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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

Lake Shelbyville

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.

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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.

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Facilities


Dam East Picnic Shelter (Shelbyville) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

This day use area sits on the southern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility has a variety of amenities and offers outdoor activities for people of all ages, including walking trails, picnicking, fishing, playing outdoor games such as volleyball or horseshoes, and simply relaxing. Located in Dam East is the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center which is open to the public and features an exhibit hall and a butterfly garden as well as a breathtaking view of the lake.

Recreation

The area features the General Dacey Trail, a multi-use biking and walking trail which extends through the south end of the lake, spillway, the dam, and into the city park. The shoreline is accessible in some areas for fishing opportunities. Some of the local fish in the lake are catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill. There is an on-site playground for children as well as a volleyball net and horseshoe pit for family games. There are several picnic areas located throughout which are perfect for a family cookout or a perfect spot to eat for a lunch break.

Facilities

There is one reservable picnic shelter that has 3 picnic tables under the shelter. There are also 4 concrete tables adjacent to the shelter. The shelter has a group grill and a fireplace as well as overhead lights and 2 electrical outlets. Flushable restrooms and the playground are located a short distance from the shelter. There is a paved parking lot available within walking distance to the shelter. The Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center adjoins the parking lot and is open to the public.

Natural Features

The day use area is shaded by oaks and hickory trees. Much of the day use area overlooks the lake. 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. In this area, turkeys are frequently seen, and depending on the season, bald eagles can be seen flying over the lake.

Nearby Attractions

The Lake Shelbyville Dam is located a short driving distance southwest of the day use area. Located just a mile away, the town of Shelbyville offers small town boutiques as well as eateries to explore. Dam West Recreation Area is a popular location for swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities, and it is located just a short drive west of Dam East.


Dam West Overlook Picnic Shelter Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

This day use area sits on the southwest shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility offers amenities such as walking & fitness trails, shoreline fishing, and a scenic overlook of the lake and dam.

Recreation

The area features the General Dacey Trail, a multi-use biking and walking trail which extends through the south end of the lake, spillway, the dam, and into the city park. In this area, the trail also has fitness areas with outdoor fitness equipment. The shoreline is accessible in some areas for fishing opportunities. Some of the local fish in the lake are catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill. 

Facilities

There is one reservable picnic shelter that has 6 picnic tables under the shelter. The shelter has a group grill and a water spigot. The shelter has electricity. Flushable restrooms are available up the stairs from the picnic shelter. The paved parking lot is next to the flushable restrooms up the stairs from the picnic shelter.

Natural Features

The day use area has a perfect, wide-open overlook of the lake and dam. 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

The Lake Shelbyville Dam is located right next to the day use area. Down the road to the west, the town of Shelbyville offers small town boutiques as well as eateries to explore. Dam West Recreation Area is a population location for swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities, and it is located just up the road north from the Dam West Overlook.


Dam West Picnic Shelters (Shelbyville) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

This day use area sits on the southwest shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility has a variety of amenities and offers outdoor activities for people of all ages, including swimming, walking trails, picnicking, fishing, boating, and simply relaxing.

Recreation

The area features a public beach, boat ramp & fish cleaning station, and multiple picnic areas. It also features the General Dacey Trail, a multi-use biking and walking trail which extends through the south end of the lake, spillway, the dam, and into the city park. The shoreline is accessible in some areas for fishing opportunities. Some of the local fish in the lake are catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill.  

Facilities

There are two reservable picnic shelters. The large group picnic shelter has 11 picnic tables, 2 group grills, 4 flushable restrooms attached to the shelter, overhead lights, 14 electrical outlets, water hook-ups, water fountains, and a large paved parking lot. This shelter also has a sidewalk which connects to the public beach. The ramp point picnic shelter has 7 picnic tables, 1 group grill, flushable restrooms attached to the shelter, overhead lights, 8 electrical outlets, and paved parking lot.

Natural Features

The day use area has a perfect, wide-open overlook of the lake. 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

The Lake Shelbyville Dam and the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center is located south of the day use area. Directly west of the day use area is the city park and the town of Shelbyville which offers small town boutiques as well as eateries to explore.


