A
Alicia B.
Guide
GuideRamsey Lake State Recreation Area
Shad cap sites
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.
Equestrian Camping near Carlinville, IL
9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Horse camping options near Carlinville, Illinois are limited, with no dedicated horse corrals appearing in campground amenities at the reviewed sites. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers camping accommodations for tent, RV, and cabin users across two distinct areas - Hickory Point on the lake and Deer Run in the woods. While primitive tent sites provide peaceful, spacious areas with picnic tables and fire rings, there are no specific horse facilities mentioned in the available data. The park features electric hookups, drinking water, and clean restrooms that are regularly maintained by campground hosts. Campsites are generally level and well-graded with gravel surfaces.
Trail access information for equestrians is not specifically detailed in the provided data. Waverly Lake City Park offers basic camping with portable toilets but no running water, making it less suitable for extended stays with horses. The maximum stay limit is 4 consecutive days per month. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area provides primitive camping options, but no specific equestrian facilities are mentioned in the data. Campgrounds in the region generally maintain clean bathrooms and showers, though water access varies by location. Springfield attractions are within reasonable driving distance from most campgrounds, making these locations potentially suitable for day trips while keeping horses at camp.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Carlinville (9)
1. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
"These walk in sites check all the boxes. At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. "
"Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind."
2. Waverly Lake City Park
3. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
"The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking. I kind of miss tent camping!!!"
"Bathrooms are basic and in the front of the camp loops so you have a walk if you stay in the back like I did. Also, water is in the center of the loop so not very convenient. "
4. Illinois State Fair Campground
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
Check Availability6. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."
7. McCully Heritage Project
"Nice hiking trails near. Watch for ticks. Don’t be alarmed if you see cats or the neighbors dogs roaming around the site. They are friendly."
"There’s a house to rent or primitive camping trails have a map but need a little more marking on newer sections. Very well maintained. Neat look out points"
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability8. Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
9. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
"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"
"Shut down some karaoke party in a loop around 9pm. Will go back."
Drive Time
- 40 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 5 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 17 min from Decatur, IL
- 1 hr 37 min from Bloomington, IL
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Carlinville, IL
3 Photos of 9 Carlinville Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Carlinville, IL
89 Reviews of 9 Carlinville Campgrounds
- MMuffy Clark G.Guide
Illinois State Fair Campground
Can’t beat it for the money but…
We came Labor Day weekend to site see Lincoln museum and when we arrived there were motorcycle races going on next to the camp office and shower house and it was packed! The host took us to the opposite side of the fair and found us a site with electric and water on grass near the harness track barns and across from the grandstand. There were alot of a class RVs there for the Morgan horse show going on in the Coliseum parked by us. No tables or fire rings. We were near public toilets but no showers in our area. It was fine for two nights
Aaron B.GuideSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Lakeside Relaxation
These walk in sites check all the boxes. At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. About half the sites were filled by the second day we were there. We settled on 62, which is spacious and provides access to the path from the front and behind where you can walk into site 64 as well. A parking area with a single spot for each camp site is well marked and by two vault toilets. Park staff and host were great. A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64. $8 for IL residents is hard to beat, if you don't need an RV spot with electric. A water source is also by the parking spots. The weekend we were there the weather had cooled some and a great breeze was coming off the lake. Springfield being so close is a bonus.
The only negative is like any spot and how previous people leave the camp looking before you are there. Some garbage in the fire pit and random spots are par for the course in any state park. Pick up the trash and dump it in the dumpster by the parking lot. Leave the site better than you found it is our motto.
David F.GuidePrimitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
State Park away from busier Illinois
https://camp.exploremoreil.com/ 84 electric RV sites all reservable except 21 First Come sites. 18 sites are full hookup. Several 50 amp sites but majority are 30 amp. Modern Shower house and 7 Vault toilet buildings. Newer Campground so Shade Trees are smaller still. Have camped here 4 times past 3 years. Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store.
- KKathy S.
ScoutPrimitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
We had the place to ourselves
It was March, it was cold at night, but this ADA cabin had heat & electric, 5 beds with mattresses, beds with mattresses (2 pr bunks beds in the second room). Cement sidewalks from parking area to toilets & cabins, each with a waterfront view, fire pit & picnic table. From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use. It was a challenge to find the park entrance, at night, and the closest small town is about 10-miles away. The very reasonable cost was transacted online.
- Jamie G.Guide
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Great family campground
Lots are spacious & grounds are well kept. Restrooms were clean. Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind.
Helge Vandel J.
TravelerHorseshoe Lake State Park Campground
Nice spot and great value
Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.
- Sheryl K.Scout
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
This will be a nice campground
Some full hookup sites available. Nice campground and relatively inexpensive. Hasn't been around that long so few trees in the campground proper. We go there in the spring to de-winterize. With limited shade it would be hot as blazes in mid summer. Boat dock close by and lots of open areas for hunters. Overall pretty good.
