Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground maintains a dedicated horse corral among its primitive camping facilities northwest of Edelstein. The campground separates equestrian campers from those without horses in distinct grassy camping areas, providing picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets. Visitors find the well-maintained grass areas suitable for both tent and RV camping, though no hookups are available. The trails along the canal are well-groomed for horseback riding, with the campground serving as an ideal access point to the extensive Hennepin Canal Trail system. The $8 nightly camping fee is collected by occasional park rangers, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.
Located approximately 45 miles from Edelstein, Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground offers additional options for horse campers in the region. The park features well-maintained trails ideal for horseback riding throughout the property. Trail connections from both campgrounds provide riders access to miles of scenic routes through prairie conservation areas and along waterways. For overnight stays with horses, campers should bring their own water or utilize filtration systems, as potable water is limited at both locations. The Hennepin Canal Trail accommodates multiple users, with horses, hikers and cyclists sharing the crushed gravel path that eventually connects to both the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers through a series of locks and dams.
"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
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
"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
"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
from $22 / 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.
RangerBeautiful, 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 near Edelstein, Illinois sits within Bureau County's mixed terrain of rolling hills and flat prairie. The area maintains an average summer temperature of 85°F with occasional thunderstorms. Most horse camping options in this region provide primitive facilities with limited or no hookups for vehicles, while offering extensive trail access through the region's network of state parks and canal systems.
Horseback riding on sandy trails: Sand Ridge State Forest offers unique terrain for riders seeking variety. "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," notes Jesse B. of Sand Ridge Horse Campground. The forest's trails feature sandy soil and pine trees, creating an unusual desert-like riding experience in Illinois.
Fishing at nearby ponds: While camping, anglers can take advantage of waterways within short driving distance. At Jubilee College State Park Campground, Jonathan J. mentions "There's a small fishing pond off the road a bit." The park provides access to smallmouth bass and bluegill fishing in a secluded setting.
Biking on canal trails: The canal trail system offers flat, well-maintained paths for cycling. "Our family had a day out there on our bikes and loved it!" shares Sarra W. about Jubilee College State Park. These trails connect to larger networks through the region, making day trips possible from your camping base.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting provides exceptional night sky viewing. Joe M. from Jubilee College State Park Campground notes, "Great campground to get out of the city. The viewing of stars is incredible." Limited light pollution makes constellation viewing possible during clear nights.
Quiet camping environment: Many horse camps in the area offer peaceful settings with minimal crowds. "Campgrounds are very open with options very close to the water. 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," explains Sage C. about Comlara County Park.
Wildlife encounters: The region hosts diverse animal populations visible from camping areas and trails. Ashley C. shares a dramatic example from Jubilee: "This camping spot was very quiet and secluded, just like I wanted, but at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them." While bobcat sightings are unusual, deer and wild turkey are common.
Primitive facilities: Many equestrian sites offer basic amenities only. "No 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," explains Jeff and Linda L. about Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
Site reservation policies: Most horse camps in the region operate first-come, first-served with no advance booking options. Fees typically range from $8-10 per night, collected by rangers or through self-registration envelopes.
Seasonal considerations: Water availability varies seasonally at most campgrounds. Jeff F. notes about Hennepin Canal Lock 21: "Water was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets."
Playground access: Some parks offer play areas for children alongside equestrian facilities. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," mentions Sage C. about Comlara Park, making it suitable for families with both riders and non-riders.
Beginner-friendly trails: Look for shorter, well-marked paths for inexperienced riders. Rachel H. from Jubilee College State Park notes: "Excellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained." These trails accommodate various skill levels.
Camp layout consideration: When traveling with children, choose sites with practical layouts. Art S. explains about Sand Ridge Horse Campground: "This is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables. The campground is one loop so the inner ring of sites are almost like a group site setup. The outer ring sites are more private and up against the woods."
Limited RV amenities: RVers should prepare for basic facilities at most horse camps. "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," reports Jeff F. about Hennepin Canal State Trail.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some camps offer more spacious sites that can accommodate bigger rigs. Mike K. from Comlara Park advises: "Our site was huge. Right by jones pond, but the fishing was not the best right by our site... Site 123 in particular is directly across from the bathroom, but has thick wooded areas to keep things private and well shaded...but with an open area for some suntanning or whatever."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management since on-site dumps are rare. Many campers use nearby public facilities at truck stops or state parks with full services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Edelstein, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Edelstein, 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 Edelstein, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Edelstein, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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