A02_Attachment Lake Shelbyville Intro.docx

LAKE SHELBYVILLE

INTRODUCTION

LAKE SHELBYVILLE

Lake Shelbyville is located in Shelby and Moultrie Counties in south-central Illinois, approximately 60 miles south-east of the state capitol, Springfield. Lake Shelbyville sits between the major cities of St. Louis, MO, approximately 115 miles to the south-west, and Indianapolis, IN, approximately 180 miles to the north-east. The lake was developed as part of a comprehensive plan to use the Kaskaskia River for flood control while developing the surrounding lake area for tourism, recreation and wildlife conservation. The lake is a sister to other nearby lakes, Rend Lake near Benton, Illinois and Carlyle Lake located near Carlyle, Illinois. The project is accessible by both State and Federal highway systems. Both interstates 57 and 70 pass within 30 miles to the east and south of the project, while interstates 72 and 55 run within 30 and 50 miles to the north and west respectively. State Highway 16 runs directly to the south near the project office with highways 32 and 128 flanking the lake on the east and west sides. State Highway 121 is a short drive from the northern portion of the lake, giving users numerous access points around the lake.

CAMPGROUND INFORMATION

Lithia Springs Campground Location: Lithia Springs campground is located approximately 7 miles to the north-east of the city of Shelbyville, IL in Shelby County, north of State Highway 16. The campground sits adjacent to a boat launch and marina. Lithia Springs Marina offers boat rentals, repair, a tackle shop and seasonally operated restaurant. A small grocery and bait shop sit near the campground entrance.

Lithia Springs Campground has more than 100 campsites, all of which have electric hookups, 42 being full hookup with water and sewer. Some campsites are on the lake shore within a short walk of the water. All sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill and lantern holder in addition to the electric pedestal. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, laundry, a playground, swimming beach, dump station and adjacent boat ramp. The boat launch area also offers a small picnic area and fish cleaning station, along with a high-water boat ramp for lake access at any water level.

Opossum Creek Campground and Day Use Area Location: Opossum Creek campground is located 4 miles north of Shelbyville close to Route 128. The campground receives moderate visitation throughout the recreation season from fishermen and families who are interested in a secluded, quiet location within driving distance to a town with a local shopping center. Opossum Creek has 68 campsites total including 12 full hookup sites and 18 tent only sites, 11 of which with power. All campsites include a picnic table, grill, and lantern holder. Several tent-only sites have a beautiful view of the lake. There are several paths leading down to the lake which are perfect for campers who wish to moor their recreational boats to the shoreline or for those who wish to try a little shoreline fishing. The campground has flush toilets, showers, a playground, dump station and a low-water/high-water boat ramp.

Coon Creek Campground and Day Use Area Location: Coon Creek campground is located 10 miles north of Shelbyville and 3 miles south of Findlay. The campground receives steady use throughout the recreation season from fishermen and young families with children. Coon Creek is the largest campground on Lake Shelbyville with almost 200 campsites ranging from full hook-up to tent only sites. All campsites include a picnic table, grill, and lantern holder. There are several paths leading down to the lake which are perfect for campers who which to moor their recreational boats to the shoreline or for those who wish to try a little shoreline fishing. Coon Creek campground also has a beach within the campground which is exclusive to its campers. The campground also has flush toilets, showers, a large playground area, dump station and a low-water/high-water boat ramp.

Lone Point Campground and Day Use Area Location: Lone Point campground is located 12 miles north of Shelbyville and 3 miles south of Findlay. The campground receives moderate visitation throughout the recreation season from fishermen and families who are interested in a secluded, quiet location to camp and enjoy nature. Lone Point has approximately 90 campsites. All campsites include a picnic table, grill, and lantern holder. There are several paths leading down to the lake which are perfect for campers who which to moor their recreational boats to the shoreline or for those who wish to try a little shoreline fishing. The campground also has flush toilets, showers, a playground, dump station and a low-water/high-water boat ramp. The campground also includes a 10 site group camp area complete w/ picnic shelter and group fire pit, all campsites in the group camp are full hook-up sites.

Forrest “Bo” Wood Campground and Day Use Area Location: Forrest “Bo” Wood campground is located just off Illinois State highway 32, approximately 4 miles south of the city of Sullivan, IL in Moultrie County. Bo Wood sits approximately 15 miles south west of the heart of Central Illinois’ Amish country. A short drive to Arthur provides visitors access to finely handcrafted goods in the many country stores.

The campground receives steady use throughout the recreation season. Bo Wood is a large facility with more than 140 campsites that all provide electric hookups, along with 42 full hookups and 18 which include onsite water. All sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill and lantern holder in addition to the electric pedestal. For those without RVs, there are several tent-only sites, although tents may be used at any site. The campground has flush toilets, showers, laundry, a playground and 2 dump stations. The day use area provides picnic areas with grills and a group shelter along with a boat launch area with courtesy dock. A high-water boat ramp is available for lake access at any water level.

Sullivan Beach and Day Use Area Location: Sullivan Beach Recreation Area is located approximately 2 miles south of Forrest “Bo” Wood Campground off highway 32 in Moultrie County. Travel to/from this area will be with Contractor vehicle, and be at their expense. Points of interest to visitors include a large beach area with playground, picnic areas with grills, and a group shelter which is available on a first come first serve basis. The recreation area provides flush toilets along with shower facilities. The duties of unlocking the area for public use will be required with the Forrest “Bo” Wood contract award as noted in Appendix A 2.5.12.a.

Wilborn Creek Day Use Area Location: Wilborn Creek Recreation Area is located approximately 8 miles to the west of Bo Wood Campground. Travel to/from this area will be with Contractor vehicle, and be at their expense. Points of interest to the visitors include a beach area with playground along with picnic areas with grills. A boat launch and fish cleaning station are also provided at the recreation area. A group camp area is available for reservation and use under a Special Use Permit. Wilborn Creek also has several primitive camp sites which are available on a first come first serve basis. The duties of unlocking the area for public use will be required with the Forrest “Bo” Wood contract award as noted in Appendix A 2.5.12.b.

Okaw Bluff Group Camp Area Location: Okaw Bluff Group Camp is located directly across State Highway 32 from Sullivan Beach. This area is open to group reservation. Two houses are available, and may be rented together or separately. The Stone House has 14 beds and the Frame House has 20 beds. Each House can accommodate 30 visitors. The duties of receiving payment, issuing receipts and keys may be required with the Forrest “Bo” Wood contract award, as noted in Appendix A 2.5.12.c, if a volunteer is not present at Okaw Bluff.