State: Illinois
Address 1: R.R. 1 Box 198-B
City: Findlay
Zip: 62534
Phone: 217-756-8260
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Camp URL: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R3/EAGLECRK.HTM#Camping
Full Hook: Yes
In east central Illinois–just minutes from Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, Effingham and surrounding communities–the Eagle Creek/Wolf Creek sites, facing each other across the central portion of Lake Shelbyville, provide the perfect setting for outdoor recreation, natural relaxation, and luxurious accommodations for a day, a weekend, or even longer.
Four miles southeast of Findlay, the sites encompass 11,100-acres of water, 250 miles of shoreline and large tracts of carefully maintained indigenous woodland ideal for camping, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, fishing, water skiing, pontoon boating, windsurfing or just plain bobbing and drifting on the glittering expanse of the lake itself.
In addition to the small, friendly wooded campgrounds and the action on the lake, large herds of deer frequent these areas and are always an exciting and inspiring sight. Portions of the park have been cleared of physical barriers and are accessible to disabled visitors.
Picnicking
The Eagle Creek State Recreation Area, a 2,200-acre site on the west side of Lake Shelbyville, has several fully developed picnic areas–complete with grills, tables, water and sanitary facilities–scattered conveniently throughout the park for the casual day visitor.
Camping
There are 56 Class A Reservable sites with electricity, showers, water hydrants, fire blocks and picnic tables. Class B/S, and Class D sites are available but not reservable. The Organized Group Camp area is reservable. The shower buildings are closed by November 1st (may be earlier if bad weather) and reopen May 1st (may be earlier – weather depending).
Boating and Fishing
From the four-lane launching ramp (adjacent to a 175-car parking lot), you can set out for a variety of water sports or lazy days of angling. In addition, there are two marinas on the lake providing a full range of boating and fishing supplies.
The miles of flooded brush, timber and rock rip-rap shorelines . . . the many points with submerges ridges . . . the hundreds of tributary streams emptying into Lake Shelbyville . . . provide prime and productive fishing areas, teeming with black and white crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, muskie, bullhead, carp and sunfish.
Hiking
Three marked nature trails are available for tranquil and refreshing sojorns in the forest, as well as a 12-mile backpack trail for the more adventurous hiker and a three-mile cross-country ski trail for invigorating wintertime activity.
Hunting
In addition to designated areas of Eagle Creek itself, hunting is available in the 785-acre Eagle Creek Wildlife Area just to the west. Squirrel, rabbit and quail (shotguns only are allowed) or you can really test your skill stalking deer (bow and arrow only are allowed). A state hunting license is required as well as a seasonal hunting permit which is available for free from the park office. Hunter Fact Sheet
The Department of Natural Resources also manages the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area –the 3,000-acre Kaskaskia Unit near Allenville, and the 3,000-acre West Okaw Unit near Bethany. Both are within 10 miles of the park and provide additional hunting opportunities.
Please check with park staff for specific information regarding species, shooting times and dates.
