Lake Shelby Boondocking
In Shelbyville, Kentucky
Guide for Off-Grid Camping
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| 1433 Burks Branch Road Shelbyville, Kentucky GPS: 38.231777, -85.22142 Elevation: 728′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – City Park (Official) Sites 6-12 MUST be reserved online This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Lake Shelby Boondocking: There are 16-29 campsites at this location. It is located on Shelby Lake Dr. on the Northwest periphery of Clear Creek Park in Shelbyville, KY. Take 7th St (KY 55) North from the middle of town. Where KY 55 makes a right, continue straight North on Snow Hill Rd. When you come to a “Tee” at the Clear Creek Park boundary, turn left onto Burks Branch Rd which runs clockwise along the Park boundary. Make a right on to Lake Shelby Dr. After about a 1/4 mile, the campground is on the right.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All RV & Tent Sites 6-12 MUST be reserved online.
About This Location
If you’re searching for a quiet spot to boondock near water in Shelbyville Kentucky, Lake Shelby boondocking is a solid pick. The lakeside camping here gives you both RV and tent options, so you can soak up the outdoors without too much noise.
It’s a small lake, but it’s stocked with fish and has a calm vibe. Whether you’re into fishing, kayaking, or just want to chill by the water, you’ll find it pretty relaxing.
Boondocking at Lake Shelby boondocking means you’re off-grid but still right by the lake, with a few amenities close at hand. There are 10 RV sites and a handful of tent spots right along the shore. Birdwatchers have a good shot at spotting bald eagles now and then—always a treat if you’re lucky.
This spot’s managed by Shelby County Parks, so it’s kept up nicely but doesn’t feel too manicured. If you’re after a low-key escape to fish, paddle, or just breathe for a night, Lake Shelby boondocking is a simple, easygoing place to do it.
Lake Shelby Boondocking In Shelbyville, Kentucky
Looking for a peaceful boondocking site near Shelbyville? Lake Shelby boondocking is about as straightforward as it gets, and that’s part of its charm.
The campground only has a handful of RV sites, and there aren’t any full hookups. You’ll need to sort out your own water, waste, and power, so come prepared.
Lake Shelby boondocking offers around 10 RV spots and 15 tent or primitive sites. Most are close enough to the water that you can toss in a fishing line or launch a kayak without much effort.
Bird watching is a thing here, too—ducks, geese, and sometimes bigger surprises overhead. Just a heads-up: this is a spot for nature lovers, not folks looking for luxury.
You’ll want to bring your own water and maybe a generator or solar panels. There are dump stations and potable water taps in the park, but not at every site, so plan ahead.
Here’s what you can expect:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| RV Sites | About 10, no full hookups |
| Tent Campsites | 15, including primitive areas |
| Water Access | Stocked lake for fishing |
| Activities | Kayaking, bird watching, fishing |
| Nearby Facilities | Dump station and water taps |
If you want a natural setting with just enough comfort to keep you happy, Lake Shelby boondocking fits the bill. Spend your days on the water, or just hang out and watch the local birds do their thing. Make sure you pack everything you need, since you’ll be off-grid for the most part.
Directions
To get to Lake Shelby Boondocking in Shelbyville Kentucky, head for Shelbyville on KY-55 or US-60. These are the main roads into town, so you can’t really miss them.
Once you’re in downtown Shelbyville, keep an eye out for signs to Lake Shelby Park & Campground. The park sits on the west side of town, tucked away but not hard to find.
Coming from Lexington? Take I-64 East and hop off at Exit 32. Then it’s KY-43 South until you hit KY-53, and from there, follow KY-53 north to the park entrance.
Plug this into your GPS if you’d rather not mess with directions:
Lake Shelby Park & Campground, Shelbyville, KY 40065
When you arrive, look for the boondocking areas or primitive campsites—they’re usually a bit away from the main camping sections. These spots are closer to the lakefront and feel a little more secluded.
There’s parking for vehicles without hookups, so you can set up your camp without much hassle. Just remember, this is a “bring your own everything” kind of place.
Vehicle Access And Pricing
Before you head out, it’s good to know about the costs, what the roads are like, and vehicle size limits. Saves you from any surprises, honestly.
Fees
Camping fees at Lake Shelby boondocking are pretty reasonable. Daily rates for both tents and RVs are usually lower than what you’ll find at bigger campgrounds nearby.
You’ll pay on-site, either at a self-registration box or sometimes at the park office, depending on the season. A few sites might offer electric hookups, but check for extra fees if you need them.
Road Conditions And Accessibility
Getting in is straightforward—the main roads to Lake Shelby boondocking are paved and generally in good shape. Local streets have signs to help you find the campground, so you won’t be circling for hours.
Some of the smaller roads near the campground can get a bit narrow or bumpy, especially if you’re in a bigger rig. Take it slow and watch out for tight corners. The place is open all year, but if it’s been raining a lot or there’s snow, the roads could get trickier than usual.
Maximum RV Or Trailer Length
The campground’s pretty flexible when it comes to vehicle sizes. Most RVs or trailers up to 35 feet seem to fit just fine, and you probably won’t have much trouble finding a spot.
If you’ve got something longer, it’s smart to call ahead—just to be sure. Some of those bigger rigs might run into a tight squeeze, or you could end up needing a designated spot to avoid blocking the smaller sites. It’s not the sort of thing you want to find out after a long drive, right?
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Boat Ramp Drinking Water Dump Station Electricity Fire Ring Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms Showers |
RV Camping Tent Camping Boating Fishing Kayaking Bird Watching Hiking |