Best Equestrian Camping near Hartford, IL
Looking for a place to camp near Hartford with your horse? Camping with your horse in Hartford just got easier. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Hartford, IL (7)
1. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground
Collinsville, Illinois10 Reviews•12 Photos•96 SavesHorseshoe Lake State Park is located off Highway 111 in the southwestern part of Illinois in Madison County. With easy access from the Metro East for visitors from throughout the region, the park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities on 2,960 acres.
Horseshoe Lake State Park accommodates 26 tent or trailer campsites. A sanitary dump station, pit toilets, and hydrants are conveniently located. The campground is open from May 1 - Sept 30. Campers can stay a maximum of 7 days in a 30-day period. We do not take reservations for camping. Although, group camping reservations are accepted through the ExploreMoreIL™ website.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Wildwood, Missouri27 Reviews•64 Photos•149 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Eureka, Missouri30 Reviews•48 Photos•122 SavesEnjoy picturesque camping as it was meant to be - with lots of trees, a babbling creek, fireflies, a campfire under a starlit sky, and all Pull-Thru RV Sites. Located on Historic Route 66, this KOA is less than 1 mile from Six Flags St. Louis and I-44. It's an easy 30 minutes from other St. Louis attractions, including the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, City Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and Grant's Farm. Stay in a Deluxe Cabin or on a Patio RV Site or Premium Tent Site. Kids love all the activities/amenities, such as the heated pool, gem mining station, and new Jumping Pillow. Groups love the pavilion and meeting space with A/C. Pool: May 10 - September 30. Your host: Paul Shepherd.
- Electric Hookups
- ADA Access
- Equestrian
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Glamping
4. Cuivre River State Park Campground
Troy, Missouri39 Reviews•76 Photos•235 SavesCuivre River State Park is one of the state’s largest and most rugged parks! Cuivre River State Park lends a wilder, Ozarkian flavor to the otherwise predominately agricultural landscape of northern Missouri. Although not far from St. Louis, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It is an outdoor delight to stroll through the park in the spring when flowering dogwood is in bloom or in the fall when the trees are ablaze with autumn colors. The park is perfect whether you want to enjoy an afternoon visit or spend a few days. Both primitive and modern campsites are available, and Lake Lincoln offers swimming, boating and fishing. The park’s wild and natural areas provide hiking, backpacking, photography and wildlife observation activities. There is also an equestrian trail with a campground for overnight stays. Cuivre River State Park offers reservable basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites, an equestrian campground, three organized group camps and a special-use camping area. Try one of the park's family campsites for a little extra space or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $38 / night
5. Dam West Spillway
Carlyle, Illinois10 Reviews•30 Photos•4 SavesOverview
Dam West Spillway is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.
Recreation
Dam West Spillway provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is plenty of open space for children to play and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam.
Facilities
Dam West Spillway has one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as an accessible fishing pier and several amenities. It is within walking distance of a marina and boat storage facility and connected to the Dam West Day Use Area and Recreation Area, which offers a campground. The Carlyle Municipal Pool is a short drive away.
Natural Features
Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.
Nearby Attractions
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$30 / night
6. Greensfelder County Park
Eureka, Missouri7 Reviews•32 Photos•57 SavesLaying at the foothills of the gently rolling Ozark mountain range, Greensfelder Park features lovely shaded trails and spectacular views, horse boarding, equestrian and group camping, hayrides, trails, nature learning center, picnic sites and shelters, playground and trim orienteering course.
The area was donated to St. Louis County in 1963 by the Trustees of the St. Louis Regional Planning and Construction Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1939 by A. P. Greensfelder, civic leader.
This is primarily an equestrian campground. There is a tie horse stall located behind the restroom that is lighted and will hold approximately 30 horses. A round pen is also available for horse turn out. Two trail heads are at opposite ends of the campground, with connectors to additional trails.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. McCully Heritage Project
Kampsville, Illinois5 Reviews•6 Photos•47 SavesPitch your tent in one of four widely spaced sites. Each site has enough room for multiple tents and includes a fire pit and picnic table. The sites are just a short walk from our shower/restroom facility. The fishing ponds are just a quarter mile walk from the campsites, and access to the numerous trails throughout our 940-acre property is directly from the campsites. While we have four designated sites, it is rare for all to be full, and likely that you'll be the only campers here most days. We are located in a very remote/rural part of Illinois in a county nestled between the Mississippi& Illinois Rivers, but only 75 miles north of downtown St. Louis. We have been included in John Shirle's"The Best in Tent Camping: Illinois."
