Map showing campground location near Olive Branch, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Horseshoe Lake Alexander County

Horseshoe Lake Alexander County

Within Horseshoe Lake-Alexander State Fish and Wildlife Area, this Illinois Department of Natural Resources campground operates year-round with both drive-in and boat-in access. The facility accommodates RVs up to 35 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups, plus a dump station for those sites without direct sewer connections.

The campground splits between east and west sections, with the smaller west area typically seeing fewer crowds than the busier east side near the boat launch. Sites sit on grass lots without clear demarcation, and campers should check electrical connections before setup since some posts serve dual sites and power issues occasionally occur at certain locations. Alison S. notes the "lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees," creating a distinctive backdrop for kayaking and fishing activities.

Restroom facilities include multiple shower stalls that reviewers describe as dated but clean. The surrounding landscape features mature cypress and tupelo trees providing natural shade across many sites. First-come, first-serve reservations keep costs low, with discounts available for Illinois residents who qualify for senior, military, or handicapped rates. Limited services exist nearby, with basic supplies available within 10 miles and larger towns like Cape Girardeau about 30 minutes away.

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Map & DirectionsHorseshoe Lake Alexander County is located in Illinois near Olive Branch

Public Campground

Directions

From Olive Branch: Go 3 mi S on Hwy-3, then 3 mi W on Miller City Rd.

Address

21204 Promised Land Rd
Miller City, IL 62962

Coordinates

37.1159923 N
89.33069967 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

25 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
52 min from Paducah, KY
2 hrs 13 min from Jackson, TN
2 hrs 23 min from Evansville, IN

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Horseshoe Lake Alexander County

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful cypress setting and peaceful atmosphere as highlights. Several guests reported problems with electric hookups and water availability at various sites.

marcella

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2023

small campground with water and some sites with working electric near lake and farm land

electric was not working at some sites and one post had hookups for two sites. No sewer, there is a dump station down the road. east side campground was busier and had more people than the smaller west campground where we stayed. sites are not well demarcated and grass lots. campground near boat launch and a decent restroom with showers that mostly worked. gray lake for kayaking. about 30 minutes from Cape Girardeau no which is a decent sized town or similar to Sikeston, MO. There is gas, liquor store and dollar general within 10miles. west side was very peaceful for most part. first come first serve, no reservations but fairly cheap. electric not working at first 3 or 4 sites so check before you set up your camper.

Site7 or 8

Month of VisitMay

(18) View All

Tod S.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2022

Peaceful beauty

In late October there was no water, but several sites have full hook ups Discounts for seniors, military, handicapped for state residents. All others pay $20 for weekday

Site26

Month of VisitOctober

(7) View All

Alison S.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

Beautiful and peaceful

We had a quiet RV site with electric. Many of the sites also have water but not ours. Shaded area. Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls.

Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores. We managed to find one small grocery store. The town of Cairo is a ghost town but Ft. Defiance is worth seeing.

Frank B.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Amazing

Gorgeous place big beautiful cypress and tupelo trees. Shaded spots and laid back atmosphere. The park workers do a amazing job at upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Horseshoe Lake Campground in Illinois?

Horseshoe Lake Campground offers electric hookup sites, with some sites also featuring water connections. The campground has a dump station located down the road. Facilities include clean, albeit dated, shower houses with multiple stalls. The campground is divided into east and west sides, with the east side typically being busier. Sites are primarily grassy and shaded by beautiful cypress and tupelo trees. Seniors, military members, and persons with disabilities who are Illinois residents can receive discounts on camping fees, with standard weekday rates at $20 for non-residents.

Where is Horseshoe Lake Campground located in Southern Illinois?

Horseshoe Lake Campground is located in Alexander County in Southern Illinois, near Olive Branch. The campground is situated in a rural area with limited nearby amenities and stores. The location is relatively isolated, providing a quiet, natural setting for campers. Before visiting, it's advisable to bring necessary supplies as shopping options are scarce in the immediate vicinity.

What fishing opportunities are available at Horseshoe Lake State Park in Illinois?

Horseshoe Lake offers fishing opportunities in a unique cypress tree-filled environment that resembles a swamp-like setting. The lake features boat ramps for easy water access. The picturesque cypress and tupelo trees create a distinctive fishing atmosphere uncommon in Illinois. While specific fish species aren't detailed, the lake's swampy character suggests opportunities for bass, crappie, and other warmwater species typical to Southern Illinois waters. For current fishing regulations and species information, contact the park directly before your visit.

What do visitor reviews say about Horseshoe Lake State Park?

Horseshoe Lake State Park is frequently praised for its gorgeous natural setting, particularly the distinctive big cypress and tupelo trees that create a unique atmosphere. Campers appreciate the shaded sites and the laid-back, quiet environment. The park's maintenance is noted as excellent, with staff doing an amazing job with upkeep. While electric hookups are available, some sites have reported occasional issues with electrical service. The east campground tends to be busier than the west side. The distinctive lake environment with cypress trees is often highlighted as a special feature worth experiencing, though some describe it as more swamp-like than a traditional lake.

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