The equestrian campgrounds near Braidwood, Illinois offer recreational opportunities for horse owners in a region characterized by mixed woodlands and prairie terrain. Located about 60 miles southwest of Chicago, these specialized facilities maintain natural settings with basic amenities while providing access to designated horse trails. Weather conditions vary seasonally with hot humid summers reaching 85°F and winters dropping below freezing, affecting trail conditions and campground availability.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground provides access to approximately 5 miles of trails across varying difficulty levels. "Whether you are camping or not, from the many valleys you will surprisingly encounter and the small trickling waterfalls you will stumble across to the non-stop trails, canyons, bridges, stairways, dams and dells that you will come across in this place, there is a really good cross-section of prairie land that meets densely-packed forests," notes Stuart K.
Wildlife observation: During rides, remain alert for native wildlife throughout the trail systems. "Occasionally, if you are especially quiet, you'll come across no shortage of white-tailed deer or wild turkeys foraging through the crabapple and plum trees that are scattered throughout the forest here," explains a rider at Matthiessen State Park.
Water activities: When not riding, Kankakee River State Park offers water access points. "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)," mentions Linda N. This provides horses and riders a place to cool off during hot summer months.
What campers like
Natural campsite spacing: At the horse camping areas, sites maintain good distance between neighbors. "Sites are spacious and nicely shaded," notes Stuart K. about the Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground, providing ample room for horse trailers and camping equipment.
Multiple difficulty levels: Equestrian trails accommodate various skill levels. "Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois SP where there exists a combination of EZ, intermediate and difficult hiking and riding paths," explains a regular visitor to Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground.
Solitude: The specialized nature of equestrian campgrounds means fewer crowds. "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," notes a camper at Matthiessen. This creates a peaceful experience for riders who prefer quiet surroundings.
What you should know
Horses required: Equestrian campgrounds strictly enforce their purpose. "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty," reports Amanda C. at Matthiessen State Park, confirming these facilities are exclusively reserved for equestrian campers.
Self-registration system: Horse campgrounds typically operate on a first-come basis without reservations. "There's a registration envelope that you'll pick up when you arrive at Matthiessen SP, where you'll simply need to fill this out with your name, # of days that you are planning to stay and then deposit the envelope in the drop-off kiosk along with the nightly fee and you're all good," explains a regular visitor.
Facilities maintenance concerns: Bathroom facilities may be basic. "The facilities are basic-to-bad, so lower your expectations and bring your own sanitary wipes," advises Stuart K. about the equestrian campground facilities. Equestrians should plan accordingly with necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Bring nature activities: While adults focus on horses, children need additional activities. At Kankakee River State Park, "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N., suggesting educational opportunities beyond riding.
Prepare for insects: The wooded areas demand proper protection. "In all of my camping, I have never really worried too much about poison ivy or ticks, until I came here – you definitely want to not only look out for the 3-leafed poison ivy that thrives here but be sure to bring some suave to apply to any skin that comes into contact with this nefarious plant," warns a frequent visitor to the horse trails.
Consider weather limitations: Playgrounds and outdoor facilities may lack shade. "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had," mentions a camper at Kankakee River State Park, highlighting the importance of timing visits appropriately.
Tips from RVers
Water supply logistics: RVers should note water access points may be distant from sites. At Big Rock Forest Preserve, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K. This applies similarly at equestrian campgrounds where water sources might be communal rather than site-specific.
Limited hookups: Horse campgrounds typically offer minimal amenities. "The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early," notes phillip L., emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency when horse camping with an RV or trailer setup.
Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully as equestrian sites rarely have sewage hookups. "The dump station is good. It's expensive, for what is there, if you are not a Kane County resident," observes Jeff G. about nearby camping options, suggesting equestrians coordinate dumping needs with their travel plans.
Ranger
