Map showing campground location near Karbers Ridge, Illinois

Camper submitted image from High Knob Campgrounds

High Knob Campgrounds

Horse trailers and RVs line the gravel roads at High Knob Campgrounds, a dedicated equestrian facility in Shawnee National Forest. This campground caters specifically to horseback riders, with stalls and tie-outs available alongside camping spots that feature electric and water hookups.

The facility serves as a staging area for extensive trail networks that wind through the rocky, hilly terrain of the surrounding forest. Multiple trailheads provide access to portions of the River to River trail system, and Shelly S. notes it's "a good staging area for Shawnee NF treks with several trailheads to pick from." Sites offer some shade, and the horse stalls receive positive marks from riders for safety and condition.

Amenities include shower houses, though cleanliness varies according to camper reports. The campground also features cabins, travel trailers, and a store for supplies. Groups can reserve space for base camp operations. Tent camping is not permitted, as this facility focuses exclusively on RV and horse camping combinations.

Road access connects to Illinois Route 1, positioning campers for exploration of Garden of the Gods and other Shawnee attractions. Those planning multi-day rides will find Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins nearby for additional staging options. Reservations are recommended during peak riding seasons.

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Location

Private Campground

High Knob Campgrounds is located in Illinois

Coordinates

37.60098647 N
88.33350618 W

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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

Drive Time

1 hr 2 min from Paducah, KY
1 hr 20 min from Evansville, IN
1 hr 33 min from Owensboro, KY
1 hr 48 min from Cape Girardeau, MO

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

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

(10) View All

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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