Motorhome Parks In Sullivan, IL

39.5995° N, 88.6078° W

Quick Overview

Sullivan is a small Moultrie County town in east-central Illinois that punches way above its weight as an motorhome camping destination, and the reason comes down to one thing: Lake Shelbyville. With several motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area, including some free options, Sullivan puts you on the doorstep of one of the biggest and most popular lakes in the entire state of Illinois. Lake Shelbyville is an 11,100-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir that stretches south from Sullivan for miles through wooded shoreline and gentle hills, and the Corps manages multiple campgrounds along its banks with everything from primitive tent sites to full hookup motorhome pads that can handle the biggest rigs on the road. The lake draws boaters, anglers, and motorhome campers from across the Midwest, particularly from the Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield metro areas that are all within easy driving range. Popular Corps campgrounds like Coon Creek, Sullivan Beach, and Lone Point each offer their own character and lakefront access. Sullivan itself is a friendly little town with a historic downtown, a well-regarded summer theater program at the Little Theatre on the Square, and all the basic services an Motorhome Traveler needs for comfortable travel. The terrain around the lake features wooded shoreline, gentle hills covered in timber, and open farmland that gives way to nature as you approach the water. If you're looking for a lakeside camping experience in central Illinois with plenty of room for your rig and excellent fishing, Sullivan and Lake Shelbyville should be at the top of your list. The lake also offers excellent boating with multiple marinas providing boat rentals, fuel, and supplies, so you don't need to bring your own watercraft to enjoy time on the water. Waterskiing, pontoon cruising, and kayaking are all popular activities on the lake's open waters and quiet coves. For RVers who want a Midwest lake camping experience that rivals the bigger destinations in other states, Lake Shelbyville delivers at a fraction of the price and with far less hassle.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Sullivan

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All Dump Stations Near Sullivan

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Sullivan South	0.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Sullivan North	0.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Bo Wood Campground	3.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Sullivan Marina & Campground	4.2 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Okaw Bluff Group Camp	4.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Eagle Creek State Recreation Area	8.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Jurgens Park	10.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Arrowhead Campgrounds	11.2 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Lone Point Recreation Area	11.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Lithia Springs Campground And Recreation Area.	14.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Sullivan by RV

Sullivan is located on IL-121, about 25 miles southeast of Decatur and 60 miles southwest of Champaign-Urbana. From I-57, take US-36 west to IL-32 south, then connect to IL-121 into Sullivan -- about 40 minutes of easy driving on state highways. From Decatur, take IL-121 straight east into town, a simple 30-minute drive. From I-72 coming from Springfield, head south on IL-32 through farmland. All approaches to Sullivan are well-maintained two-lane highways suitable for any size motorhome with no low bridges or weight restrictions. The roads around Lake Shelbyville are paved and well-signed with brown recreation signs guiding you to the campgrounds, though some of the campsite access roads can be narrow and winding through the timber near the shore. Fuel is available in Sullivan along IL-121 at several stations. The town has a grocery store, fast food restaurants, and a few local dining options. Decatur is the nearest larger city for major supplies, motorhome service, and Walmart runs.

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Dump Station Costs in Sullivan

Among campgrounds near Sullivan, a portion% are free and a portion% charge a fee for overnight stays. Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Lake Shelbyville charge $22 to $32 per night for electric sites, with 50% discounts available for holders of America the Beautiful Senior or Access passes -- that's one of the best federal camping deals going. Private campgrounds in the area run $30 to $50 per night for full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer, and seasonal rates are available at several parks for summer-long stays that drop the nightly cost dramatically. Free camping options exist at primitive areas around the lake for self-contained rigs that are comfortable without hookups. Overall, Lake Shelbyville camping is a solid value compared to similar Corps of Engineers lakes in other states.

Free: 5 stations (50%)

Paid: 5 stations (50%)

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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Sullivan

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Best Time to Visit Sullivan by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

20-40°F

Crowds: Low

Most Corps campgrounds close by late October. A few private parks remain open with limited services.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

40-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Crappie runs on Lake Shelbyville draw anglers from across the region. Campgrounds open in April with moderate crowds.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

65-90°F

Crowds: High

Peak season with packed campgrounds on weekends. Boating, swimming, and fishing are in full swing on the lake.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

45-75°F

Crowds: Medium

Crowds thin after Labor Day and the fall fishing picks up. Beautiful timber colors around the lake shoreline.

Explore the Sullivan Area

Book your Corps of Engineers campsite well ahead for summer weekends -- Lake Shelbyville sites go fast, especially the waterfront spots at campgrounds like Coon Creek and Sullivan Beach that everybody wants for their lake access. Reservations through Recreation.gov are the way to go, and popular sites get snagged months in advance for peak season. The fishing is excellent for crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white bass, with spring crappie runs from March through May being particularly legendary among local anglers who plan their entire season around them. Rent a pontoon boat at one of the lake marinas if you didn't bring your own -- it's a great way to explore the coves and find the fish. The Little Theatre on the Square in downtown Sullivan runs professional productions all summer long and it's a surprisingly fun evening out that most campers don't expect to find in a small town. If you want a quieter camping experience with less weekend party noise, try the campgrounds on the east side of the lake -- they get significantly less traffic than the ones closest to Sullivan.

National Parks Nearby

Other Cities in Illinois

Carlyle (7)Urbana (6)Chicago (6)Decatur (5)Argenta (5)Springfield (5)Macomb (5)Grafton (5)Makanda (5)Pontiac (5)Oregon (5)Des Plaines (4)

View all cities in Illinois →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Sullivan

Where can I camp with my motorhome near Sullivan, Illinois?

Sullivan has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks, most clustered around Lake Shelbyville's extensive shoreline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates several campgrounds along the lake including Coon Creek, Sullivan Beach, and Lone Point, all with electric hookup sites. Private Motorhome parks are available closer to town as well.

Are there free camping spots near Sullivan?

There are {{freeCount}} free camping options near Sullivan around the Lake Shelbyville area. Free sites tend to be primitive without hookups, located at Corps-managed recreation areas around the lake perimeter for self-contained RVs that can operate without shore power.

How much does camping cost at Lake Shelbyville?

Corps of Engineers campgrounds charge $22 to $32 per night for electric sites, with 50% discounts for qualifying federal pass holders like the America the Beautiful Senior pass. Private Motorhome parks in the area run $30 to $50 per night with full hookup sites.

What fishing can I expect at Lake Shelbyville?

Lake Shelbyville is an excellent fishing lake for crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white bass across the seasons. The spring crappie run from March through May is legendary, drawing dedicated anglers from across the entire Midwest. Pontoon boat and fishing boat rentals are available at the lake marinas.

Can big rigs camp at Lake Shelbyville?

Yes, many Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Lake Shelbyville have spacious pull-through sites that accommodate rigs up to 45 feet without any issues. Check specific site details and dimensions on Recreation.gov when booking, as some individual sites are better suited for smaller rigs with back-in-only access.

Where can I camp with my motorhome near Sullivan, Illinois?

Are there free camping spots near Sullivan?

How much does camping cost at Lake Shelbyville?

What fishing can I expect at Lake Shelbyville?

Can big rigs camp at Lake Shelbyville?

Are there free dump stations in Sullivan?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Sullivan.