1 campground with availability this weekend
Johnson Creek Recreation Area accommodates equestrians with horse hitches at most campsites. Single, double, and triple camping spots are set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of Shawnee National Forest. The sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and non-potable water spigots alongside the horse hitches. Drinking water is available at the entrance to the campground. The grounds are suitable for both tent and RV camping, though facilities are basic with only vault toilets available. Sites cost $10 per night with self-check-in, and Golden Pass holders receive discounted stays. The campground provides large sites with ample space for horse trailers and contactless check-in.
The equestrian trails connect directly from Johnson Creek to the broader Shawnee National Forest trail system. Horse owners can access multiple connecting paths that wind through the forested terrain and link to Lake Kinkaid. The trails feature varying terrain suitable for different riding skill levels, though some visitors note trail maintenance can be inconsistent, with certain paths becoming overgrown during peak growing seasons. Firewood is plentiful within the forest for campfires after a day of riding. While the campground itself lacks horse-specific amenities like corrals or stalls, the hitching posts at campsites provide secure tethering options. For riders planning multi-day trips, the campground's location offers convenient access to the forest's extensive trail network with minimal roadway riding required.
"There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground."
"Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."
"There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake. The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, "hidden" spring, and trout streams)."
"single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"
"The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."
"As with all of southern Illinois it’s very senic rock formations neat trails and fishing."
"This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."
"Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week."
"Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."
"Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."
"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
"Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak."
"The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer."
"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."
TravelerThis is a 100 site campground on Rend Lake in Illinois. Lots of trees. Level paved sites unless you book right by the lake. Some are very steep. Bring lots to level with! We are in site 92. Away from the lake but beautiful sunshine.
GuideGreat place easy on off the hyw sites are old so you may need to block up your RV to level it . Some sites only have electric so be careful when you book it. Heard some road noise from the HYW but the campsite had plenty of room
ScoutRend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.
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.
GuideWe arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!
GuidePaved roads and campsites. Convenient to the interstate but removed enough to be peaceful. Beautiful sunset at the lake. Bathhouse is outdated but functional.
GuideMet up with some family at this campground had a nice time. Everything was clean. The bathrooms were magnificently clean at the South Sandusky in Rend Lake. The lake was nice. There was lots of trees very very nice campground.
GuideThis hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW! On the trail there is a sign to set up for selfies. With a dog it wasn’t as easy as I’d hope to capture the moment. Ha
Johnson Creek Recreation Area sits on the western edge of the Shawnee National Forest at approximately 450 feet elevation. The area features rolling hills with limestone formations characteristic of southern Illinois topography. Equestrian camping opportunities near Grand Tower, Illinois offer direct trail access from campsites to forest trails during seasonal periods from spring through fall, though summer humidity can make riding conditions challenging.
Trail riding excursions: At Giant City State Park Campground, riders can access dedicated equestrian trails separate from the main campground. "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground... There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here," notes Michael M.
Fishing access: Multiple lakes provide fishing opportunities throughout the region. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, campers can fish at the 65-acre lake. "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," reports Joel R.
Rock climbing: For experienced climbers, the limestone formations provide technical challenges. "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else," advises Josh M. about Giant City State Park.
Secluded waterfront sites: Campers appreciate lakeside locations for overnight stays. "My wife and I camped here one weekend in early fall. The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake. The campground is in the Shawnee National Forrest, and We heard several owls calling in the trees around us when we went to bed," writes Joel R. about Johnson Creek Campground.
Diverse wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to observe native species. "In the middle of the night we were startled awake by a pair of owls in the tree right above us. We were not sure if they were fighting or mating, but it sure was loud!" describes Joel R. at Johnson Creek Campground.
Primitive camping options: Some campers prefer more rustic experiences away from developed areas. "We came down for a spontaneous camping trip to explore SNF and found Giant City to be a great place to stay. We stayed in the primitive camp site, while there were others there, everyone was dispersed far enough that it felt private," reports Sunshine Z.
Variable trail conditions: Trail maintenance can vary throughout the season. At Deer Ridge Campground, "The trails were VERY unkept and there was poison ivy at nearly every step," warns Mari K.
Water access limitations: Not all advertised water features remain accessible. "The entry map shows a beach- there might have been 5 years ago but now absolutely nothing that even resembled a place to swim," notes Mari K. regarding outdated information at some facilities.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations. "The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else," advises Josh M. about climbing conditions after precipitation.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground," notes Shirlee A. at Randolph County State Recreation Area.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The forest setting provides educational experiences. "Cute little forest bunnies running around!" mentions Shirlee A., highlighting natural encounters children might enjoy.
Firefly viewing: Seasonal insect activity creates natural light shows. "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" reports Stephanie S. about evening experiences at Deer Ridge Campground.
Site levelness: Many campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," reports MickandKarla W. at Shawnee Forest Campground.
Dump station locations: Some facilities have specific access points for sanitary services. "Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It's approximately a mile before the campground on your left," advises J K. at Randolph County Recreation Area.
Electric options: Hook-up availability varies significantly between horse campgrounds near Grand Tower. "No water hook up at each site, only electricity," clarifies Shana D. about the Giant City State Park facilities, important information for those planning extended stays with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Grand Tower, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Grand Tower, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Grand Tower, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Grand Tower, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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