Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area includes equestrian campsites with basic facilities for horseback riders. The park maintains wide, well-maintained trails suitable for horse riding, though they aren't extensively marked according to visitors. Biggest drawback at the equestrian sites is the lack of electricity, though water and toilets are available. The campground features clean, spacious sites with reasonable pricing, making it a popular weekend destination for horse owners from the surrounding area. Trails connect directly to camping areas, allowing riders convenient access to riding opportunities.
Located approximately 22 miles northeast of Hillsboro, the equestrian camping area provides fundamental necessities for horse camping without elaborate amenities. Horse owners should bring their own portable corrals or highline equipment as permanent corrals aren't available on-site. The surrounding trails offer adequate riding opportunities through varied terrain including wooded areas and lake views. Water access points for horses are available along certain trail sections. Campers should plan accordingly as supply stores are somewhat distant from the recreation area. The park's trail system encompasses multiple miles of riding paths, though some sections may require basic navigation skills as trail markings can be inconsistent. Most equestrian campers stay multiple nights to fully experience the available riding opportunities.
"We were in the equestrian campground due to our 73 foot overall length. It was a great stay for visiting family. There are a lot of outdoor activities at the lake area, but no pool."
"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."
"These walk in sites check all the boxes. At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. "
"Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind."
"The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking. I kind of miss tent camping!!!"
"Bathrooms are basic and in the front of the camp loops so you have a walk if you stay in the back like I did. Also, water is in the center of the loop so not very convenient. "
"As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away."
"The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well."
"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
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
"The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."
"Lots of equestrian parking and camping flush toilets neat trails very swell nice better if s en during the fall. Fishing and boatibg here as well."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"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."
"It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out"
TravelerCamp Host is very friendly and brought firewood to our site. Bath/shower house was clean. We were in the equestrian campground due to our 73 foot overall length. It was a great stay for visiting family. There are a lot of outdoor activities at the lake area, but no pool.
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.
ScoutThis campground is primarily for RVs and people with boats, given the lake nearby. There are five tent sites set back into the trees a bit. They are nicely laid out. There are a couple of picnic sites on the lake that are pleasant. What it needs for TLC is give the pit toilets a rehab. The one I used was filthy and the throne was almost completely unbolted. The water pump by the tent sites is inoperative and there seems to be only one location where one works, so you have to use your car to get water. It doesn't have showers but you can use one at a nearby campground if you really need. Bottom line: fix the toilets and water and I'd give this a four.
RangerOur campsite was the best! At the end of the road with lake frontage, it was quiet, private and relaxing. Cell service with AT&T was weak with 1 bar. Vault toilet nearby with very clean showers about 500 yds away. Great host!
ScoutIt one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
ScoutCampground host is super cool. Best campground in the Springfield area, in my opinion!
ScoutThis is the bigger campground between hickory point and deer run options. The shower house, snack shop, and city water are onsite. There are vault toilets near the primitive camping, as well as another water spigot. Playground, pavillion, and sand volleyball court give options to entertain kids, with plenty of fishing, trails, and lake views to entertain the adults. We primitive camped here at the closest site to the parking. #57 is the closest, with the rest of the primitive sites being more of a trek to the site. However, the privacy, quietness, and views are 100% worth the trek to us. We did camp with a doggo, who does bark at passerby’s that are “too close” in her opinion but otherwise doesn’t. All the campers during our stay except for one very disruptive couple, did not complain at all and many came to give her loves or treats to help prevent further barking when they passed by. And honestly, the couple that did make the comment, clearly need to be at different campgrounds because the host had to come break them up after quiet hours began and they didn’t respect that rule. We also then were woken up by the same couple as they were packing up the next morning due to them yelling at each other. The hosts did try to make sure they slowed down while passing this site though, and I do believe if we had made some sort of complaint to them, they would have handled it immediately. We love this campground, and honestly we feel as if anywhere there are rvs allowed, you will likely have someone make a comment about the dog. It’s never been other tent campers, even the ones on electric sites. The snack shop has ice (currently $3 even a bag, with hosts including tax in the $3 to make it easier for campers), firewood bundles (not sure on price) as well as many smaller campground necessities including snacks and drinks, some fishing tackle, and some other camping things such as bug spray and sunblock. I did not check any prices on those. There is technically a bait shop also nearby, though between two longer stays here and at deer run, we’ve only seen him open once. And according to one of the hosts, he doesn’t seem to have “regular hours” other than he’s for sure closed Sundays and Mondays. The following Tuesday after learning this, he was also closed all day. So I’m not sure about anything there. He does also have an ice machine outside though.
