Whether out for a short lunch or an all day family reunion, Lake Shelbyville offers picnic areas that accommodate any size group. Many offer scenic views of the lake. Sites are located in most developed recreation areas. The sites vary in size from single picnic tables to shelters with multiple tables and electrical service.

Picnic areas, designated by the operations manager and marked with appropriate signs, close at 10:00 p.m.  Other areas, that are not posted, will remain open to public use.

Picnic tables can be found at the following recreation areas:

• Camp Camfield Ecological Study Area
• Forrest W. "Bo" Wood Recreation Area
• Dam East Recreation Area
• Dam West Recreation Area
• Lithia Springs Marina Recreation Area
• Lone Point Recreation Area
• Okaw Bluff Recreation Area
• Spillway Recreation Area
• Whitley Creek Recreation Area
• Wilborn Creek Recreation Area

Picnic Shelters

All picnic shelters are available on a first come-first serve basis or through a special use permit obtained at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office or by calling (217) 774-3951, ext 7048. All permits are available beginning on the first working day in January and require a $30 non-refundable permit fee. The large shelter at Dam West requires a $50 permit fee. Permits will be posted at shelters indicating use.

Group picnic shelters located in East Spillway, Dam East, Dam West Overlook, Dam West Beach, Lone Point, Bo Wood, Sullivan Beach, and Camp Camfield Recreation Areas are not reservable and are available on a first come-first served basis.