2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Located approximately 12 miles east of Columbia, Illinois, Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping with limited facilities for equestrians. The campground maintains access to multiple trails suitable for day rides, though reviews indicate no dedicated horse corrals are available on site. Campsites are spacious and primitive at $8 per night, with toilets but no showers or electrical hookups. While the park permits horses on designated trails, campers must provide their own containment solutions as no permanent equine facilities exist. The campground area features flat terrain with adequate space for horse trailers at most sites. Rangers regularly patrol the grounds providing security and assistance to campers with animals. Horseshoe Lake State Park operates seasonally from May through September, with some reviews noting camping closures have occurred unexpectedly. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Columbia, Illinois.
The trail system around Horseshoe Lake connects to several natural areas suitable for riding, though riders should verify current trail conditions before arrival. Water access for horses is available at certain points along the lake shoreline, but no dedicated equine water stations exist within the campground. For more developed horse camping facilities, travelers should consider St. Francois State Park or Greensfelder County Park, both located approximately 30-40 minutes west of Columbia across the Mississippi River in Missouri. These alternative parks provide more established equestrian amenities, including some designated horse camping areas and maintained bridle trails. Self-service payment systems make check-in straightforward for riders arriving with trailers. The surrounding parkland offers scenic riding opportunities through wooded areas and around the distinctive horseshoe-shaped lake that gives the park its name.
"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."
"There is no equestrian camping and the parking for horse trailers is super small. There’s a neat 7 mile loop goes by old stable as well."
"Babler State Park Wildwood, MO
💰 $12-$21/night
🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022
Site 48 ⚡️💧
🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)
➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $35 / night
"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
"Heavy equestrian park, it’s not required (to have a horse) to stay here. A few piles of horses droppings but very well maintained."
"Pretty nice wooded campground close to St. Louis! Each site has a picnic bench, a fire pit and grill."
"My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."
"All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."
Available next weekend
from $15 - $27 / night
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
"The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that’s nice."
Available next weekend
from $15 - $52 / night
"Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area."
"This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."
"It is directly on Carlyle Lake, ,the largest lake in Illinois. It has activities for children on the weekends."
"Right next to the marina and with many sites right on the lake, you can’t go wrong here."
from $30 / night
GuideI gave this campground a five star again. I am a solo female camper. I like to go to places that are safe with a good atmosphere and this had both and plenty of things to do a roundabout when coming through this area again I will definitely stay here.
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
GuideI know a large majority of the park is meant for ORV’s but there was just constant noise even in the campground. Besides that it was great though!
ScoutThis campground is nice for March, when it's a little cool. But there is no shade, so mid-summer would be hot! Level sites, full hookups, pretty nice.
TravelerHad a wonderful weekend camping trip in the basic loop. Grass well-trimmed, campground pretty clean and full of families. Definitely a lot of kid noise, but I much prefer that to adults drinking into the night. Staff always cheerful and eager to provide a good experience; they do ride around every so often to check in on things. Camp host on site. Some sites certainly better than others; the biggest ones are near the entrance to the basic loop.
Bathrooms older and not spotless, but they stay on top of stocking them. Very well lit at night. Check-in station has patches, t-shirts, and firewood for sale in big bundles for $5. They do cover them when it rains.
There is definitely a friendly community atmosphere, but you can keep to yourself if that's your preference.
There is a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground.
ScoutThis was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees. Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue. This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event. During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full. We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning. There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried. I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.
RangerStayed here a week with two toddlers and it was great! Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, , 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground. The workers were super nice and helpful, the nature is beautiful and cute little forest bunnies running around !
Also there was fire wood for purchase if needed.
TravelerHas everything you need. Even got a hot shower while tent camping
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Columbia, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Columbia, IL is St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Columbia, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Columbia, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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