The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville in beautiful and remote Calhoun County. We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$20 - $100 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Hartford
130 Reviews of 7 Hartford Campgrounds
- LLeslie M.
Guide
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Do not stay here
The management and owner of this place do not care about their business or their customers. We had a terrible accident at this campground over the summer where a tree crushed and totaled our camper van, thankfully none of our family was harmed. KOA immediately wiped their hands of this telling us they have nothing to do with it and we needed to deal with our insurance. They did not even feel the need to refund our stay. I would NEVER stay here again and suggest if you do, hopefully you have really good insurance.
Helge Vandel J.
Traveler
Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground
Nice spot and great value
Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.
Jason F.
LegendSt. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
A nice place to overnight
We stayed here for one night on our way home from Colorado. After checking in at the office, an employee escorted us to our site. Site A13 was a combination of mostly gravel and soft ground. The site was not level front to back and we had to build a sizable pyramid with our blocks to get the rig leveled out.
The pool area was very nice. It was great to be able to cook off after a long day of driving. We’d definitely stay here again.
Chris H.LegendSt. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Great place to stay if you’re going to St Louis
We actually didn’t hang out in the campground very much because we spent a lot of time in St. Louis. The campsite was very nice with lots of trees. It had a pool for the kids and some fun things for little ones to do there. The campsite is 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, and a great place to stay if you’re looking to go check out the gateway arch or go to a Cardinals game.
- SSuzyTraveler
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
If I Could Leave Zero Stars I Would
I have stayed in hundreds of places and hiked many miles and have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park. I stopped counting at 20(!!!) pulled off my dogs(yes, they are on prevention meds), myself(yes, I was wearing DEET), and inside my camper in just two days. 0/10 do NOT recommend
- BBrittany F.
ScoutDr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Good and Simple
Good spot for a St.Louis stop. Sites are paved and relatively level. $25 for electric only but with a dump and fresh water fill up stations. Hot water showers in bathrooms. Reservations on the website are until 7pm day-of or first-come first-served need to arrive by 9pm before gate closes. Little tags on each site to say which is still available for that night. No pay station so if office is closed can pay in the a.m.
- NNatalie M.Guide
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Huge Spaces- Very Private and Clean!
We booked this campground because we were spending time in St Louis. It only took about 35 minutes to get from here to downtown. The campground is close to grocery stores and lots of shopping! The sites themselves are very clean and well kept. Our site, 32, was huge and grassy! If you want to be close to the playground and bathrooms, this site was perfect.
Sarah J.Guide
Dam West Spillway
Two night stay
Had a lake front site with beachfront access. It was flat ground, everyone was so nice and it was so clean and the area was lovely. There were bathrooms with clean toilets locks and showers, laundry access, a marina, massive amounts of fish spots, several playgrounds, drivers were slow and courteous. Trip couldn’t have gone better!
Leo S.Scout
McCully Heritage Project
A day out with the kiddos.
I just love the bridge across the pond. We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment.
ChadScout
Cuivre River State Park Campground
Nice facility
Good campground. Be aware some bathrooms might be locked up depending upon time of year so plan your spot accordingly
- MMichael M.Guide
Cuivre River State Park Campground
Special use camp area
Very clean and the site had some covered bench/tables
Bridget K.ScoutCuivre River State Park Campground
Busy in October
I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section. Beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails. Flush toilet too!
WanderlustDu0ScoutHorseshoe Lake State Park Campground
Great private camping
The campground is relatively small but has great sites to camp. Very private and clean. 5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy. Not much to do if you have kids. If you're looking for quite camping trip this is a great park to camp.
- MMichael M.Guide
Cuivre River State Park Campground
Camping at Lone Spring Trail backing site
Nice big area with several clearings and fire rings.
- MM. F.Scout
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Quiet & peaceful
Pretty good campground. When I was there it wasn't crowded, and so it was quiet. Would stay again.
Jan S.GuideSt. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
KOA campground near Saint Louis
This is a KOA, so you know what to expect. Pull through, level sites, lots of shade, dog park, pool, and a creek are all here. Have been here before, will be back!
- Derek N.Guide
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Decent campground
Other than the entire campground losing power Sunday morning and frying my coffee maker, it was a good stay.
Good sites, mature trees, and plenty for kids to do. The pool has a deep end, which seems pretty rare these days.
- kkathleenTraveler
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Small sites- noisy- great for kids
This is a great place for kids and families traveling together. We are a retired couple with no children and found the sites to be too close together (very small sites) and the park was too noisy for us.
- Jan S.Guide
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Lots of trees!
