Best Equestrian Camping near Decatur, IL

Wolf Creek State Park provides horse camping accommodations on Lake Shelbyville, featuring dedicated equestrian campsites separated from the main camping areas. The park maintains 13 horse campsites with additional trailer parking for approximately 6 more rigs, complete with tie-out posts for day riders. Each equestrian site includes spacious areas for horses and camping equipment. The campground is well-maintained by the US Corps of Engineers with several miles of designated horse trails set apart from hiking paths and other camping sections. Campground hosts are typically present to assist visitors, though availability varies by season. Most equestrian sites require advance reservations through the Illinois DNR reservation system.

The horse trails at Wolf Creek connect to an extensive network through wooded terrain, offering scenic riding opportunities along Lake Shelbyville. Trail conditions are generally well-maintained with moderate difficulty levels suitable for most riders and horses. Riders should note that proper documentation for horses may be required, including Coggins test results, which should be kept accessible during visits. Water sources for horses are available at designated points throughout the campground. The equestrian camping area remains open seasonally, with the best riding conditions typically in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Some riders have noted that campground management strictly enforces the equestrian-only policy in the horse camp section, so visitors should confirm their reservation details carefully when booking.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Decatur, Illinois (9)

    1. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Rochester, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 498-9208

    "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. Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Findlay, IL
    28 miles
    Website

    "The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."

    "Lots of equestrian parking and camping flush toilets neat trails very swell nice better if s en during the fall. Fishing and boatibg here as well."

    3. Moraine View State Recreational Area

    27 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 724-8032

    $40 - $20 / night

    "I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."

    "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."

    4. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Rochester, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 498-9208

    "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. "

    5. Deer Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lincoln, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 786-4873

    "Near the back you can camp right alongside the river.

    Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."

    6. Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville

    3 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    "But a beautiful lake and campground."

    7. Illinois State Fair Campground

    12 Reviews
    Sherman, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-1698

    $20 / night

    "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."

    9. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ramsey, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 423-2215

    "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."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Decatur, IL

92 Reviews of 9 Decatur Campgrounds


  • Sage C.
    Jul. 13, 2018

    Moraine View State Recreational Area

    Moraine View beautiful long walk

    I visited this campground for the hiking. I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer. Not going to lie we did get lost due to lack of proper signage but it all worked out when we found the equestrian trail. Beautiful walks through the trees and great campsites. Super cool but most sites are a hike to get there since they are in the woods. Small boat and kayak rentals are available here for fun in the daytime along with a great little food shack you can eat either inside or outside. Great spots to fish away from the open, very large lake. Would recommend attending this park for a day.

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 9, 2017

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Great camping all year round

    We have camped here many times and this time was awesome as well. The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails. There are 13 horse camp sites and additional trailer parking for about 6 more rigs with tie out posts for riders that will not be camping. There are several miles of horse trails and the area is set apart from hiking trails and the other camping areas. There are hundreds of campsites in this park in addition to the horse campgrounds and the entire area is maintained by the US Corps of Engineers. There are full hookup RV sites everywhere with tons of flush toilet bathrooms and shower houses in each large section. There is also a tent camp area without electricity, these sites are cheaper and there are lake front sites available here too. There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round. There are lots of hiking trails and deer run through the park in herds in the winter months. The hiking is OK in this park and good if you like short 1 to 1 1/2 mile hikes. I recommend visiting in the fall after Labor Day, October when leaves are changing is my favorite time for this campground. Clean restrooms, showers and a small store at the entrance for bait, firewood or forgotten items make this a great place to spend a few days.

    Website: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/WolfCreek.aspx

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Clean park

    Lots of equestrian parking and camping flush toilets neat trails very swell nice better if s en during the fall. Fishing and boatibg here as well.

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Ramsey 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.

  • M
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful State Campground

    This 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.

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Bad Management Ready To Ruin Your Holiday

    This park is beautiful, clean and the people were friendly. My issue is with the site supervisor and superintendent. On July 4th 2025 we were given the option of moving our entire campsite or being kicked out of the park. JULY 4TH! We booked our campsite in the last week of April, paid in full. We were the second party to book any spot in the entire campground! We chose our spot specifically for the access to the water and seclusion from the rest of the sites. Come to find out(a day after we set up camp) we booked in "horse camp" which apparently requires you to have horses. It never stated this on the website or rental confirmation we received. Nobody reached out to us in the three months we held the booking to confirm if we had horses. There was no on-site check in that could have saved us the trouble. No, instead we had to take 4 hours out of our holiday to pack all of our stuff and move into overflow camping or be forced to leave. Because of their mistake. Absolutely ruined our holiday with zero remorse or understanding. The icing on the cake was as we were leaving horse camp we noticed multiple other camp sites where people had not brought horses. They stated this happens all the time. If site management had two braincells to rub together they would fix their website instead of consistently ruining peoples trips and holidays. And then these people had the audacity to say they weren't going to charge us for the campsite they moved us to?!?! In reality, we should be receiving a full refund for the campsite we did pay for and free passes for the rest of the year. There is a second state campground on the other side of the lake I would suggest before coming to this place.

  • M
    Sep. 5, 2021

    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

  • Tim F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2021

    Moraine View State Recreational Area

    Lots of goose poop

    Nice 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.

  • Aaron B.
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Sangchris 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.


Guide to Decatur

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Tips for equestrian camping near Decatur, Illinois

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Decatur, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Decatur, IL is Sangchris Lake State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Decatur, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Decatur, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.