Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2024

Great Galloping Gamp Grounds!

As my post from a bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

Highlights: (1) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois SP where there exists a combination of EZ, intermediate and difficult hiking and riding paths; (2) There’s great kayaking in nearby Illinois River, which you can access at multiple points, but my favorite is to shove off either at Starved Rock SP boat launch or head south of that SP by about 3 miles to one of the several launches that exist on the southern shore; (3) Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your steed with simply amazing great galloping trails as well as numerous places to tie up your four-hoofed friend; (4) Sites are spacious and nicely shaded; (5) The facilities are basic-to-bad, so lower your expectations and bring your own sanitary wipes; (6) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature

Lowlights:(1) This CG is EZ to miss if you don’t look for it – DON’T drive all the way into Matthiessen SP either on its west or east sides – this CG has its own discreet entry with parking near the road on the east side; (2) The grounds themselves could benefit from some TLC as there’s a lot of downed branches and even trash scattered around the place (that we cleaned up before leaving); (3) Depending upon how you look at it, this CG had no one there on the 3 occasions we visited – which was fine for us, but some might find the solitude here a bit daunting

Happy Camping!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park by Stuart K., December 27, 2024