
217-774-3951
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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 307 reviews

161 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciousstaff

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Opossum Creek are polarized, ranging from excellent to poor experiences. Positive remarks emphasize the campground's cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility, while negative reviews highlight noise issues, outdated facilities, and lack of hiking trails."

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Campground Map

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, USA, 62565

Opossum Creek

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, USA, 62565

Driving directionsFrom Shelbyville, Illinois, take State Route 128 north for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto County Road 1650 N. Continue nearly a mile to County Road 1880 E. Turn right and travel 0.5 mile to County Road 1600 N. Turn right again and drive one mile into the Opossum Creek facility.
Road access is generally available year-round, but the campground can only be accessed by smaller county roads. Some reviews suggest avoiding GPS directions that lead to Route 5, which is described as a small, bad road. Instead, users recommend taking State Route 128 to County Road 1650 N.
Nearby places
Shelbyville (approx. 3.5 miles, 10 minutes), Sullivan (approx. 10 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Shelbyville, which is approximately 3.5 miles away. No stores are available directly at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Opossum Creek

From the vibrant awakening of May through the golden days of September, Opossum Creek comes alive as campers flock to enjoy peak season under clear, dry skies. The moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, while cooler evenings invite cozy campfire gatherings. Even as autumn approaches and temperatures dip, the crisp air and lower humidity make for comfortable camping conditions that showcase central Illinois at its finest.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with boating, swimming and warm weather; busiest and occasionally noisy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage is highlighted as a major scenic draw; quieter off-peak vibes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers and mild weather noted, though official season begins mid-May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Official open season is May–September; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 19 to September 2, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is May 19 to September 2, 2025. Reservations can be made starting June 20, 2025.

About Opossum Creek

Nestled along the tranquil western shores of Lake Shelbyville, Opossum Creek Campground offers a serene escape where the gentle lapping of water meets the rustling of oak leaves. This peaceful retreat invites you to cast a line at dawn, take refreshing swims in the afternoon heat, or simply unwind with a picnic as the sun sets over the water. Whether you arrive with an RV ready for adventure or prefer the simplicity of tent camping, you'll find the perfect spot among sites designed for both, including dedicated tent-only areas for those seeking a more traditional camping experience.
Opossum Creek supports a range of camping options, including tent-only sites, RV sites with full hookups, and primitive camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 nights per visit, with a maximum of 14 nights within any rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Opossum Creek Campground offers diverse recreational activities catered to various interests, including fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. While there are no hiking trails available directly within the campground, the region provides a mix of outdoor options for families and individuals.
FishingFishing at Opossum Creek is highly rated, especially for families. The facility includes a fishing pond for children under age 12 with an accessible dock. Lake Shelbyville offers a variety of fish species, including catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities exist at Lake Shelbyville, but details about designated swimming areas or safety measures are not provided in the source material.
BikingThe campground is connected to the General Dacey biking trail, as noted by one user: "Biked to the General Dacey trail from the campground."
BoatingBoating is a prominent activity at Lake Shelbyville. However, some users encountered difficulties with the boat ramp. "The boat ramp is a nightmare," one reviewer stated, mentioning challenges such as steep banks and waves.
Wildlife viewingNumerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors can be observed at Opossum Creek, as well as mammals like cottontail rabbits, white-tail deer, mink, and squirrels. "Love watching the deer and walking in the campgrounds," one user noted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome sites have steep banks, making water access challenging. Tent stake hazards and lack of lighting near showers at night were noted in user reviews.

Weather at Opossum Creek

Reviews

4.1
307 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Opossum Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Opossum Creek are polarized, ranging from excellent to poor experiences. Positive remarks emphasize the campground's cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility, while negative reviews highlight noise issues, outdated facilities, and lack of hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 307 reviews

What Campers Love

Cleanliness and well-maintained facilities stand out as positive aspects. Users frequently praised friendly staff, spacious and level sites, and dedicated tent pads. "The campground is great....
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Based on 307 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise disturbances, outdated shower facilities, and steep banks near the water are common complaints. "Friday night I had to contact Shelby county sheriffs department twice for noise," mentioned one...
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Based on 307 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies as there is no nearby camp store. Avoid weekends if seeking peace and quiet due to noise complaints. Check site sizes and conditions before booking, especially for larger...
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Based on 307 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest on weekends, with reviews noting increased noise levels and congestion. Fall foliage and spring wildflowers make these seasons particularly scenic. "Foliage turns a variety...
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Based on 307 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We always enjoy Opossum Creek, once we get there," remarked one user who struggled with directions. "This is our 2nd visit this year and a really great place to stay," said another. "Tent sites are...
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Based on 307 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 50 was praised for being "very wide and level," while site 73 was criticized for lack of grassy or flat areas. Site 62 suited a large 41' 5th wheel well. Site 13 was highlighted as peaceful and...
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Based on 307 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has generally accessible facilities, such as the fishing dock for children under 12. "Accessible fishing dock" was mentioned in the source material.
Based on 307 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but some users expressed frustration with pet owners who did not pick up after their dogs. "There are some inconsiderate dog owners," one review noted.
Based on 307 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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