How much does camping cost at Opossum Creek?

Camping fees at Opossum Creek range from $16-$32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Opossum Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Opossum Creek 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 Opossum Creek before I book?

Yes! Opossum Creek 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 Opossum Creek?

Opossum Creek is open May 14 to September 07. 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 Opossum Creek?

Yes, Opossum Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Opossum Creek have?

Opossum Creek has 81 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Opossum Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Opossum Creek. 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 Opossum Creek?

Opossum Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Opossum Creek?

Popular activities at Opossum Creek include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Opossum Creek

4.10

307 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Illinois

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov - Lake Shelbyville Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov - Lake Shelbyville Official Website

Get Directions

Opossum Creek

$16.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-117223: $24.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-117247: $20.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-117284: $32.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $16.00; TENT ONLY ELECTRIC:...

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

217-774-3951

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Opossum Creek

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

Nearby places

Shelbyville (approx. 3.5 miles, 10 minutes), Sullivan (approx. 10 miles, 20 minutes)

Weather at Opossum Creek

Best Time to Camp at Opossum Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of activities at Opossum Creek — warm water for swimming, peak boating and fishing on Lake Shelbyville, and long daylight for biking and wildlife watching. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid‑80s to low‑90s°F (29–34°C) with humid evenings cooling into the 60s°F (around 15–20°C); early mornings are excellent for bass and catfish bites. Weekends fill up (reservations open June 20, 2025), so plan midweek visits for quieter campsites and easier boat-launch times Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage noted as a highlight; scenic views and quieter midweek experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 14 to September 07. 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

Opossum Creek sits on the shores of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through Recreation.gov. This large campground offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping with dedicated pads, and primitive options for groups and individuals. Campers fish for bass and catfish, launch boats into the lake, and watch for wildlife along the wooded shoreline.

Opossum Creek supports a range of camping options, including tent-only sites, RV sites with full hookups, and primitive camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of activities at Opossum Creek — warm water for swimming, peak boating and fishing on Lake Shelbyville, and long daylight for biking and wildlife watching. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid‑80s to low‑90s°F (29–34°C) with humid evenings cooling into the 60s°F (around 15–20°C); early mornings are excellent for bass and catfish bites. Weekends fill up (reservations open June 20, 2025), so plan midweek visits for quieter campsites and easier boat-launch times Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation656 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOak and hickory forest meets prairie grassland here, creating habitat for white-tailed deer, mink, and a rotating cast of songbirds and shorebirds. Spring brings prairie wildflowers; fall turns the canopy gold and crimson. Some sites back up to steep banks down to the lake. The landscape sits at the edge of central Illinois' prairie–forest transition zone, visible in the mix of tree cover and open meadow patches between loops.

Lodging & AccommodationsNull

Programs & ActivitiesNull

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 nights per visit, with a maximum of 14 nights within any rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV and three tents or four tents per site
group sites allow up to eight tents or two RVs and six tents.

Groups

Group sites allow up to two RVs and six tents or eight tents, accommodating larger parties.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov using the website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessibility features like an accessible fishing dock, and reviews highlight clean restroom facilities accessible to people with disabilities. No specific ADA-compliance details were mentioned in the source.

Site SizeMixed site sizes; some are spacious like site 50, described as "very wide and level," while others are smaller and less grassy.

PrivacyVaries significantly by site. Some users noted spacious sites with plenty of separation, while others mentioned closeness between sites.

Total Campsites81 campsites

Recommended SitesTent sites close to the water are ideal for scenic views; larger RVs should avoid sites with tight or uneven parking.

Best CampsitesSite 13 gets frequent mentions for tent camping: shaded, close to the lake, trail access. Site 50 is noted as very wide and level, good for larger RVs. Check individual site conditions before booking. Some sites have tight spacing; others offer real separation.

Need help booking Opossum Creek?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Opossum Creek Campground offers a range of amenities designed to ensure comfort and convenience for campers. Reviews highlight the availability of electricity at most sites, flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and a playground. However, the quality of some amenities is mixed, with some users mentioning outdated showers and limited trash facilities. For example, one user stated, "The showers were hot and roomy but were in bad need of repainting because the floors and walls were dingy with mold stains." Another noted, "Showers could be updated, there’s a lot of standing water in the stalls." Cleanliness of restroom facilities was frequently praised, with remarks such as "Very clean and accessible" and "Shower and restroom facilities clean and well lit."

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal options are limited, with users noting the lack of dumpsters near campsites. "It could use dumpsters in each arm as the only one was at the park entrance or over by the boat launch area," one review stated.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews suggest that cell phone service availability is limited, with one user specifically stating, "There was no cell service," which may be an important consideration for visitors relying on connectivity.

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

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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

4.1

307 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 307 reviews.

Site 50Loved
Site 50 was praised for being "very wide and level," while site 73 was criticized for lack of grassy or flat areas.
Site 13Loved
Site 13 was highlighted as peaceful and close to the lake.
Site 62Mentioned
Site 62 suited a large 41' 5th wheel well.

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable lake access with modern hookups and clean, level sites for tents or RVs.

Skip if

You need recently renovated shower facilities or guaranteed quiet from road noise and neighbors.

Nearby Campgrounds

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, 62565-9378, USA

Coon Creek sits on the shores of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, offering full-hookup RV sites and tent camping with direct water access. Operated by Coon Creek Recreation Area, this very large campground draws families and anglers to its sandy swim beach, boat launch, and wooded shoreline trails. Campers fish for crappie and bass, swim in the lake's designated beach area, and explore the surrounding Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area.

$18.00 - $48.00 / night

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL 62565-9378, USA

Lithia Springs sits on the shores of Lake Shelbyville near Shelbyville, Illinois, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station, with direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, full-service marina, and sandy beach, making it a popular choice for families and water enthusiasts during the summer season.

$18.00 - $36.00 / night

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

Lone Point sits on the shore of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a large, full-service campground with electric, water, and sewer hookups. The campground offers tent sites, RV sites with full amenities, and group camping options, all within easy reach of the lake for boating and fishing. Shaded, spacious sites and clean facilities draw families and anglers looking for a well-maintained base near the water.

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Lone Point Group Camp

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, 62565

Lone Point Group Camp sits on Lake Shelbyville near Shelbyville, Illinois, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This small group-oriented campground offers full hookups (electric, water, sewer), flush toilets, and hot showers alongside direct lake access for boating and fishing. Large, shaded sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with fire rings, picnic tables, and a dump station on-site.

$240.00 - $240.00 / night

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Wilborn Creek (Group Camp)

1989 State Hwy. 16, SHELBYVILLE, IL 62565, USA

Wilborn Creek is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers group campground on Lake Shelbyville near Shelbyville, Illinois. The site offers full hookups and modern facilities for organized gatherings, with direct access to fishing, swimming, and boating on the lake. Reviewers appreciate the privacy for group events but note occasional maintenance lapses in shared facilities.

$240.00 - $240.00 / night

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.

$18.00 - $48.00 / night

4.7

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Sullivan Marina And Campground

1989 State Hwy 16, Shelbyville, IL, USA

Sullivan Marina And Campground sits on the shores of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, operated by Lake Shelbyville Recreation Area Management. This large lakefront campground caters to boaters and water enthusiasts with direct marina access, an on-site restaurant, and both tent and RV sites. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and the annual August fireworks show, though sites are close together.

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Campgrounds

Lake Shelbyville

Opossum Creek

About Lake Shelbyville

Context for the broader area surrounding Opossum Creek, 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.