Lake Shelby Park & Campground


About Lake Shelby Park & Campground
Lake Shelby was built in 1949, and is located within the city limits of Shelbyville, Kentucky. It is owned by the City of Shelbyville and operated by Shelbyville/Shelby Co. Parks and Recreation and Kentucky Dept of Fish and Wildlife. The original lake was never dug out. When the dam was built, trees were cut along a low lying field area which was then flooded to form Lake Shelby. It was used by Kentucky Utilities as the water reservoir for the city and was also a private fish and game club. In the early 1960’s, Guist Creek Lake was built nearby and became the new reservoir for the city. In 1970 the Shelbyville – Shelby County Park and Recreation Board was formed, and the city turned Lake Shelby over to the parks department to operate.
1433 Burks Branch Road
Shelbyville, KY, United States
RESERVE A CAMPSITE!
ONLINE RESERVATIONS: (via Reserve America).
CLICK HERE
CONTACT FOR INFORMATION:
WAYS TO CONTACT: (Call, E-Mail or Text!)
- CALL: 502-633-5069.
- E-MAIL: lakeshelbyKY@gmail.com.
- TEXT: 502-633-5069 (standard data rates apply.)
- We’ll be glad to assist you!
Lake Shelby Park and Campground Informational Links:
- Lake Shelby General Information: CLICK HERE
- Lake Shelby Campground Rules, Regulations, and Cancellation / Refund Policy: CLICK HERE
- Lake Shelby RV & TENT Fee Schedule: CLICK HERE
- Lake Shelby Map: CLICK HERE
- Reserve A Site
- Campground Long Term Stays (30 days MAX – only available during non-peak season of November 16 – March 14): Download and fill out Lake Shelby LONG TERM Campground Facility Application and send to crose@shelbycountyparks.com. Or fill out application online here and submit. All stays longer than 14 days must be approved by management. No exceptions. WE DO NOT OFFER YEARLY OPTIONS.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
All RV & Tent Sites 6-12 MUST be reserved online.
**Bathhouse & water access shut off & closed November 15th – March 15th.

Boat Launching:
Daily Fee: (valid from dawn to dusk)
- Motorized Boats: $4 per boat per vehicle
- Non-Motorized Boats: $2 per vehicle
Annual Pass: (valid for one year from date of purchase.)
- Motorized Boats: $40 per boat
- Non-motorized Boats: $20 per vehicle
Canoes:
$10 per hour
Lake Shelby offers 20 acres of water stocked with bluegill, crappie, bass, catfish, and more! A 10 site RV campground is available for guest as well as 15 tent sites and primitive sites along the lake front. The park is great for canoeing / kayaking, fishing, and bird watching, bald eagles are frequently spotted.
Shelter & Ammenity Rental Fees
RV and Tent Camping:
$30 per night: RV Site 1 (includes sewer, electric & water)
$25 per night: RV Sites 2-10 (electric and water only, no sewer)
$20 per night: Tents and Primitive (no water or electric)
LONG TERM CAMPING: Is available on a limited basis. Please call or text 502-633-5069 or email lakeshelbyKY@gmail.com for information. A complete application (found above) must be completed to be considered. Long term camping is available for a period of 30 days only during November 16th – March 14th. The park department does not permit yearly camping, no exceptions.
CANCELLATION POLICY: (Effective July 1, 2018)
- If a reservation is cancelled 8 or more days prior to arrival, a flat $13.50 cancellation & reservation fee will be charged (per reservation that is cancelled.)
- If a reservation is cancelled between 1 and 7 days prior to arrival, the first night’s rental fee plus $13.50 cancellation and reservation fee will be charged. (per reservation that is cancelled.)
- If a reservation is cancelled on or after the day of arrival, the customer will forfeit their entire rental fee.

Main Shelter
Located by the restroom facility
(50 max capacity)
Individual – $50
Company – $100

Moses Ruben
Located on the front avenue when entering Lake Shelby (40 max capacity)
Individual – $40
Company – $75

Shirley Martin
Located in the primitive area
40 max capacity (no electric or water)
Individual – $40
Company – $75

Log Cabin
Located in the primitive area
25 max capacity (no electric or water)
Individual – $40
Company – $75

Nelson Bottom
Located across from main entrance of Lake Shelby under bridge
First Come, First Serve

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