Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground features horse corrals and direct access to the historic 104-mile Hennepin Canal State Trail. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, toilets, and trash disposal. Sites are accessible by boat, car, or on foot, providing flexibility for visitors arriving with horse trailers. The trails at Jubilee College State Park are excellently maintained for horseback riding with well-groomed, mowed paths that support equestrian use. While not offering dedicated corrals, the park provides sufficient space for horses and trailers.
Sand Ridge State Forest's Horseman's Park offers primitive equestrian camping with dedicated facilities for horses and their owners. Located about an hour southwest of Chillicothe, the campground features direct trail access to over 50 miles of riding paths through the largest state forest in Illinois. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs with parking areas designed for horse trailers. Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground provides another option for horse enthusiasts, with access to the park's trail system. Campers should bring water for horses as drinking water is available for humans but facilities for horses are limited. Most equestrian campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through fall when trail conditions are optimal.
"Excellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained."
"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
"Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
"Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"
from $8 / night
"hey, there were some pretty outstanding trails to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was"
"quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"
from $10 / night
from $8 / night
"Nestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience."
"Shade trees, soft grass, a nice trail to walk & great views. The stars in the night sky are breathtaking! This isn't some posh camping for someone looking to get a resort-feel."
from $8 / night
from $22 / night
"This is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables."
"Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn’t get a lot of action."
from $8 / night
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
TravelerYou must pack in your own water and there are no electric hookups. Beautiful well maintained grounds with lots of open sky for starlink.
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
ScoutI live near this park and have used it regularly for years. It is certainly nothing special... just a nice average park. I usually do a combination van and tent camp here and it is totally adequate for that. It looks to be fine for RVs as well. The pit toilets are usually clean and relatively bug free. The shower house is clean and adequate. I just think of this as my "local campground"... my go to for a quick weekend getaway to set up and use my gear, and have friends out to share a fire. The park itself is nice, quiet and clean. You will see deer and raccoons. Jubilee is off a County Highway (Rt 150), about 5 miles off I-74. Small town with DG and Gas stations are about 5 miles away; Peoria IL is 15ish miles away.
LegendNestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience. Spread across multiple sites like Lock 6, Lock 11, Lock 21, Bridge 14, and Lock 22, this park stretches its campsites along a historic towpath beside century-old canal locks. First impressions? Think gentle grass clearings, basic picnic setups and a nostalgic vibe that combines outdoor adventure with engineering heritage all the while living up to bare-bones camping ethos.
Facilities remain strictly primitive as this is ‘Class C’ camping, meaning no hookups, no showers, no modern frills … just a pit toilet and a fire ring at each site. Cost is only $8 per night per family. Youth groups pay a minimum daily fee starting at $20. Other perks: senior citizens and disabled campers may qualify for free stays, depending on day and status. You’ll need to stop by the Visitor Center near Sheffield to pay (no reservations and everything at each lock is considered first-come, first-served), and all the drinking water is only available at central locations at each lock, not at individual campsites, so plan accordingly. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and campfires must stay in designated pits.
The setting is deeply outdoorsy and expansive. The canal’s towpath is a cyclist’s and hiker’s dream, with up to 155 miles to explore (miles of level surface, biking, hiking, horseback riding in some sections and even snowmobiling when it’s seasonally open). Anglers love the Hennepin Canal system as the waters are regularly stocked with bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish and even trout during special stocking events. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted with portage around non-operational locks and birding or historical sightseeing along the route is a delightful bonus.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Pick campsites closest to the canal but slightly back from parking that will deliver land that is flatter, vistas that are more scenic and spaces that are quieter; (2) Swing by the Visitor Center near Sheffield first for maps and essential info as you’ll need drinking water from there in case you didn’t bring your own;(3) If traveling with a dog or horse, check designations as only certain sites (e.g. Lock 21) allow equestrian camping; (4) Fishermen should bring rods early as anglers that I encountered say the catches here are worth the effort; (5) No pumps / dump stations so pack accordingly and use nearby towns for full services; and (6) Post-camping grub: head to Sheffield afterward for local eats like Belluccio’s for deep dish pizza, Italian beef & sausage sandwiches, Café 129 with its smoked prime rib and Red’s Bar & Grill for fantastic deep fried pork tenderloin sandwiches, which is a staple in these parts.