ScoutCouple camping here, spent multiple nights in a row in primitive camping here. As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away. Shower house and city water available that way. Playground for kiddos on site. Lots of people bring pets, including equestrian for those campsite. Those do include the post to tie up on at each site. The hosts (bob and dawn were really checking in on us that stay, including being able to help when we accidentally killed our car battery. They also made thorough and consistent rounds which we appreciated. Also had Lynn, one of the idnr guys here, come back at the end of his shift to make sure we had learned about the storms coming in. He even checked in again the next chance he got to make sure we were okay still. We did end up leaving early, to which there is not refunds (I think this is state parks in general) however at $6 a night for primitive, we took that loss especially during an extreme heat warning (for multiple days). If you want a quieter campsite, I would recommend this one over hickory point as hickory point seems to be more RVers instead of the more primitive style of camping tends to be.
Equestrian camping near Hillsboro, Illinois offers riders access to several trail systems within a 30-mile radius. Located in the central Illinois prairie region at approximately 640 feet above sea level, the area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and moderately cold winters. Fall camping from September through early November provides optimal trail conditions with temperatures ranging from 45-70°F and reduced insect activity.
Trail riding at Sangchris Lake State Park: Multiple miles of riding paths through varied terrain with lake views. "This hometown, go-to place has 2 campgrounds, (Hickory Point on the lake) (Deerrun in the woods). Both are great at different times of the year depending on wind and temperatures," explains Lucas T.
Fishing excursions: Access multiple fishing spots at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground where fish are plentiful. "This is a great little place to go fishing and just spend some time relaxing. Deer Run is mostly trailers and RVs, but can easily accommodate tent campers, and is less crowded than Hickory Point," notes Amy S.
Visit nearby historical sites: Springfield's Lincoln attractions are just 45 minutes north. "We stopped here for 2 days on a trip to WI. We had never been to Springfield, IL and wanted to see all the historical sites for Abe Lincoln. This campground is clean, quite and sits on the beautiful Sangchris Lake," shares Keith M. from Sangchris Lake State Park.
Spacious equestrian sites: Wolf Creek State Park Campground provides dedicated equestrian camping areas. "This is a wonderful campground with drive in availability, equestrian camp and reservable sites! The have great camp hosts Dave and Sharon on the reservable side that will help out in anyway and are so friendly!" says MeriLee B.
Affordable camping options: Primitive sites provide budget-friendly alternatives for horse owners. "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," notes WanderlustDu0 about Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Lake access: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground - Hickory Point offers water access for both people and horses. "We are enjoying our stay at Hickory Point Campground Lot 23 at Sangchris Lake State Park. Sites are spacious and campground is quiet and leisurely during the week. Beautiful shoreline lots," explains Jason L.
Water access limitations: Some equestrian camping areas require extra planning for water. "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," advises Alicia B.
Supply distances: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area requires advance planning for supplies. "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," explains Jareth C.
Trail markings: Navigational aids are minimal on many horse trails. "Lots of equestrian parking and camping flush toilets neat trails very swell nice better if s en during the fall. Fishing and boatibg here as well," notes a visitor to Wolf Creek State Park.
Playground access: Dam West Spillway provides recreational facilities for children. "Went in late April and had a good time with not ideal weather. Kid had a blast at playground with other kids," shares J N.
Consider non-horse sites when traveling with children: Family-focused sites often provide more amenities. "Big, spacious campsites with really pretty, big trees for lots of shade. The bathroom and shower facilities are FABULOUS, and super clean. They smell like the laundry facilities as well, so great all around there," explains heather S. about Dam West Spillway.
Weekend planning required: Book in advance as sites fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed the weekend here and it got really busy. 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," warns Jacqueline F.
Electrical considerations: Illinois State Fair Campground offers full hookups close to attractions. "A large campground with water and electric. Few sites have sewer. You have the option of paved parking lot or on the grass. We chose the grass for the shade trees. Very quiet," notes Faith J.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on seasonal conditions. "I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do. As far as I know there's no running water," shares John H. about Waverly Lake City Park.
Weather preparedness: Summer storms can impact campsites and electrical service. "Site 24 is huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric but no water at site. The site is totally private on one side because of a lake inlet and there's a large back area right on the lake," explains Susan L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hillsboro, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hillsboro, IL is Lake Lou Yaeger Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hillsboro, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Hillsboro, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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