I'm now in Illinois at one of my favorite campgrounds, Coon Creek, on Lake Shelbyville, just outside the charming namesake town of Shelbyville. This is my third stay here -- twice last summer -- and now this summer.
I can't quite describe why, but from the first time I was here last year, it just felt like home. Last year during my travels, I was having a difficult time finding a campground to stay in over the Labor Day weekend. I found Coon Creek and booked a site, but later realized it was Shelbyville, Illinois, not Shelbyville, Indiana as I had thought. When booking on your phone, IL and IN can look the same. I decided to go ahead with the stay as it was less than a 200 mile drive, and I'm so glad I did.
Shelbyville, IL is kind of in the middle of nowhere, halfway between Decatur and Effingham, but has everything you need. Stately old homes, cobblestone streets, a charming downtown, and there's also a beautiful U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) visitor center perched near the top of the dam that is a delight to visit.
The Lake itself is fairly large, with an abundant array of campgrounds, trails (bike and hike), and charming little towns along its borders.
Coon Creek has over 200 campsites, many with FULL hookups (water, electricity, and sewer) for a very reasonable price -- especially if you use the America the Beautiful pass to get 1/2 off. I chose a nicely shaded, private electric site a bit further from the main entrance this time.
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| Site 205 at Coon Creek Campground |
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| Binx felt right at home in our cozy little campsite |
I'm sure this won't be my last visit to Coon Creek, and I'm so glad that what seemed like a mistake last year turned out to be such a wonderful choice.
