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Overview
About FORREST W. BO WOOD
Overview Forrest W. ''Bo'' Wood Recreation Area has a large campground on the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Click here for a virtual tour of the Lake Shelbyville area. Recreation Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the water, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock. Facilities Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the water, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock. Natural Features This facility lies on the shoreline with a steep descent down to the water. Oak and hickory forests offer plenty of shade. Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer. Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink. Nearby Attractions Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes FORREST W. BO WOOD special
Forrest W. "Bo" Wood Recreation Area spreads across the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, offering a large, well-developed campground with easy access to one of the state''s best fishing lakes. The lake, impounded on the Kaskaskia River, spans over 11,000 acres and is stocked with crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye. Multiple boat ramps near the campground provide quick water access for fishing boats, pontoons, and kayaks. A sandy swimming beach gives families a dedicated area for cooling off, and the adjacent picnic grounds are equipped with shelters for group gatherings. The campground sites are spread through mature hardwood forest, providing excellent shade and a sense of privacy between neighbors. Lake Shelbyville sits at the geographic center of Illinois, making it accessible from Springfield, Champaign, and Decatur. The area hosts fishing tournaments throughout the year that draw competitive anglers from across the Midwest. Eagle watching is popular in winter when bald eagles congregate along the lake''s open water. The campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with well-maintained facilities including showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups.
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
217-774-3951
stephen.w.summers@mvs02.usace.army.mil
Getting There
From 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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to FORREST W. BO WOOD.
How do reservations work for FORREST W. BO WOOD?
Reservation availability for FORREST W. BO WOOD can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at FORREST W. BO WOOD?
Campsite type details are limited right now. Check back as this listing is enriched.
Where is FORREST W. BO WOOD located?
FORREST W. BO WOOD is in Illinois near SHELBYVILLE. Coordinates: 39.5514, -88.6222.
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