Camping at Dam West Overlook Picnic Shelter Campground

Location and Contact Information

Dam West Overlook Picnic Shelter is located in Lake Shelbyville, a reservoir located in Shelby County in central Illinois. The campground and picnic area offer beautiful views of Lake Shelbyville and easy access to the water for a variety of recreational activities.

• To find information specific to Dam West Overlook, it's recommended to contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office or the visitor center:
  • Address: Lake Shelbyville Project Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1989 State Highway 16, Shelbyville, IL 62565
  • Phone: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can be reached at (217) 774-3951.

Amenities and Facilities

Dam West Overlook Picnic Shelter provides visitors with the following amenities:

• Picnic shelter: This offers a place for groups to gather and enjoy meals together, with shelter from sun and rain.
• Grills: These are usually available for cooking out.
• Restroom facilities: Typically, there are restrooms or portable toilets nearby for visitor convenience.
• Playground: Sometimes, there may be playground equipment for children to enjoy.
• Parking: There is generally a designated parking area for visitors using the picnic shelter and campground.

Activities

Lake Shelbyville provides a wide array of recreational activities:

• Boating: With a large lake available, boating is a popular activity.
• Fishing: Anglers can enjoy fishing for species such as crappie, bass, and catfish.
• Swimming: Not all areas of Lake Shelbyville are designated for swimming, so it's important to check local advisories.
• Hiking and Biking: There are trails surrounding the lake for both hiking and biking enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing: Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts can find plenty to observe.

Reservations and Fees

For the Dam West Overlook Picnic Shelter and other sites within Lake Shelbyville:

• Reservations: These can usually be made through Recreation.gov or by calling their toll-free number.
• Fees: There may be a fee for reserving the picnic shelter or for other amenities within the park. It's always best to check the current rates and reservation policies.

Safety and Regulations

When visiting any public recreation area, it's important to follow local rules to ensure safety and preservation of the natural environment:

• Be aware of weather conditions and plan accordingly.
• Follow all boating safety regulations if you're on the water.
• Fishing regulations must be adhered to, including any required licenses.
• Fire safety is critical. Only use fire pits or grills provided and be sure to extinguish fires completely.
• Leave no trace: Please take all trash with you or dispose of it in provided receptacles.

Conclusion

Before heading out to Dam West Overlook Picnic Shelter or any campground in Lake Shelbyville State Park, it's a good practice to check the latest information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or local park management to ensure you have the most current details on facilities, regulations, and any recent changes affecting the area.