Giant City State Park's equestrian camping area sits amid the sandstone bluffs and rolling terrain of the Shawnee National Forest at approximately 400 to 600 feet above sea level. The landscape features dramatic rock formations and hardwood forests that create a distinctive riding environment within southern Illinois. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F while summer months average 75-90°F with higher humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Access multiple fishing spots near equestrian camping sites in the Carbondale region. At Crab Orchard Lake, "the back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can't beat the view" according to TJ G., who found the campground "clean and quiet."
Rock climbing: Josh M. from Giant City State Park Campground notes, "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else."
Wildlife viewing: Explore areas like Johnson Creek where campers report diverse bird watching opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "We heard several owls calling in the trees around us when we went to bed, so we stayed up listening for awhile. In the middle of the night we were startled awake by a pair of owls in the tree right above us."
Kayaking: Several lakes provide excellent paddling options for equestrian campers looking to mix up their activities. Joel R. observed at Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR, "Nice campground, right on Crab Orchard Lake. Large sites, lots of room. We camped with several other families and everyone enjoyed this park."
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: The equestrian camping area remains open during different seasons, allowing riders to experience varied trail conditions. Kyle K. notes that Giant City is "quiet, perfect for spring or autumn" and has "lots of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders."
Budget-friendly options: Many campgrounds offer affordable rates for riders bringing horses. At Johnson Creek, one camper appreciated "the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping."
Lakeside campsites: Several campgrounds offer water views for equestrian campers. Gina J. from South Sandusky Campground shares, "We love tent camping at South Sandusky. Many of the site are right on the lake and the sunrise and sunsets are always gorgeous."
Multi-activity areas: Campgrounds that combine horseback riding with other recreation options rank highly. According to Sunshine Z., "We came down for a spontaneous camping trip to explore SNF and found Giant City to be a great place to stay... There is a nice trail across from the primitive camping site which also has a pond for fishing as well."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, Brennan M. advises, "I actually didn't end up camping here because it looked like a rock site. I maybe saw two tents, everyone else in big RV's. If you are doing tent camping I would look elsewhere."
Variable trail conditions: Weather impacts trail quality significantly throughout the region. Ashley Y. points out that at Giant City State Park "the trails aren't always maintained it definitely depends on the season."
Reservation systems vary: Check individual campground booking policies. At Crab Orchard Lake, campers note "the biggest thing about this campground is first come first serve" and "most you can spend here is 14 days, which lots of locals do."
Water availability: Water access points may be limited in some areas. At Ferne Clyffe State Park, one camper observed "water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter loop trails suitable for younger riders. At Shawnee Forest Campground, Jessica T. notes, "We've really enjoyed our stay... Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas near equestrian sites. Missy D. shared her experience: "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!"
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs that complement horseback riding experiences. Livia W. says, "Giant City is a great place to go with your family! The trails are fun and interesting while the lodge is fantastic!"
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water access for cooling off after rides. A visitor at Johnson Creek noted it's "located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest," providing options for water activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require careful setup due to terrain. At Gun Creek, a camper advises "absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for Smaller rigs."
Power availability: Equestrian sites typically offer different electrical options than standard campgrounds. MickandKarla W. noted at Gun Creek that "every site has electric (a plus), and every site looked well maintained."
Dump station locations: Plan your sanitation needs accordingly. Joel R. observed at South Sandusky Campground, "There is a dump station, flush toilets, showers, a sand beach, boat ramp, 2 picnic shelters, a paved bike trail, and playgrounds."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping varies significantly by season around Carbondale. One camper mentioned, "We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt."
Ranger
