Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground provides equestrian-friendly access approximately 12 miles east of Columbia, Illinois. The 1,101-acre park features multiple trails connected to surrounding natural areas with relatively flat terrain. Campers can expect primitive facilities at low rates with space for trailers, though specific horse containment must be brought by visitors since the park lacks permanent equine facilities.
What to do
Fishing access: At Randolph County State Recreation Area, visitors can fish at the 65-acre lake built in 1961. "The lake is nice decent camping, needs water hookups," notes camper Nathan C., who found the water features particularly appealing.
Off-road vehicle trails: For those seeking motorized recreation, St. Joe State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems. "Good place to ride your off-road vehicles. Lots of trails and plenty of different types of trails to try out," shares J.T., who visited specifically for the ORV opportunities. The park maintains separate trail systems for different users.
Biking paths: Dam West Spillway provides paved pathways around Carlyle Lake. "Paved bike paths with views of the lake," reports Chris B., who appreciates the family-friendly recreation options. The trails connect the campground with the nearby marina and other recreation areas.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground charges only $8 per night for campsites. "Great spot and great value. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," explains Helge Vandel J., highlighting the exceptional value compared to other regional camping options.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing at St. Francois State Park Campground. "We had a beautiful campsite with soft grassy ground," reports Leah H., who enjoyed the natural setting despite occasional ground disturbances from burrowing animals.
Self-service system: The payment process at Horseshoe Lake earns praise for its efficiency. "Self service pay system makes it simple, easy, and fast. Camping can be reserved but no need. Just pick your spot go to the office building, and fill out the form, pay and slide in envelope and drop in box," explains Travis, appreciating the straightforward process.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds near Columbia restrict operating seasons. "There is a homemade sign that says no camping. I wish we would have known that before we got here," warns Jennifer R. about Horseshoe Lake during an off-season visit. Always verify current operating status before traveling.
Limited water access: While many campgrounds offer water for horses, full hookups remain limited. At World Shooting and Recreational Complex, "There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried," explains Chip, indicating inconsistent facility access.
Environmental conditions: Some areas experience occasional flooding that affects site conditions. "Not a 5 star as had flooding and quite a bit of dried mud on our paved site and it rained while we were there and we were unable to remove all dried debris so it was pretty messy," notes Delores B. at St. Francois State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Dam West Spillway, "This campsite is very clean and safe for young children. They have outdoor informational presentations about plants and animals geared toward children," shares Chris B., noting the educational programming.
Beach proximity: Some campgrounds offer swimming access. "We loved the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access," notes Kristine K. about Cherokee Landing, which provides water recreation directly from the camping area.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds near highways or racing venues may experience significant noise. "The park is close to some motorsports arena which had loud events (drag racing?) during the entire weekend we were there. If you appreciate peaceful days and nights, check out the racing schedule first," advises Mats about St. Francois State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site angles: Some campgrounds present challenging backing situations. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, "Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots," cautions Matthew H., highlighting potential difficulties for larger rigs.
Electrical options: Power availability varies significantly between parks. "Sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved. 2-20 amp plugs and 1-30 amp plug," reports Matthew H. about Greensfelder County Park, providing specific information about electrical connections.
Level site selection: Dam West Spillway offers variable site conditions. "Sites looked a bit more level on the inside of the loop than the lakeside sites, but I guess that's the price you pay for real estate," notes Annie C., advising RVers to choose sites based on their leveling capabilities rather than just views.
