Equestrian camping near Highwood, Illinois offers limited options for riders seeking overnight accommodations with their horses. The northeast Illinois region sits at approximately 690 feet above sea level with predominantly flat terrain punctuated by glacial moraines. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer camping conditions frequently include high humidity with temperatures in the 80s and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Chain O' Lakes State Park provides several miles of multi-use trails through diverse ecosystems. "This campground is within a couple hours of Chicago so it makes a nice getaway for the weekend. Things were pretty filled up when we came here. However there is plenty of space around to find a spot on your own," notes one visitor to Fox Den Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: The interconnected waterways provide excellent paddling routes. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," explains a camper at Turner Lake South.
Fishing access: Multiple lakes and ponds throughout the region offer fishing opportunities. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," shares a visitor at Turner Lake South.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite heavy use. "The bath house was very clean. The campsite was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night," reports a camper at Fox Den Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse animal populations. "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water," shares a visitor at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Affordable tent camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the non-electric options. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," notes a camper at Turner Lake South.
What you should know
Limited horse accommodations: While trails exist for riding, dedicated equestrian camping facilities are scarce. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," explains a visitor about the general camping experience.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "The full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," warns a camper at Fox Den Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Campsites experience different conditions throughout the year. "The mosquitos were pretty vicious... a couple of the regulars said it was the worst they'd been in years. We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night," reports a visitor at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Lakes and swimming areas provide entertainment for children. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms (no hot water in the showers) right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" shares a camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Wildlife education: Take advantage of nature observation opportunities. "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to belive that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated are just outside elgin," notes a visitor at Paul Wolff Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Choose locations away from high-traffic areas. "We stayed in the Turner South Loop, one of the older tent camping loops, and the age definitely showed. Most of the sites on this loop are pretty worn, with not much privacy. We stayed in T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site."
RV tips
Water and electric access: Hookup locations vary across campgrounds. "The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)," advises a camper at Big Rock Campground.
Size considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade. The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?"
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal needs. "The dump station is good. It's expensive, for what is there, if you are not a Kane County resident. There appears to be some equestrian space and trails. Quiet."
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