Best Equestrian Camping near Effingham, IL

Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Effingham? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Illinois horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Effingham, IL (8)

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Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Effingham

48 Reviews of 8 Effingham Campgrounds


  • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

    Enjoyable time

    Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

  • Sandie R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oblong Park and Lake
    May. 31, 2024

    Oblong Park and Lake

    Beautiful, well maintained

    Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos.

  • Olivia L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    May. 27, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Great

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  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    May. 20, 2024

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Nice State Park Campground

    We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

    There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Feb. 1, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Clean park, cheap prices. Would definitely come back

    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

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Jul. 13, 2023

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Not too bad and great in a pinch!

    We did not have a reservation it was just a quick stop for the night while passing through.

    This was a good spot for the night.  We didn't get there until after dark and the campgrounds weren't that well marked.  We didn't stay in the spot we originally planned because it was getting late and we couldn't find it and I didn't want to keep hitting the other campers with our headlights.

    The campground was no where near full and it was very quiet so a very nice nights stay.  Only complaint was trying to find the right campsite.

  • Dusti M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oblong Park and Lake
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Oblong Park and Lake

    Small town park

    Nice little community park. Nice paced walking path around the lake. Fenced in dog play area. Large park area with multiple playgrounds. Clean bathroom, flush toilets and showers.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Aug. 7, 2022

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Mediocre state park

    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.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Apr. 30, 2022

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Nice & Private

    We we’’re here 1st week of April. Still rather cool weather but had a great time. There are 3 loops only one of which is reservable & we were at the rear of that loop. Had the whole place to ourselves until the last night. Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground. Hosts told us they were making more space for specific species of trees so “take all you want” from the area. No need to bring firewood.

    Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike. Definitely want to go back when the restaurant is open (mid-May I believe).

    Fishing could’ve been better but again it was early April

    Cell service was only 1-2 bars LTE with AT&T but able to stream with hotspot to the SmartTV with only 1 bar so not bad

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park

    Beautiful Fall Visit

    Just got here but very pleased so far. Nice fresh gravel sites. Lots of trails it seems. Lake is nice sized but not too big. Wish the restaurant was open, but told it may be next Spring. A little issue with the electric @ 1st but maintenance was out right away & got everything up & running. Easy entrance off IL-50. All roads in newly paved. Campground Host (Russ) very attentive and helpful. Water pressure at the Dump site is a little low, but not bad. AT&T reception is GREAT — 4 bars LTE @ the campsite; great for streaming later. For now, off for a quick canoe ride to check out the lake

  • Doug W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
    Nov. 4, 2021

    Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park

    Nice state park with recent upgrades

    We were there in November for just a night. At first I thought the sites were a bit rough and not very level. But while were there, they started to regrade the pads at the sites. The new gravel was leveled and packed flat. The sites are greatly improved.

    Cell service was very good, Verizon, and very quiet. Most sites are 30 amp but the Lake view loop are 50 amp. There are a few sites that will handle large rigs but most are for medium sized rigs.

  • Cris C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oblong Park and Lake
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Oblong Park and Lake

    Quiet friendly camping

    Price per night is $10 that includes electric and water only ...there is a dump station in the park as well ..you drop your payment at the bathhouse on the honor system. There's lots of playgrounds for kids and a big lake to fish or stroll around as well. Big thumbs up👍

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Hateful Host

    While setting up our tents a woman came strutting down the road and in a hateful voice hollered "You've got 5 minutes to get your car out of here." Come to find out she was the camp host and apparently there was a small sign that one couldn't drop off supplies even though I am disabled. I understand she didn't want vehicle's back there but as they say you get more flies with honey than vinegar! Will never go back. Poor attitude!!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Jul. 23, 2021

    Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

    Great and quiet on a Thursday night. Class C

    It clearly states electric only. Which was no problem. They had a water hookup that you could pull up to for more water if needed. Dump station right outside the campground. Site 35 was perfectly level for the Class C (cruise America rental with no levelers. Great Campground host. We didn’t have a reservation. We pulled in and the host came out. Nice small playground for the kids. Beautiful lake.

  • Cris C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
    Jun. 10, 2021

    Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park

    Memorial trip

    Nice clean park plenty of trees ..will need to fill up with fresh water at park .. we camped at lot 85 $20 a night $30 Friday- Sunday .. pier for fish .. didn't catch much .. Several small towns around for food and supplies ..the park restaurant wasn't open when we were there but I heard it was opening soon ..boats and kyacks welcome ..we took our dog too .. it gets a 4 stars for no wifi and slow fishing otherwise great place for a camper stay! Off rt #50

  • Broccoli N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville
    May. 5, 2021

    Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville

    Amazing. Beauty in nature. Just serene beyond any kind of serenity that the big city brings. Nothing is able to induce such strait ultimate. ]l

    You will never know the person that you are until you have enjoyed this camp and quoncored.

  • Jana C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville
    Mar. 26, 2021

    Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville

    Huge lake, nice camping

    Camped 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.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Small Lake And Beautiful

    It's a small campground that offers a playground,bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina. With small towns close to this state park.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful/Quiet during week!

    We 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!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park

    Beautiful campsite

    We absolutely love this state park. We have three medium size dogs that go with us we have plenty of space at our campsite that is big enough for them. The campsites are clean with electric hook ups. Water is near by to fill up. It is quite place. Beautiful views. Lake is near by to fish. If you have kids they have play ground to play on. Host are very nice and welcoming. We will definitely be back.


Drive Time


Guide to Effingham

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds equipped with horse-friendly amenities, equestrian enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy nature.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Tips for equestrian camping near Effingham, Illinois

  • When visiting Wolf Creek State Park Campground, be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, as the area can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
  • At Oblong Park and Lake, remember to bring plenty of water for both you and your horse, as the water sources may be a bit far from some campsites.
  • Check the weather before heading to Mill Creek Park to ensure a comfortable camping experience, as conditions can change rapidly in the area.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Effingham, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Effingham, IL is Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Effingham, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.