Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Champaign? Finding a place to stay in Illinois while traveling with your horse has never been easier. Find Illinois equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
$40 - $20 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville
Traveler
First stop on a cross county trip. We were directed to Catfish Bay for tent camping. It was lightly drizzling and on an overcast day most of the tree-covered campsites were dark. There are some nice sites right on the water (be prepared to walk your gear in from parking lot). Site #21 was private, with more open sky and a shorter walk to parking/outhouse. The outhouse was in really rough shape--looked like it hadn't been swept out or hosed down for awhile. Won't be back.
TravelerWe group camped with about 6 tents and 12 people, had a great time, very quite secluded area for group camping. Good fishing and kayaking, facilities could be a little cleaner but not bad, the water is TERRIBLE and looks like coffee or tea. But otherwise, if you bring your own water, not bad...
Scout
I was looking to stay at a state park with swimming and had never been to this one. I stayed here from Wednesday to Saturday. I was surprised when I arrived that there wasn’t a ranger, host, or campground office to check in with. There was a self registration kiosk on the site that was supposed to be the host. I never saw a ranger the entire time I was there and the host didn’t show up until Friday. The bathrooms were dirty and weren’t cleaned until Friday. The beach was small and also not well kept. I only saw one hiking trail. Many of the other campers had boats, so I guess it might be a good place to stay if you’re a boater, but not so much if you’re looking to do much hiking. The campsites weren’t bad, but most were kind of small and close together.
GuideThis is a beautiful state park, lovely camping. I was on site P16 which offers a lake view.
They have recently paved the roads which was nice. The main shower hpsue was nice and well maintained.
The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water so it wasn't a big deal.
The price was great at $20 a night. We stayed 3 nights. We'll definitely be back.
GuideWe stayed over the Memorial Day weekend, so the park was at max capacity. It was still a good stay. After 10 pm it was completely quiet. The site was level and we had 30 amp electricity. It's a family environment, with lots of joyful kids all over, which I liked. The sites are pretty close together, but we've had far worse. I will note that site P 30 is next to a trail and lots of people cut through the site, so some may not want that site for that reason. The lake is great for boating and lots of campers were fishing. The staff were helpful. Only one imajor ssue - we made a huge mistake by not noticing that the potable water tank has to be filled BEFORE the entrance, where the dump station is. DO NOT fill your tank with the water from iside the camp as it's full of dirt. It's literally orange. It took us several flushings to get all of the dirt out of our fresh water tank. The showers have the same water and my hair felt like I had toothpaste in it afterwards. In spite of this, we had a fine time. It was our mistake for not noticing the water sign on the way in. We would definitely stay again, but I do hope they clean up the water supply there. It's probably not a good thing.
ScoutThis is an awesome place to stay. We got a first come, first serve tent spot right on the lake which made for a gorgeous sunrise. The amenities were great and there’s plenty to do around the area.
TravelerEasy access from the highway. Drove in without reservations, mid-week, just before dark, for a quick overnight while on a cross country trip. The very nice hosts (father/daughter team) helped us with the process. Lots of good sites available with long, relatively level gravel pads with 30amp electric. Got water on the way in, by the dump station. Firewood bundles for $8. Lots of beautiful, tall trees. I imagine it would be nice on a summer day, with plenty of shade. Clean and basic bathroom, there were free showers but I didn’t use them. This was an excellent overnight stay for only $20.
ScoutSo we loved staying here for 2 weeks, it was cozy and quiet. It had excellent 5G AT&T, 30amp service and lots of shade. We stayed in our 44’ Newmar Dutchstar.
The Sites have lots of slope so bring many leveling pads/blocks (we needed 9 - 1.5” thick dica road warrior jack pads (highly recommend). It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine.
If my wife wrote this - it would be 4-stars due to showers without temp control and button timer style where you get 30-60 seconds of water for each push…
Overall it was a great camp spot for Illinois and a good place to stay if your prepared for it!
TravelerGorgeous camp ground with lots of trees and a lake. They could do a little better cleaning out the fire pits. Had garbage and cigarette butts from the previous camper that we cleaned out.
Scout
You will never know the person that you are until you have enjoyed this camp and quoncored.