Susan L.
LegendSangchris Lake State Park Campground
5 stars with a caveat
This is a beautiful state park, but hopefully you won’t have the same experience I did with the electric hookup. I stayed here right after the fourth of July and because of the heat over this holiday weekend and a completely full campground, the electricity couldn’t meet the demand and a transformer blew. By the time I arrived the transformer was repaired, however the pedestals in the section I was supposed to stay in had a problem. I was supposed to stay in site 27, but after 3 attempts to get power at 3 different sites, number 24 was the winner and this was a great site! The campground hosts were fantastic in resolving the situation as well.
Site 24 is huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric but no water at site. The site is totally private on one side because of a lake inlet and there’s a large back area right on the lake. The gravel pad is located right near a large, old bald cypress.
This park has multiple public use areas, 2 campgrounds, boat launches, fishing piers and a beach. I didn’t use the public restrooms because they were closed due to Covid-19. I was able to get internet with Verizon.
This state park felt like it was dropped into the middle of cornfields and made for a fun drive. The sunset views and stars were awesome!
Guide to Carlinville
Campsites near Carlinville, Illinois are scattered throughout natural areas with a mix of prairies, woodlands, and lakes. The region sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with a continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds open from April through October, though select sites offer year-round access with varying levels of seasonal amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers excellent shoreline fishing access. "I stayed at the tent sites... There are times of RV sites also, although the host said most all are reservable and only a handful are firstcome, first served," notes Mike G. Multiple fishing docks are available within the campground area.
Boating access: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground provides lake access for kayaks and small boats. "Had fun kayaking here too," shares Rhonda W., who recommends making reservations well in advance for lakeside spots. The campground features several fishing docks within the camping area.
Hiking trails: Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers numerous hiking trails through diverse terrain. "Watch out for the poison ivy and get a map from an employee to hike the trails. They can be hard to find but camping is fantastic!" advises Chelle L. The primitive campground provides a natural base for exploring the surrounding wildlife area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The primitive sites at Sangchris Lake State Park provide ample separation. "The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking," reports Jana C., highlighting the balance between seclusion and convenience.
Lakefront camping: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers prime waterfront sites. "All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground," writes Greg S. Many campers specifically request these shoreline spots for direct water access and views.
Budget-friendly options: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground provides affordable camping at $8 per night. "Great spot and great value," notes Helge Vandel J., who appreciates the "access to drinking water and waste water dump" despite the lack of electrical hookups.
What you should know
Limited horse camping facilities: While several campgrounds accommodate equestrians, dedicated horse corrals are notably absent. At Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area, Alicia B. notes the "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."
Seasonal water access: Some campgrounds have limited water availability, particularly early or late in the season. At Waverly Lake City Park, John H. mentions "as far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit."
Weather considerations: Campsites are often exposed to elements. The Prairie Lake Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek is described as "under developed CG... Always super windy too!" by Lucas T., while Sheryl K. notes "with limited shade it would be hot as blazes in mid summer."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Illinois State Fair Campground offers activities within walking distance. "The grounds keepers were busy getting ready for the state fair in a couple weeks. There is a farmers market every Thursday which was nice," shares Faith J., highlighting attractions beyond the campsite.
Educational opportunities: Springfield attractions are accessible from many area campgrounds. Jeffrey F. notes the Illinois State Fair Campground is a "short drive 2.5 miles to Lincoln home" and "1 mile from Lincoln's Tomb," making it convenient for historical day trips.
Space for activities: Sangchris Lake State Park provides open areas for recreation. Jessica N. recalls "I have been coming here for years with my family when I was younger... The place is as pristine as it was when I was a kid- perfect bathhouse, beautiful lakeshore, and cozy tent camping. Plenty of wildlife to observe and wonderful fishing to be had. Great to ride a bike around, too!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are common, but water connections vary by campground. "Electric only but water available and nice dump station. All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake," reports Greg S. about Sangchris Lake State Park.
Site surfaces: Most RV sites feature gravel or paved pads. At McCully Heritage Project, Luke G. recommends it as "a small and not crowded place to camp with all you need and hospitality. Great for tent camping and hiking," though it's better suited for smaller RVs than large rigs.
Alternative options: The Illinois State Fair Campground offers unique RV camping when events aren't scheduled. Nathan H. calls it "an excellent, budget friendly, overnight spot," while Faith J. notes "a large campground with water and electric. Few sites have sewer. You have the option of paved parking lot or on the grass. We chose the grass for the shade trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Carlinville, IL?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carlinville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carlinville, IL is Sangchris Lake State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Carlinville, IL?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carlinville, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Carlinville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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