Sangchris Lake State Park and Ramsey Lake offer additional equestrian camping options within 60 miles of Butler, Illinois. Located in central Illinois, this area features rolling terrain with elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level. Camping facilities remain open through most seasons, with many equestrian sites available from spring through fall when trail conditions are optimal.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake access at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground provides productive angling. "This is a great little place to go fishing and just spend some time relaxing. Deer Run is mostly trailers and RVs, but can easily accommodate tent campers, and is less crowded than Hickory Point," notes Amy S.
Hiking trails: Walk the maintained paths through woodland areas. "Plenty of wildlife to observe and wonderful fishing to be had. Great to ride a bike around, too!" shares Jessica N. from Sangchris Lake State Park.
Bird watching: Seasonal migrations bring diverse species. "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru," reports Kent B. who visited Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground.
What campers like
Affordability: Low-cost camping sites make extended stays possible. "Horseshoe Lake is one of my most favorite parks in the STL and surrounding areas. Self service pay system makes it simple, easy, and fast. 8$ a night," writes Travis about Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Secluded sites provide peaceful retreats. "The campground is relatively small but has great sites to camp. Very private and clean. 5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy," says WanderlustDu0 about Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Clean facilities: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area maintains well-kept grounds. "The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores," notes Jareth C.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Not all equestrian campsites have water hookups. "Biggest draw back is no electricity in equestrian sites. There's is water and toilets trails aren't marked real well but very wide nicely maintained to," explains Alicia B. about Ramsey Lake.
Primitive camping considerations: Basic facilities at some equestrian sites. "Very primitive camping. Toilets only, but the campsites are spaced comfortably apart. The grounds are well maintained," shares Wendy about Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Reservation requirements: Wolf Creek State Park Campground has specific booking procedures. "This is a wonderful campground with drive in availability, equestrian camp and reservable sites!" explains MeriLee B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Recreational facilities for children at some parks. "Kid had a blast at playground with other kids. Cold showers but said they were looking into it," shares J N. about Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area.
Safety considerations: Sangchris Lake State Park Deer Run Campground provides managed environments. "The camp host was super friendly, the sites were large and the primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low," writes Colin H.
Wildlife education: Morning animal sightings create learning opportunities. "There are lots of hiking trails and deer run through the park in herds in the winter months," Michael M. notes about Wolf Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Dam West Spillway offers various options. "We stayed the weekend here and it got really busy. When we tried to book online, all were taken but saw they had a few sites that were first come. Luckily, we got one of the last two," advises Jacqueline F.
Power management: Electrical hookups vary between campgrounds. "Nice big spots. 30 and 50 amp available. Right on lake Shelbyville. 309 spots 141 are reservable," reports Sonya A. about Wolf Creek State Park.
Water connections: Prepare for limited hookups at horse campgrounds. "The keepers are super friendly and accommodating. Most lots are spacious. My only complaint would be that the trash dumpsters are too far away from the camping areas," says Lori W. about Wolf Creek.