ScoutThe park used to be so well maintained by volunteers and it seems have gone downhill over the years
TravelerNice state park in the not so great state of Illinois. Stayed July 4th weekend and it was blistering hot. This was a couple years ago. Pretty noisy also but that can happen anywhere. Nice lake for fishing and the whole park was great to take bike rides in. State park operated restaurant in park is a nice touch. Very handy for ice and drinks on a hot weekend.
GuideCamped here in a tent. Loved it. Raccoons are really brave and ate not afraid of humans. They know how to rip open a tent for food. Nothing is safe here. But a beautiful lake and campground.
TravelerThis campground surprised us. We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds. We got in without a reservation and upgraded to a beautiful spot on the water. The LTE was a bit weak, that’s the only downside.
ScoutWe walked in to do camping and we only had spots available at Tall Timber. It’s primitive along with nice trail.
GuideWe stopped in to Wolf Creek State Park later in the day on a Wednesday after trying to stop at a different campground that was closed. We were worried about finding a spot as the sun was going down so we called even though no one usually answers phones at state parks (esp during COVID). The woman that answered was SO nice and I was so happy to hear a voice on the other end. So that’s a huge plus. You can reserve spots online in advance but clearly we did not because we didn’t know we’d be headed there. Same day is first come first serve. We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone. Rolling in in the dark, we weren’t motivated to checkout the walk-in campsites. And it wasn’t necessary because the area - which if full would’ve been pretty cramped for our taste- was absolutely empty. So we were happy. Many many spots for RVs all next to one another but there was tree cover for some and the possibility of a little bit of privacy but not much in that area.
We had an almost full moon, but otherwise I think the stars would’ve been pretty awesome. The next morning we woke up and took a little hike down to Shelby Resevoir to see what was around. We were at campsite 18 and it was about 10 min hike down over there. Beautiful and big! Maybe good swimming I would assume? Too late in the year for us.
We will definitely be back to checkout more of the primitive/walk-in/hike in sites! Hiking trails look interesting and fun and Eagle Creek State Park is just across the water (that’s the bigger one). The 4 stars was because the sites are pretty close together which- even with RVs- I think people mind- but maybe not? We love to be back in the woods ans I do think there is an option for that. We just didn’t have time to check it out. Will update!
ScoutClean campground but camping proximity is very close.
TravelerNice big spots. 30 and 50 amp available. Right on lake Shelbyville. 309 spots 141 are reservable
GuideA suitable local choice for camping if you desire more trees surrounding your site. There are a few very short hike-in primitive sites for extra seclusion.
ScoutWe went here with a group of tent campers sight unseen, so that’s always rolling the dice. We stayed until the main part where you could reserve online through reserve America. Would not recommend that area to anyone. Sites are right on top of each other in every direction. Not sure who would seek this out or agree to it after seeing it.
Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we’d wished we’d known about that area before going. Those were still a little close together but were at least wooded and you could walk from your car.
The dispersed camping sites were the closest to what I’d been used to coming from New Hampshire, but it was more of a hike than I would be looking for.
GuideStayed overnight here... it was fairly quick of the highway. Easy in and easy out. Did check out the facilities.
TravelerNice park, spacious sites, bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away.. Shower house was older but was heated and water was hot.. Definately will be back again.
TravelerThis is a wonderful campground with drive in availability, equestrian camp and reservable sites! The have great camp hosts Dave and Sharon on the reservable side that will help out in anyway and are so friendly! This campground also has boat access and a beach and hiking trails. It is built into the woods so most lots are very shady and all are very level.
TravelerLarge body of water. Not really clean enough to enjoy swimming. Campsites are a little cramped. We have stayed here a few times with our camping club.
There is a boat club near by. Gibson City has a great drive in movie theater and German Restrurant. Gibson is about 20 minutes from the camp ground.
Only electric hook ups.
ScoutNice place no alcohol. 'Lake' has had a lot of algae over the last couple years
GuideHas sections of niceness hiking and kayaking
ScoutNNice lake for fishing and kayaking. Excellent restaurant on site also
Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Champaign, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Champaign, IL is Moraine View State Recreational Area with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Champaign, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Champaign, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
