Turkey Run State Park campground provides extensive equestrian facilities with direct access to trail systems for riders seeking horse camping near Homer, Illinois. The 200+ site campground features electric hookups at most sites with terrain that varies from open grass to mature wooded areas. Trail accessibility depends on seasonal conditions, with some routes requiring stream crossings that create challenges for horse and rider.
What to do
Trail riding on Trail 3: Trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park features challenging terrain for riders with stream crossings. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet," notes Samantha S.
Water recreation options: Sugar Creek provides multiple water activities. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks," reports Joel R., making it a refreshing option after trail riding.
Fishing opportunities: Mill Creek Park offers fishing access with boat launch facilities. "Great Lake to be on, tons of trails to hike," says Kyler F., highlighting the dual recreation options for campers bringing horses.
What campers like
Wooded site privacy: Many campers value the secluded sites. "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," advises Samantha S. from Turkey Run State Park.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives positive mentions despite high usage. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," notes a camper from Turkey Run.
Varied terrain for training: Horse trails at Turkey Run Canoe & Camping provide diverse riding conditions. "Site 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs. Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience," shares Rowan G.
Convenient lake access: Waterfront sites allow direct access for watering horses. "We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds. We got in without a reservation and upgraded to a beautiful spot on the water," says Jennifer M. about Moraine View State Recreational Area.
What you should know
Site terrain challenges: Horse camping sites often have uneven ground. "This campground was reasonably priced, had clean facilities and quite unusual and interesting hiking nearby. Sites tried from all concrete to a dusty dirt and rock tent area, and all had old wood picnic tables," explains leif D.
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons actively search for food at horse camping areas. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S. from Turkey Run State Park.
Water access conditions: Water sources may have seasonal quality issues. "Nice place no alcohol. 'Lake' has had a lot of algae over the last couple years," notes Julie at Moraine View State Recreational Area.
Electrical hookup sharing: At some facilities, electrical connections require coordination. "The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hook up," cautions Scott B. about Turkey Run Canoe & Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Morning start strategy: Plan early departures for trail rides with children. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon," recommends Samantha S.
Park activities selection: Combine water and trail activities for varied experiences. "Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground. It was great and once we saw the crowds at the beach area of the park on Saturday afternoon, we were super glad we had been canoeing all day instead of fighting crowds at the park," says a Turkey Run visitor.
Campsite selection for families: Choose sites with adequate space for horses and children. "We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade. It's is very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster. The site was clean and well equipped with a fire ring and picnic table," shares Michelle M. from Turkey Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparations: Bring additional leveling equipment for horse trailer parking. "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end," notes Michelle M.
Power charging options: Electric hookups support various equipment needs. "All except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my ev without issue," shares leif D. about camping at Turkey Run with electric vehicles.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully when bringing horse trailers. "Nice campground electric hookups my 34' travel trailer fit nicely," reports Napoleon H. about Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, indicating adequate space for larger rigs.