Happy Camping!
ScoutListed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
GuideWater was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets. Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights.
GuideBeautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.
GuideNo hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.
Equestrian camping opportunities near Chillicothe, Illinois provide access to a variety of terrain including sandy forests, grasslands, and canal pathways. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures often reaching the mid-90s°F while winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions with moderate temperatures and fewer insects at most camping areas.
Horseback riding in Sand Ridge State Forest: The forest features over 50 miles of riding paths through Illinois' largest state forest. The trails traverse unique sandy terrain that creates a distinctive riding experience. "The yellow loop... tires everyone because it's steep hills of sand," according to a ranger quoted by a visitor at Horseman's Park. The sandy soil creates a desert-like environment unusual for Illinois, as one camper noted: "The terrain is an interesting change from most IL hiking since the trails are incredibly sandy while the forest itself is mostly pine. Watch out for cacti along the trail!"
Fishing along the Hennepin Canal: Cast a line directly from your campsite at several locations along the historic canal. "Fishing is good! Bull-heads, sun fish, big mouth bass are abundant," reports one regular visitor to Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground. The canal offers both moving water and calmer areas suitable for different fishing styles.
Biking the canal paths: The Hennepin Canal State Trail provides a flat, scenic route for cyclists of all skill levels. "Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal," notes one camper at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground. Another cyclist recounts: "The first time I came through this area was on my bicycle as I rode from Chicago to the Mississippi and beyond."
Star viewing opportunities: The rural setting away from city lights creates excellent conditions for night sky observation. "The stars in the night sky are breathtaking!" exclaims one camper at Hennepin Canal. At Jubilee College State Park Campground, a visitor appreciates that it's "far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies."
Spacious, uncrowded sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer ample space between sites, particularly during weekdays. "We had our camper and barriers are in place to keep vehicles out of the tent camping area so had to camp in the parking lot," notes one camper about their experience at Hennepin Canal Lock 22, but they appreciated how "super quiet" it was with "a few farmers and some people stop in to go fishing."
Water access for recreation: The combination of canal, lake, and river access points provides multiple water recreation options. At Comlara County Park, "You can rent boats and kayaks to take out on the lake during the day and grills throughout the park to have a bbq at night with friends." Another camper noted they "got a beautiful spot right on the lake."
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be particularly challenging along the canal areas during summer months. "Yes, there is mosquitoes. But if you want to fish right from your campsite, you gotta expect that!" advises a regular visitor to the Hennepin Canal. Another camper specifically recommends: "the bugs (of all kinds including ticks and mosquitoes) are pretty terrible and I would recommend going either in the early spring or late fall. Not June."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Many equestrian camping areas offer basic amenities only. "This is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables," explains a visitor to Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground. Campers should note that "there is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or a filtration system."
Map discrepancies on trails: Some trail systems have inconsistencies between maps and actual paths. At Sand Ridge State Forest, a hiker cautions: "My only real complaints are the lack of water sources, and the inconsistencies between the trail map and the actual trail... just don't be fooled by how close things look on the map!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting local animals in their natural habitats. At Jubilee College State Park, one camper reports: "I especially like winter truck camping here... I usually have the park to myself." Another camper had an unexpected wildlife encounter: "at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. Comlara County Park features "a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow."
Historical learning opportunities: The Hennepin Canal system provides educational value about Illinois transportation history. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21, one visitor describes it as "this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping bliss" where "the Hennepin Canal, and its series of locks & dams will eventually connect you with two of the most amazing rivers in the entirety of the US: the mighty Mississippi as well as the murky depths of the Illinois River."
Big rig accessibility: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles but have specific limitations. "Large lots are nice," notes one RVer about Comlara County Park, while another mentions: "We saw a class A, so they do fit" at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose wisely based on shade and privacy needs. At Jubilee College State Park, "the campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups... majority for the sites also have plenty of room for one or two tents. There is also a fourth tent-only loop, which is all grass."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as not all campgrounds have on-site facilities. One camper notes about Hennepin Canal Lock 21: "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal... We used the Loves T/S at Atkinson."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chillicothe, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chillicothe, IL is Jubilee College State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chillicothe, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Chillicothe, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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