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Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area accommodates equestrians with primitive equestrian campsites that lack electricity but provide water access and toilet facilities. The equestrian sites feature wide, well-maintained trails though riders note they aren't marked particularly well. Horse owners can access toilets and water spigots near the camping area, but should prepare for basic amenities. According to regular visitors, the park maintains reasonable pricing and clean grounds, making it popular despite its somewhat remote location from supply stores. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Highland, Illinois.
Located approximately 40 miles northwest of Highland, Ramsey Lake offers year-round camping access for equestrians seeking trail riding opportunities. The park's bridle paths accommodate riders of various experience levels, with trails that connect to the surrounding woodlands and lake areas. Trailer parking is available at designated areas within the equestrian camping section. Each campsite includes standard fire rings and picnic tables, though horse owners should bring their own containment systems as permanent corrals are not provided. Horses have access to natural water sources around the recreation area. Some visitors report the campground can become busy during peak seasons, with rangers occasionally enforcing quiet hours for campers with late-night activities. The state park's layout provides adequate spacing between campsites for horse trailer maneuverability.
"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 $30 / night
Check Availability"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"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."
"Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one. Shower house is alright. The store/restaurant has been closed for a year or two now because of the Illinois budget."
"It's a small campground that offers a playground,bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina. With small towns close to this state park."
"The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores"
"Shut down some karaoke party in a loop around 9pm. Will go back."
TravelerThe campsite is nice plenty of spaces spaced out nicely, but there’s absolutely no signage. took us forever to decide where we could park and what to do. tiny little sign on the Rangers house. Led us to a website and then charged us $50. Not what we were expecting. Plan ahead on this one.
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
ScoutThis was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees. Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue. This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event. During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full. We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning. There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried. I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.
GuideGreat spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.
TravelerWe stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.
There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.
RangerThe park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores
TravelerWe did not have a reservation it was just a quick stop for the night while passing through.
This was a good spot for the night. We didn't get there until after dark and the campgrounds weren't that well marked. We didn't stay in the spot we originally planned because it was getting late and we couldn't find it and I didn't want to keep hitting the other campers with our headlights.
The campground was no where near full and it was very quiet so a very nice nights stay. Only complaint was trying to find the right campsite.
GuideHad 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!
ScoutThe 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.
Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area provides year-round camping with both primitive and electric hook-up sites. Located about 20 miles south of Pana, Illinois, and 40 miles northwest of Highland, the park spans 1,980 acres around a 53-acre lake. Winter temperatures average 32°F while summer months typically reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity.
Fishing opportunities: At Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing from the shore or by boat. "Great for fishing, trails and memories waiting to be made," notes camper Travis.
Hiking trails: Explore the trail system at Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area where multiple loops connect camping areas to the marina. According to Tracie E., "Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike."
Water activities: Several area lakes support boating, kayaking and swimming. At Stephen A. Forbes, "The lake is big enough for ski boats but nice for kayaks also. Swim beach is not well maintained due to the budget but also doesn't cost anything," states Jennifer G.
Trail riding: Equestrian trails at Ramsey Lake accommodate riders of various skill levels. The park offers specific horse campgrounds near Highland, Illinois with wide, maintained trails though some visitors note improvements could help navigation.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Dam West Spillway. According to heather S., "Big, spacious campsites with really pretty, big trees for lots of shade."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and shower facilities receive positive reviews at most campgrounds. At Dam West Spillway, one visitor noted, "The bathroom and shower facilities are FABULOUS, and super clean. They smell like the laundry facilities as well."
Lakefront access: Sites with water views are highly sought after. Jacqueline F. writes about Dam West: "The sites that overlook the lake are absolutely gorgeous! We didn't land one but had lots of room where we were in site #24."
Budget-friendly pricing: Horseshoe Lake State Park offers exceptional value according to WanderlustDu0: "5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy." Another camper confirms, "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing spots in advance is recommended. At Dam West Spillway, Jacqueline F. observed: "When we tried to book online, all were taken but saw they had a few sites that were first come. Luckily, we got one of the last two."
Limited services: Some equestrian camping areas offer basic amenities only. At Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area, Alicia B. points out: "Biggest draw back is no electricity in equestrian sites. There's is water and toilets trails aren't marked real well but very wide nicely maintained to."
Cell reception: Signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds. At Stephen A. Forbes, Tracie E. reports: "Cell service was only 1-2 bars LTE with AT&T but able to stream with hotspot to the SmartTV with only 1 bar so not bad."
Seasonal closures: Some facilities operate on limited schedules. Jennifer G. notes about Stephen A. Forbes: "The store/restaurant has been closed for a year or two now because of the Illinois budget."
Playground access: World Shooting and Recreational Complex offers family-friendly amenities according to Christi L.: "Huge campground with a lake to boat, kayak or fish from the bank. Quiet but can be dry and hot in the summer. Fun place to gather with friends."
Educational programs: Some parks offer nature programs for children. At Dam West Spillway, Chris B. shares: "They have outdoor informational presentations about plants and animals geared toward children."
Safety considerations: Campground security varies by location. J N. from Ramsey Lake reports: "Shut down some karaoke party in a loop around 9pm," indicating staff monitoring of noise levels and activities.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds feature recreational options for various age groups. Chris B. notes that Dam West Spillway is "very clean and safe for young children" with "paved bike paths with views of the lake."
Hookup availability: At Dam West Spillway, Jeanie H. reports: "The campsites have sewer and water on some sites, as well as other sites with electricity available. Many of the sites are blacktopped and large RV's will fit on the sites."
Site levelness: Look for paved sites if traveling with larger rigs. According to Annie C., "Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings," at Horseshoe Lake.
Distance to supplies: Consider proximity to towns when planning your stay. About Ramsey Lake, Jareth C. notes: "The only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores."
Seasonal considerations: The World Shooting and Recreational Complex hosts major events that affect availability. One reviewer advises: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Highland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Highland, IL is Dam West Spillway with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Highland, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Highland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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