2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Hayes Canyon Campground features horse corrals for equestrian visitors camping in southern Illinois. The facility accommodates both horses and riders with dedicated equine infrastructure alongside tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Standard campground amenities include drinking water, electric hookups, shower facilities, and sewer connections. The campground maintains clean shower houses while providing adequate space for horses and their owners. Trail access from the campground connects riders directly to miles of forested paths through the Shawnee National Forest region.
Located approximately 40 miles southeast of Harrisburg, Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground offers spacious sites capable of accommodating large rigs with horses. High lines behind campsites provide secure areas for horses, while stalls can be reserved for additional equine comfort. Multiple sites feature electric and water hookups, with full hookup options available alongside primitive camping areas. The property includes an arena and event barn on site, making it suitable for group equestrian activities. Trails from the campground lead directly into the Shawnee National Forest, providing extensive riding opportunities through varied terrain. The campground serves as an ideal staging area for day rides or longer trail expeditions, with well-marked routes accessible from the property.
"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
"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."
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
from $40 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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
"One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."
"The lake had the most amazing sunset! Everyone is super friendly and we recommend the blue jay loop for best views and swimming access to the lake."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $30 / 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
"North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."
"Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $16 - $28 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
ScoutVery family oriented place to camp and adventure with the kiddos
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.
Equestrian camping opportunities surround the Shawnee National Forest region near Harrisburg, Illinois. Located in the southern portion of Illinois, this area features rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and densely forested terrain with elevations ranging from 300-1,000 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 20°F to 40°F, while summer months see averages between 70°F and 90°F with moderate humidity.
Trail riding access points: Shawnee Forest Campground serves as a convenient base for accessing multiple trail systems. "It's a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc," notes Jessica T. who visited Shawnee Forest Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide direct lake access for fishing enthusiasts. "They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing," reports MickandKarla W. about their stay at Shawnee Forest Campground.
Hiking networks: Campers can enjoy various hiking trails throughout the region. "There are some excellent things to see. The trail traverses some of the River to River trail that meanders through the area," mentions Shelly S. from her experience at High Knob Campgrounds.
Spacious sites: Campsites typically offer ample room for equestrian setups. "Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs with high lines behind sites. Stalls can be reserved," shares dana W. about Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground.
Convenient access: Many locations provide easy highway access while maintaining natural settings. "Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. There is no playground or pool. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook," Greg S. mentions about Shawnee Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good shower and restroom facilities. "The bathrooms were a short walk across the road and up the slope from site 30," notes Susan L. about Gun Creek campground, while another camper mentions, "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline."
Seasonal considerations: Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the year. "It's sometimes pretty rocky in the water so we usually wear water shoes," advises Gina J. about swimming at South Sandusky Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "When we arrived after our 15 hour drive, someone decided to park in our site. Once they moved we were able to start putting up our tent," reports Tori P. at Shawnee Forest Campground, highlighting the importance of confirmed reservations.
Limited cell service: Some areas have restricted connectivity. "Very little cell phone signal," notes Olivia S. about her camping experience, making it important to download maps or information before arrival.
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. "There are 3 playgrounds through out the campground. They have various events through the summer season with a big Halloween event in the fall," shares Olivia S. about Harmonie State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide cooling options during summer months. "Nice clean campground. Most sites are pretty large. Nice pool with water slide," mentions Kristene B. about Harmonie State Park.
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. "Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back," warns Barbie G. about her family's experience camping in the region.
Site leveling: Many campsites require adjustment for RV parking. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," notes MickandKarla W. about their experience at Shawnee Forest Campground.
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting sites. "The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," shares MickandKarla W. about Deer Ridge Campground.
Quiet time enforcement: Campgrounds maintain quiet hours for peaceful stays. "They have quiet hours from 10-6 and the bathrooms and showers are always really clean," reports Gina J. about South Sandusky Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Harrisburg, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Harrisburg, IL is Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Harrisburg, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Harrisburg, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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