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Facilities

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Established Camping

High Knob Campgrounds

4 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

High Knob Campgrounds, near Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, is a unique spot primarily catering to horse lovers. This campground is all about equestrian adventures, with extensive trails winding through hilly and rocky terrain, perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors on horseback.

The facilities here include stalls and tie-outs, making it easy for horse owners to set up camp. Visitors have mentioned that the shower houses could use a little TLC, but the clean potty areas are a plus. As one camper noted, “The trails are great, and maps are available,” ensuring you won’t get lost while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

If you’re not bringing a horse, don’t worry—there are options for tents, RVs, and even cabins. The campground serves as a solid base for exploring the nearby Shawnee National Forest, with several trailheads just a stone's throw away. Many campers appreciate the shaded sites, which provide a nice respite after a day of riding or hiking.

While some folks have pointed out that this is strictly a horse camp, the quiet atmosphere and available amenities like showers and a small store make it a comfortable place to unwind. Whether you’re an equestrian or just looking to enjoy the trails, High Knob Campgrounds offers a welcoming environment for your next outdoor adventure.

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Location

High Knob Campgrounds is located in Illinois

Coordinates

37.60098647 N
88.33350618 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Saline County State Conservation Area

14 min away

Dutchman Lake Camp

56 min away

Drive Time

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1 hr 2 min from Paducah
1 hr 20 min from Evansville
1 hr 33 min from Owensboro
1 hr 48 min from Cape Girardeau

Connectivity

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T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

RV Sites
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

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Chiang V.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2021

First time

This site is not bad

Travis R.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Horse camp only

They do not accept tents, this is strictly a horse camp, they will rudly tell you so if you call.

Alicia B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2018

Lots of trails

deffinitly caters to equestrians, my only complaint is the shower houses. The potty area is clean but showers are usually kinda gross. Love the sites most have a little shade and the stallsa are nice and safe. The trails are great maps available some trails need marked a bit better.

SiteBack part

Month of VisitJuly

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2018

The way to travel

High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas. There are some excellent things to see. The trail traverses some of the River to River trail that meanders through the area. There used to be an annual ride through “One Horse Gap” I don’t know if it’s still a thing.

The campground has options in addition to sleeping in your rig, cabins, travel trailers and a “hotel” . There’s also stalls and tie outs in the area you park in. A good staging area for Shawnee NF treks with several trailheads to pick from. Groups can set up in here and either stage or use it as base camp. Quiet , depending on who you are camping with, all amenities available on site too. (showers, laundry, store)

We enjoyed the trails though we went no where near as far as the horse people do. (There is so much to see, we have been going to Shawnee NF for over 20 years but I still find something or somewhere new almost every visit.)

Month of VisitJune

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there horse camping facilities at High Knob Campground?

Yes, High Knob is specifically designed as a horse campground. It caters primarily to equestrians with dedicated facilities including horse stalls that are noted for being nice and safe. The campground is strictly for horse camping and does not accept tent-only campers without horses. The entire setup is oriented toward providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors with horses.

What do reviews say about High Knob Campground?

High Knob Campground is generally viewed positively as a dedicated equestrian campground with good trail access. Campers appreciate the extensive trail network through the hilly, rocky terrain connecting to the River to River trail system. The sites receive favorable mentions for having adequate shade, and the horse stalls are considered nice and safe. While the restroom areas are noted as clean, the shower facilities receive some criticism for maintenance issues. The campground strictly enforces its horse camping focus and doesn't accommodate tent-only campers.

Where is High Knob Campground located in Illinois?

High Knob Campground is located in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, near the popular Garden of the Gods recreation area. It's situated off Illinois Highway 1 (IL-1) and is part of the beautiful hilly and rocky terrain that characterizes this region. The campground's location provides access to the River to River trail system, making it a strategic base for exploring this scenic part of Illinois.

What amenities and facilities are available at High Knob Campground?

High Knob Campground offers several amenities catering to its equestrian focus. The campground has shower houses and clean restroom facilities, though the showers may not always be maintained to the highest standard. Most campsites feature some shade and are designed with horse owners in mind. The campground provides horse stalls and access to extensive trail systems with maps available. Sites are well-arranged in the wooded setting, providing a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding forest.

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