Best Equestrian Camping near Benton, IL

The Benton, Illinois area offers limited equestrian camping options, with none of the listed campgrounds featuring dedicated horse corrals or specialized horse facilities. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, located on Rend Lake, accommodates equestrians with spacious campsites that can fit both camping units and horse trailers. The park's trail system connects to bridle paths where riders can explore wooded areas and lakeshore terrain. Sites include standard amenities like electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings, with some offering full hookups for RV campers bringing horses.

Trail access near Benton provides the main draw for horse enthusiasts camping in the region. Shawnee National Forest, a short drive south, offers extensive equestrian trail networks with primitive camping options where horses can be highlined or contained with portable corrals. Sites at Rend Lake campgrounds can accommodate horse trailers with advance notice, though campers must bring their own containment systems. Horse owners should contact campgrounds directly regarding specific equestrian policies, as facilities primarily serve general camping needs rather than specialized equestrian services. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring often bringing muddy sections that may limit riding options.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Benton, Illinois (29)

    1. Gun Creek

    21 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $30 / night

    "One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."

    "The lake had the most amazing sunset! Everyone is super friendly and we recommend the blue jay loop for best views and swimming access to the lake."

    2. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "Using your GPS of choice, you can reach this campground off I-57 via Benton or the IL-154/Sesser exit."

    "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

    3. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 629-2320

    "Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."

    "Many of the sites are walk up only.  The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games.  Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water."

    4. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    6 miles
    Website

    "Hundreds of campsites, marinas with boat rentals, beaches and stores nearby in case you need something. This area is truly a southern Illinois gem!"

    "Large spacious sites, close to swimming beaches, although not walking distance. Tree covered and offer some privacy. Great place to meet with family and friends."

    5. South Sandusky Day Use

    4 Reviews
    Rend Lake, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    6. Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    6 Reviews
    Bargerville, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 985-4983

    "This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."

    "Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week."

    7. Du Quoin State Fair Campground

    1 Review
    Pinckneyville, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 542-1515

    8. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground."

    "Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.

    All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."

    9. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."

    10. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    "Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Benton, IL

3 Photos of 29 Benton Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Benton, IL

217 Reviews of 29 Benton Campgrounds


  • Michael M.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Campground Improving in 2017

    There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground. The campground is being upgraded this year in which I belive they are adding 50 amp full service to many of the electric only sites. There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river. I have tent camped here and camped in a pop-up camper in the fall both times. Hiking is the best activity here unless you ride horses and that is great here too. This one and Wolf Creek on Lake Shelbyville are the best parks in Illinois for horse trails.

  • J K.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Randolph County State Recreation Area

    Nice quaint campground

    This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

    Park Information:

    West Central Illinois

    4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

    618-826-2706

    N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

    Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

  • d
    May. 29, 2019

    Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    A beautiful equestrian lodge and campground. Ride out of several trail hea

    Address: 50 Barger Rd, Stonefort, IL.

    Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL.    Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge.  Ride or hike in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.  Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites.  Stalls can be reserved. some sites are full hookup. Primitive camping also available.  CALL them for more info at 270-205-7138.  Arena and huge event barn on site. Event barn can be reserved for weddings.  Numerous sites have electric and water.  They have a Facebook page with numerous photos.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Johnson Creek

    off the beaten path

    Located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.

    We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.

  • Mike V.
    Jul. 1, 2016

    Pyramid State Recreation Area

    Pyramid State Park, IL, initial visit

    Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak. Did a nice long walk along one trail late May and there was a lot of bird activity. Can't explore it all on one visit. Saw several people camping, and some were horse back riding on a trail. Hope to go back some day and spend more time there.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    South Sandusky Campground

    5 Star COE

    Using your GPS of choice, you can reach this campground off I-57 via Benton or the IL-154/Sesser exit. The area includes both North Sandusky and South Sandusky COE campgrounds, clearly marked and easy to find. We arrived around 2:00 PM and found the check-in gate closed, but since we had a reservation, we proceeded directly to our back-in site 123 with full hookups. Most sites here offer water and electric (50/30/20 AMP), while the Dogwood loop features several full hookup sites in its upper section. Note that the loop has low-sloping ditches on both sides of the road, so precise backing is needed to land on the asphalt pad. There’s one full hookup pull-through site in the Dogwood loop—a long, slightly curved pad with sewer and power connections on the yard side, and water on the standard side. Both North and South Sandusky COE campgrounds offer a wide variety of site types, including lake views, varying utility setups, and well-spaced sites. Paved bike trails run throughout the area. We've been coming here for years, and this campground remains one of our favorites close to home.

  • e
    May. 31, 2018

    Johnson Creek

    woods camping byo horse

    single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared. drinking water available right outside the camp and most sites have a non-potable water spigot, horse hitch, and fire ring. close to lake kinkaid and johnson creek. there are a few trails that connect to this spot.

    if you have a golden pass then you can receive a discounted stay.

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    High Knob Campgrounds

    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.

  • J
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Dam West Spillway

    Lots of trees, shades, great campsites, friendly hosts and clean facilities

    This campground qualifies for the senior pass for reduced rates. It is directly on Carlyle Lake, ,the largest lake in Illinois. It has activities for children on the weekends. The campsites have sewer and water on some sites, as well as other sites with electricity available. There are a lot of mature trees in the campground that provides plenty of shade int he summer. Many of the sites are blacktopped and large RV's will fit on the sites. There is a beach very near the campground that is within walking distance. There are also pools located near to the campground that can be used by the public.


Guide to Benton

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds equipped with horse-friendly amenities, riders can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for equestrian camping near Benton, Illinois

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

  • Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR offers a tranquil environment with nearby trails for horseback riding and fishing opportunities.
  • Gun Creek is known for its scenic views and access to trails, making it a popular choice for equestrians.
  • South Sandusky Campground features well-spaced sites and nearby trails, perfect for those looking to ride and relax in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Benton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Benton, IL is Gun Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Benton, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 equestrian camping locations near Benton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.