Closed
— Currently closed for winter. Picnic shelters are reservable when open with hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
About
Dam West Picnic Shelters sits on the southwest shore of Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, offering prime day-use facilities for groups and families. The facility features two reservable picnic shelters: a large group shelter with 11 picnic tables, 2 group grills, 4 flush restrooms, overhead lighting, 14 electrical outlets, and water hookups; and a ramp point shelter with 7 tables, 1 group grill, flush restrooms, and 8 electrical outlets. Both shelters have paved parking and are available first-come, first-served when not reserved.
The recreation area provides diverse outdoor activities including a public beach, boat ramp with fish cleaning station, and shoreline fishing access for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, and bluegill. The General Dacey Trail, a multi-use biking and walking trail, extends through the area connecting the lake, spillway, dam, and Shelbyville city park. The day-use area offers wide-open lake views and wildlife viewing opportunities including songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, white-tailed deer, and various small mammals.
The Lake Shelbyville Dam and Visitor Center are located nearby, and the town of Shelbyville is directly west, offering local shops and restaurants. Shelter hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and adult chaperones are required for youth under 18.
Directions
From Shelbyville, Illinois, go half a mile east on State Route 16 to Spillway Recreation Area road. Turn left into Spillway Recreation Area. Follow the road to the end, and turn left across the dam. At the stop sign, turn right into Dam West Recreation Area. Take the 2nd right for the large group picnic shelter or the 3rd right for the ramp point picnic shelter.
Nearby Campgrounds