Forrest W. Bo Wood Picnic Shelter Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Forrest W. ''Bo'' Wood Recreation Area has a large campground and day use area 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.

Recreation

Unique to this location is the dog park which features 2 enclosed fenced-in areas for pets to explore as well as training equipment (hurdles, tunnels, ramps) for pets to exercise. Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. The recreation area 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

There is 1 reservable picnic shelter. This shelter has 6 picnic tables, 1 group grill, overhead lights, and 2 electrical outlets. Across the street is the dog park. Down the road from the dog park are flushable restrooms. There is a small parking lot available for parking near the shelter; more parking is available down the road.

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. The town of Sullivan is located 3 miles north and offers several restaurants to grab a bit to eat.


Lone Point Picnic Shelter Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Lone Point is a secluded recreation area that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility has a campground, group camp, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and picnic shelter. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.

Recreation

Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Visitors have access to a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock. 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. Hikers can explore the lake shore using a number of trails, including the 11-mile Chief Illini backpacking trail, which begins nearby and runs along the edge of the lake.

Facilities

There is 1 reservable picnic shelter located next to the boat ramp parking lot. This shelter does not have electricity, but has 6 picnic tables and 1 group grill. The boat ramp parking lot offers plenty of parking, and flushable restrooms are a short distance away.  

Natural Features

The Lone Point area is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species. 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

Eagle Creek State Park is nearby and offers camping, golfing, and boating opportunities. Also nearby are Coon Creek and Opossum Creek campgrounds which offer more camping opportunities. The nearby small town of Findlay has a gas station and a few restaurants. 


Spillway Picnic Shelters (Shelbyville) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

This day use area sits just below the Lake Shelbyville Dam on the southern end of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility is a popular location for fishing, picnicking, and walking trails.

Recreation

This area is a prime location for shoreline and kayak fishing, and features a fish cleaning station and handicap accessible fishing pier. Some of the local fish in the lake are catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill. The General Dacey Trail is located in the area and is a multi-use biking and walking trail which extends through the south end of the lake, spillway, the dam, and into the city park. There is an on-site playground for children, and several picnic areas for a family cookout or a perfect spot to eat for a lunch break.

Facilities

There are two reservable picnic shelters. Spillway Picnic Shelter #1 has 6 picnic tables, 1 group grill and fireplace, flushable restrooms attached to the shelter, overhead lights, 4 electrical outlets, and parking. The playground and river access is located across the street from the picnic shelter. Spillway Picnic Shelter #2 does not have electricity, but has 6 picnic tables and 1 group grill. The playground is next to the shelter; flushable restrooms down the sidewalk, south of the shelter. The shelter is right next to the spillway and has a perfect view of the dam.

Natural Features

The day use area has an excellent view of the Lake Shelbyville Dam which connects the lake to the Kaskaskia River. 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

The Lake Shelbyville Dam and the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center is located north of the day use area. West of the day use area is the town of Shelbyville which offers small town boutiques as well as eateries to explore.


Sullivan Beach Picnic Shelter Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

This day use area is located on northeast shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility is a popular location for swimming and picnicking.

Recreation

This area is a public beach and features a large swimming area with several shaded picnic areas perfect for a family cookout or get-together. There is a playground next to the swimming area and picnic shelter.

Facilities

There is 1 reservable picnic shelter. This is the only reservable beach picnic shelter on the lake. This shelter has 6 picnic tables, 1 group grill, 1 water hydrant, overhead lights, and 8 electrical outlets. The playground and large parking lot is located next door to the picnic shelter. Down the sidewalk are flushable restrooms with showers and the swimming area.

Natural Features

The day use area overlooks the north end of the lake. 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

Wood’s Lake is a popular fishing area located just south of the day use area. A couple of miles north is the Forrest W. Bo Wood campground which is one of the largest campgrounds on the lake. The town of Sullivan is located 5 miles north and offers several restaurants to grab a bit to eat.


Lone Point Group Camp Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Lone Point Group Camp is a secluded group camp that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. 

This facility has 10 full-hookup 30 AMP sites that can accommodate large and small groups. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.

Recreation

Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Visitors have access to a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock at the adjacent Lone Point Day Use Area. 

