2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
High Knob Campgrounds offers comprehensive equestrian facilities for riders visiting the Shawnee National Forest near Elizabethtown. The campground specifically caters to horse owners, with stalls available for overnight stays. Campsites accommodate large rigs with high lines positioned behind each site for horse tethering. The campground provides water access, electric hookups, showers, and toilet facilities to support multi-day riding excursions. Firewood is available on-site for evening campfires after a day on the trails. The campground primarily serves equestrians rather than tent campers, with numerous reviewers noting the clean stall areas and designated horse facilities. Sites feature some shade to offer relief from summer sun for both riders and horses.
Hayes Canyon Campground, located approximately 15 miles from Elizabethtown, features dedicated horse corrals that distinguish it from other area campgrounds. The trails are well-marked with maps available to navigate the extensive network through the Shawnee National Forest. Riders access multiple trailheads directly from the campground, allowing for varied daily excursions. The trails traverse hilly, rocky terrain with cliff areas that provide scenic views throughout the forest. Electric hookups, water access, and sewer connections support extended stays for equestrians traveling with their horses. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin options for those preferring indoor lodging after riding. Permanent sites are available for seasonal riders who frequent the area. The shower facilities maintain good cleanliness standards despite heavy use during peak horse riding seasons.
"On a gravel road, in the back country like most everything else on this side of Illinois , fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill. "
"It's super quiet despite the gravel road nearby. The vault restroom is kept very clean. It has easy access to the River to River trail, and I love the CCC stonework."
"deffinitly caters to equestrians, my only complaint is the shower houses. The potty area is clean but showers are usually kinda gross."
"High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas."
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
from $40 / night
"Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL. Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge. "
"There are horses on the property, and it’s very cheap for tent camping. The staff was amazing. She showed us around with her 4x4 the whole property, the horses, and the pony or a donkey."
from $30 / night
"A luxurious crowded but nice campsites older stalls cabins available great trails and maps available store and cowboy church. Permanent sites available"
from $15 - $32 / night
"Right outside Grand Rivers , Ky and along the canal that connects the two lakes. Reserve WAY ahead if you want one of the premium sites."
"Stayed at site 77, which was next to the lake with great views. Staff was friendly and the facilities were clean. Close to Grand Rivers, which has a grocery store and some restaurants."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $256 / night
"Under new ownership buy many cabins from 40 a night on up nice shower houses electric sewer and water at a lot of sites great trails well marked maps available stalls available store and restaurant to"
from $30 - $200 / night
"The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay."
"Lake mauzy is very quiet. No hookups but if you want to boondocks this is a great place."
GuideQuiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.
GuideI stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.
GuideCampground was quiet and peaceful when I was there. Numerous trails within the park and I had them to myself while out hiking.
GuideNice quiet wooded campground. We were only here 1 night, but it was very enjoyable. Very large campground with shaded & sunny spots, mostly level, showers & bathrooms were clean, but no locks on the doors in women's & no doors in the men's, only curtains. Double lane dump station well laid out & good water pressure. We were here 2nd week in September on a Friday so it was not crowded, but I suspect during the summer it would be. The mosquitoes were bad so be prepared. All in all we would stay again.
GuideThis is the third time we’ve stayed here just using it as an overnight on the way to and from home on our way out west. Great campground with full hook up service in some sites and a view of the lake.
ScoutVery family oriented place to camp and adventure with the kiddos
GuideWe were on our hike in Shawnee National Forest, and we found this campground. And it was an amazing experience. It has a beautiful view of the sunset, and there are ponds. There are horses on the property, and it’s very cheap for tent camping. The staff was amazing. She showed us around with her 4x4 the whole property, the horses, and the pony or a donkey. The showers were pretty decent and cleaned
I would recommend this place for everyone
ScoutTook a road trip in are RV over the summer last year and stumbled across this place they had it all water hookup waste hook up and were very reasonable on price definitely recommend
Scoutthe campground was great, staff was very nice and helpful, great activities for kids and adults, free paddle boats and canoes, cable tv, indoor and outdoor pools, really great place!
Equestrian camping near Elizabethtown, Illinois connects visitors to the diverse terrain of Shawnee National Forest, where elevation ranges from 320 to 1,064 feet above sea level. The region receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions and occasional muddy trails during spring months. Peak camping season runs April through October when temperatures average 75-85°F during summer days.
Hiking the River to River Trail: Access this 160-mile trail system directly from Camp Cadiz Campground, which serves as the Eastern trailhead. "This is the Eastern trailhead for the River to River trail, there is also a shorter trail, Beaver. Good one to practice your backpacking skills on," notes reviewer Shelly S.
Fishing in nearby waters: Several small lakes and ponds offer fishing opportunities within 20 minutes of Elizabethtown. "There are a small lake and two ponds for fishing" at Shawnee Forest Campground, according to reviewer MickandKarla W.
Historical exploration: Visit the hidden historical sites scattered throughout the forest. "We even hiked down the forest road and found a hidden cemetery tucked away," shares Art S. about exploring near Camp Cadiz. The area features numerous CCC-era stonework structures dating to the 1930s.
Quiet, remote camping: For campers seeking solitude, Camp Cadiz offers a peaceful experience. "My favorite part about this campground was that there were only 8 campsites so it was very quiet and remote," writes Hannah F., who appreciated the limited capacity.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide ample space between sites. "The spaces are wide open and big for multiple tents" at Camp Cadiz, according to Ryan P., making it ideal for group camping excursions.
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained restrooms at Canal Campground on nearby Lake Barkley. "The facilities were extremely clean and people were friendly. There are flushing toilets, hot showers, and new picnic tables at sites," notes Lucy L.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the Shawnee National Forest have minimal or no cellular connectivity. "Very little cell phone signal" at Harmonie State Park, explains reviewer Olivia S., so download maps before arriving.
Hunting seasons affect availability: During turkey season and other hunting periods, campgrounds fill quickly with hunters. "Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey," reports Art S. about Camp Cadiz.
Campground specialization: Some campgrounds exclusively serve specific user groups. At Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground, horse owners find dedicated facilities, while Bear Branch Campground provides "electric, sewer and water at a lot of sites" with "stalls available" according to Alicia B.
Playgrounds and recreation: Harmonie State Park offers excellent family amenities. "Nice campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp," shares Barbie G., making it suitable for children of various ages.
Educational opportunities: The nature center at Harmonie State Park provides learning experiences for children. "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer," notes Olivia S.
Swimming options: During summer months, look for campgrounds with swimming facilities. "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions" at Harmonie State Park, according to Olivia S.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. At Shawnee Forest Campground, "The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook," advises Greg S.
Weather considerations: The region's significant annual rainfall can affect campsite conditions. "There were water puddles at the steps" after rain at Shawnee Forest Campground, reports MickandKarla W.
Accessibility information: Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground accommodates "very large rigs" with sites that have full hookups according to dana W., making it suitable for larger trailers and motorhomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elizabethtown, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elizabethtown, IL is Camp Cadiz Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elizabethtown, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Elizabethtown, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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