Wolf Creek State Park
Explore park information, recreation, camping, maps, and visitor details.
Park overview
Wolf Creek State Park is the perfect place to plan an RV trip, tent camping trip, or even a day trip. There are plenty of activities to do in the park, no matter what age you are. The park is situated on the 11,000-acre lake, making it perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. While lake activities are amongst the most common, there are also opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and biking. The park is home to many different species of wildlife, including the Bald Eagle, making nature watching a very rewarding activity in the park.
If you choose to camp in the winter, you can expect freezing temperatures that range from the low 20s to the mid-30s Fahrenheit. This often allows for ice fishing if the conditions last long enough for the ice to get thick. Summers in Illinois tent to range from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit.
There are more than 300 campsites within the park, with additional primitive sites around the park. Although the park only offers electric hookup, there are dump stations, shower houses, and restrooms within the park, making it perfect to camp in your RV.
Park map
View the park location and surrounding area.
Nearby lakes
Lakes within 25 miles of Wolf Creek State Park.
Things to do
In-season activities
Popular things to do during the park's primary season.
Boating
Boating in Wolf Creek State Park is a must if you love being out on the water. There is a wide variety of boating opportunities, as the park is located on the 11,000-acre Lake Shelbyville. Whether you're looking to relax on your paddleboard or set out on your next water skiing adventure, Lake Shelbyville is large enough to accommodate a little bit of everything. There are no limitations on boat motors, so if you plan to use a small watercraft such as a paddleboard, be sure to stick to the shores and away from the center of the lake!
Swimming
There's no better way to cool off from a hot summer day than taking a swim in the lake. Located on the Southwest portion of the park, about a 15-minute walk from the campground, you'll find the swimming beach. The beach is open from the end of May until the 1st of September, so if you're planning a summer trip, make sure to stop by the beach. There is no lifeguard on duty, so you must swim at your own risk.
Picnicking
Picnicking is a great way to spend time with friends and family, and there's no better way to picnic than in the great outdoors. There are many picnic areas all around Wold Creek State Park. At each picnic area, you'll find sanitary stations, grills, picnic tables, potable water, and playgrounds. There are also two picnic shelters in the park that are wheelchair accessible. The Lost Shelter picnic area is in a scenic and isolated area, and is available for reservation for larger groups!
Off-season activities
Recreation commonly available outside the primary season.
Hiking
There are many hiking opportunities within Wolf Creek State Park, as there are seven trails. These trails are considered multi-purpose and can be used by those that are horseback riding, walking, running, or mountain biking. These trails range from easy to difficult, but they can each be completed in several hours. Whether you're a new hiker or experienced, there's a trail in Wolf Creek State Park for everyone. In addition to the hiking trails, there is also a 15-mile equestrian trail, as well as a 16-mile snowmobile trail for when winter gets a little more than a light dusting of snow.
Fishing
Fishing is a widespread activity in Wolf Creek State Park, as the massive Lake Shelbyville draws in anglers of all ages and all experience levels. There are opportunities within the park for bank fishing, as well as many different types of boat fishing. Whether you're in a kayak, canoe, or motorboat, there's nothing quite like getting out on the water and making that first cast. Many species are fished for in Lake Shelbyville. The most commonly caught species are largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, white bass, and muskellunge.
Nature Watching
Wolf Creek State Park is perfect for both nature watching and birding. The state of Illinois has the second largest amount of wintering Bald Eagles. Although winters in Illinois can be cold and rough, Lake Shelbyville provides the perfect environment for many species of plants and wildflowers. Whether you're looking for birds, wild animals, or even fish, there are many opportunities to get up close and personal with the great outdoors in Wolf Creek State Park!
Campgrounds
Reservable campgrounds
Sites that generally accept advance reservations.
Wolf Creek State Park Campground
Wolf Creek State Park is a great camping getaway, no matter what type of camping you like to do. The only hookups in the park are electric, but there is potable water available within the park, as well as there is a dump station within the park. Reservations in the campground are not required, but they are recommended. There are 304 Class A campsites within the park, so if you visit without a reservation, you have a fair chance of not getting turned away. Located within the campground, you'll find showers, restrooms, a campground cabin, and picnic tables throughout the entire campground. While there are picnic tables throughout the campground, there is also a picnic table and fire ring at every campsite. The camping season in Wolf Creek State Park is March 24th through September 17th, but these dates can change depending on the weather.
Getting there and around
Driving directions
Located just Southeast of Decatur, IL, Wolf Creek State Park is both easy to access and easy to navigate. All roads within the park are paved and wide enough to accommodate your RV or your camper trailer. While there are not too many roads within the park, it is recommended to have a map handy, as there are many loop roads and turn arounds within the park. If you're planning to use the day-use amenities of the park, be cautious about parking. There are several; parking areas within the park that are large enough to accommodate both RVs or boat trailers, but these lots tend to fill up quickly during peak season! Cycling and walking are very common in Wolf Creek State Park. While the park is very large, almost all of the park can be accessed from the campground on foot or by bicycle. This is a great way to see the park up close, as well as getting some exercise in.
Average monthly temperatures
Typical daily high and low temperatures near Wolf Creek State Park.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 35° | 41° | 53° | 65° | 75° | 84° | 86° | 85° | 80° | 67° | 52° | 40° |
| Low | 19° | 23° | 33° | 43° | 54° | 63° | 66° | 64° | 55° | 44° | 34° | 25° |
Historical averages describe typical conditions and are not a weather forecast.