Beautiful state park and campground. Nice hiking. Lots of room between sites - fun camp weekend!
- TTravisScout
Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground
Horseshoe Lake - 5 Star
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. 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. Staff/ Security is super friendly and helpful with directing throughout the park. Also not nosy and mind their own unless you are just being that guy. Clean and well kept up with spots, water Spickets never far from your camp also nice cast iron fire pits. Good fishing, trails and memories waiting to be made.
8$ a night
D M.TravelerSt. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Close to St Louis, but won't ever return to this site
Good location that is right off I-44 and right next to Six Flags St. Louis. It's about 30 minutes to downtown.
Spots are level and there is decent space. Nice benches at each site, cable TV hookup, good water pressure (40 psi) and 30amp connection. There are 50 amp sites available.
KOA store, restroom and showers are nice and clean. The staff were also very friendly.
One cool activity is to visit the wolf sanctuary. It's very close by.
Only complaint is KOA allowed a U-Haul and car to park next to us. They had 4 dogs, unleashed and they were using the water spigot (no hose) to cool their dogs off, which wouldn't have been a problem if the spaces were bigger. They also kept entering our outdoor space and allowing their dogs to run all the way up to my rig. Very little was done to rectify the problem, even after a phone call and going up to the office. The three solutions were to have us relocate to another site, ask them if they would move, but it would be up to the U-Haul party to relocate or refund us if we decided to leave.
This was the first time staying at a KOA and it basically negated the positives. We will not be returning to this site and will most likely stay away from KOA all together.
- Jan S.Guide
Cuivre River State Park Campground
Good getaway close to Saint Louis
Great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city! Hiking trails, level lots, full hookups available, There are 2 loops, the tent camping side is well shaded with a lot of room between sites. The full hookup loop has a lot of room, but can be a challenge backing in, as the camp sites are at a 90 degree angle to the road. Would love to return.
Sarah S.ScoutDr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Inclement Weather
I went camping at this place twice. Each time it rained all freaking day and got really cold at night. The first camping trip, I didn't tough it out. But the second camping trip I did tough it out until the second night, when it got cold. It didn't deter me and I plan to go camping again. At a different place though.
- Jan S.Guide
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
KOA in Eureka, MO
Nice, clean campground, level pull-through sites - ours had a paver-patio and grill, a lot of shade throughout, dog park, and a creek to explore. This was our 2nd time here. Close to Saint Louis, Six Flags, and hiking.
- Jessica B.Guide
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!
We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️
⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️
📍 Dr. Edmund A. 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, Gated Overnight with access code
➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season
📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5
🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!
🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!
🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring
⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm
🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F
🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED
- AAnthony W.Guide
Cuivre River State Park Campground
Well Maintained and Friendly Staff
It was early April so still off season for that area which was nice because there was basically no body there and I got to pick any site I wanted. Water and restrooms where still closed until the 15th of April, except a outhouse across from the playground on the right as you enter. All sites looked well maintained, had space for vehicle and camper or tents, large sturdy fire pits and they sold fire wood at the check in for $5 a bundle. 3 nice sets of stairs that take you from the campground to the 3.5 mile trail around the lake. Nice little hike with the lake at the base of the surrounding hills. The trees hadn’t leafed out yet from winter but it was nice being able to the hills throughout the area with nothing blocking the view.
michael G.ScoutDr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Close campground to the city
Nice campground close to the city lots of great trails for bikes. Campground was clean. We reserved a site the day before. Great little clean park and you don’t have to drive too far to get too.
Guide to Hartford
Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy scenic trails and fishing opportunities at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground, where the peaceful surroundings make for a relaxing getaway.
- Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers beautiful hiking paths and spacious sites, ideal for families and equestrian enthusiasts alike.
- Experience the charm of Greensfelder County Park, known for its well-groomed trails that cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites
- At Cuivre River State Park Campground, you'll find ample room between sites, making it a great choice for larger groups with horses.
- The McCully Heritage Project features a welcoming atmosphere with free firewood and plenty of space for equestrian activities.
- Dam West Spillway provides a flat, clean area for setting up camp, along with access to fishing spots and trails for horseback riding.
Tips for equestrian camping near Hartford, Illinois
- Make reservations early at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons when sites fill up quickly.
- Always check for amenities like water hookups and sanitary dumps at Cuivre River State Park Campground to ensure a comfortable stay with your horse.
- Be prepared for ticks and other wildlife when camping at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, as the area is known for its natural beauty and wildlife encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hartford, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hartford, IL is Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hartford, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Hartford, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.