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. 

Hikers can explore the lake shore using a number of trails, including the 11-mile Chief Illini backpacking trail, which begins nearby and runs along the edge of the lake.

Facilities

Lone point Group Camp consists of 10 full-hookup 30 AMP sites which can accommodate a total of 10 RVs and 30 tents, or 40 tents alone. The group area also provides a picnic shelter, group firepit, and swings.

The facility provides amenities like flush toilets, showers, a playground, dump station and boat ramp.

Natural Features

The Lone Point Group Camp area is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species. 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.


COON CREEK (IL) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Coon Creek is a large campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

Families enjoy the playground, swimming area and shaded campsites within the facility. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.

Click Here for the Lake Shelbyville Virtual Tour

Recreation

Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Coon Creek provides a boat ramp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

Hunting areas within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

Visitors can also explore the lake shore on foot via a 0.7-mile nature trail within the facility.

Facilities

Coon Creek has 181 campsites, about 50 percent of which are reservable. All sites are equipped with electric hookups. The facility has flush toilets, showers, a playground, swimming beach, dump station and boat ramp.

Natural Features

This facility overlooks the lake shore and is heavily forested with plenty of shade.

Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species, and 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.


FORREST W. BO WOOD Campground
List of Campsites

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

Bo Wood is a large facility with more than 140 campsites that all provide electric hookups. For those without RVs, there are several tent-only sites. The campground has flush toilets, showers, a playground, dump station and a high-water boat ramp.

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.


LITHIA SPRINGS Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Lithia Springs Campground sits on the eastern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.


This facility has a variety of amenities and offers outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.

Recreation

Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Lithia Springs provides a boat ramp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

Hunting areas within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

Facilities

Lithia Springs has more than 100 campsites, all of which have electric hookups. Some campsites are on the lake shore within a short walk of the water. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, a playground, swimming beach, dump station and boat ramp. A full-service marina is located adjacent to the recreation area.

Natural Features

The campground lies in an oak and hickory forest. 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.


LONE POINT Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Lone Point is a secluded campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

This facility has a variety of campsites that can accommodate large and small groups, as well as individuals. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.

Recreation

Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Visitors have access to a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock at the adjacent Lone Point Day Use Area.

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.

Hikers can explore the lake shore using a number of trails, including the 11-mile Chief Illini backpacking trail, which begins nearby and runs along the edge of the lake.

Facilities

Lone point offers a separate area of camping for large groups of up to 80 people. The group camp area consists of 10 paved electric sites which can accommodate a total of 10 RVs and 30 tents, or 40 tents alone. The group area also provides a picnic shelter and water hydrant.

The facility provides amenities like flush toilets, showers, a playground, dump station and boat ramp.

Natural Features

The Lone Point area is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species. 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.


OPOSSUM CREEK Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Opossum Creek Recreation Area has a quiet campground that sits on the western 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

Recreation

Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill.

Opossum Creek provides a fishing pond for children age 12 and under with an accessible fishing dock. There are also several other ponds with farmed fish 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

Most of the campsites have electricity and accommodate both RVs and tents, though there are several tent-only non-electric sites as well.

Flush toilets, showers, a playground and dump station help create a comfortable camping environment.

Natural Features

Opossum Creek overlooks the lake shore and provides plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species.

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.


WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Wilborn Creek Group Camp sits 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.

Recreation

Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill.

A boat ramp, courtesy dock and fish cleaning station are about a mile from the group camp, 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

The group camping area has 10 paved full hook-up sites. Each site offers 50 Amp service along with water and sewer. The area also has several picnic tables and grills to accommodate those who wish to tent camp. The facility has one dual, unisex shower facility with flush toilets. 

Boat ramp nearby in the Wilborn Creek Recreation Area. Plenty of outdoor activities for guests: kayaking, canoeing, paddling, shoreline fishing, walking, and more. Sullivan Beach is only a 15-minute drive from the Wilborn Creek Group Camp.

Natural Features

Wilborn Creek is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the dominant tree species in the lake region.

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.


Eagle Creek State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville


Wolf Creek State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville


Sullivan Marina and Campground Campground
List of Campsites

This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville


Dam West Overlook Facility

This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville


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