1 campground with availability this weekend
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.
"This is a 100 site campground on Rend Lake in Illinois. Lots of trees. Level paved sites unless you book right by the lake. Some are very steep. Bring lots to level with! We are in site 92."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $30 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $16 - $28 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $40 / night
"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."
TravelerThis is a 100 site campground on Rend Lake in Illinois. Lots of trees. Level paved sites unless you book right by the lake. Some are very steep. Bring lots to level with! We are in site 92. Away from the lake but beautiful sunshine.
GuideGreat place easy on off the hyw sites are old so you may need to block up your RV to level it . Some sites only have electric so be careful when you book it. Heard some road noise from the HYW but the campsite had plenty of room
GuideQuiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.
ScoutRend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.
GuideI stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.
GuideCampground was quiet and peaceful when I was there. Numerous trails within the park and I had them to myself while out hiking.
GuideWe arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!
GuidePaved roads and campsites. Convenient to the interstate but removed enough to be peaceful. Beautiful sunset at the lake. Bathhouse is outdated but functional.
GuideMet up with some family at this campground had a nice time. Everything was clean. The bathrooms were magnificently clean at the South Sandusky in Rend Lake. The lake was nice. There was lots of trees very very nice campground.
Camping sites around Benton, Illinois range from lakeside settings on Rend Lake to forested areas within Shawnee National Forest. The region sits at approximately 400-500 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and mild to cold winters. Many campgrounds maintain accessibility from March through November, with several Corps of Engineers facilities offering well-maintained sites around the 19,000-acre Rend Lake.
Fishing opportunities: Gun Creek Campground provides excellent lake access for anglers. "It was a good view, also pretty RV heavy, but tent friendly. Grassy area, fire pit, stone table... Because of the lake there are tons of mosquitos, plan accordingly!" notes Brennan M.
Wildlife viewing: Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park offers abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "We had 3 of the sites closest to the lake with only electric. The campground is well kept, about 20 minutes from any groceries so come with your neccessities," reports Tina J. at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Ferne Clyffe State Park features limestone bluffs and seasonal waterfalls. "Great covered spots, trails to and from the campground all across the park, great personnel, accessibility throughout the park, scenic locations within a mile walk from the campground (Ferne Clyffe Waterfall)," explains Hannah S. at Deer Ridge Campground.
Spacious sites: South Sandusky Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "Most of the sites are wooded with space between them, and many have lake views. They are not very level so some adjustments were needed," says Joel R. at South Sandusky Campground.
Sunset views: Gun Creek Campground provides memorable lake vistas. "What a beautiful campground, it's our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," writes Jeff F. at Gun Creek.
Clean facilities: Ferne Clyffe State Park maintains good bathroom facilities. "Nice quiet campground with lots of trees and nicely separated camp spots. Water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available."
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds have specific reservation procedures. "The stay was pleasant and the lake was very nice but the reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer. Basically people show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave," explains Blake M. regarding Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.
Site leveling: Many campsites require adjustments for level setup. "Overall a great stay, very busy as it was full the entire time we were there while the state park down the road was empty. Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline," advises Never Sitting S.
Equestrian options: Beyond the main horse campgrounds near Benton, Illinois, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offers alternative camping. "Nice campground, right on Crab Orchard Lake. Large sites, lots of room. We camped with several other families and everyone enjoyed this park," reports Joel R. at Crab Orchard Lake.
Swimming beaches: South Sandusky features accessible swimming areas. "We love the large beach. The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size. The kids loved the playground. There were kids everywhere and everyone was very friendly! Fun spot!" reports Missy D.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds provide play areas for children. "Fishing. Swimming, hiking, boating, playgrounds. Water and sewer hookups with 30/50 amp electric. Lots of shade. Friendly staff," notes Rhonda M.
Nature exploration: Giant City State Park offers diverse wildlife viewing. "This is a great state park campground. They have electric sites, and water is available but you need to fill your tank before setting up camp. Giant City has great hiking and wildlife viewing," says Joel R. at Giant City State Park Campground.
Hookup locations: South Sandusky provides various utility configurations. "Using your GPS of choice, you can reach this campground off I-57 via Benton or the IL-154/Sesser exit. Most sites here offer water and electric (50/30/20 AMP), while the Dogwood loop features several full hookup sites in its upper section," advises MickandKarla W.
Pull-through availability: Shawnee Forest Campground offers convenient pull-through sites. "Great pull through sites, several ponds fishing catch and release very nice walking paths plenty of woods easy on easy off one of akind campground a must visit," says Michael S. at Shawnee Forest Campground.
Camping with horses: For equestrian-friendly RV camping beyond traditional horse campgrounds near Benton, Illinois, prepare to bring portable containment systems. "Gun Creek has many sites for all campers. For cheap you get a simple site with electric or for not too much more there are sites with water and sewage dump," explains Dave S.
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 27 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.
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