The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Jonesboro, IL

182 Reviews

Equestrian Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers trail riders access to designated horse camping facilities near Goreville, Illinois, approximately 15 miles from Jonesboro. The campground features basic amenities including drinking water, toilets, showers, and trash disposal, with sites that accommodate both horses and camping equipment. Campsites are reservable but lack electric hookups, picnic tables, and dedicated horse corrals. The campground maintains a quiet atmosphere with well-taken-care of sites that remain relatively uncrowded throughout the season. Trails within the park connect directly to the campground, though some campers note that trail markings throughout the park could be improved for better navigation.

Located within the Shawnee National Forest region, this horse-friendly campground provides riders access to miles of wooded trails through southern Illinois' distinctive terrain. Campers must park at a nearby lot and walk a short distance to the tent sites, making the area best suited for primitive camping with horses rather than RV camping. The campground's layout accommodates both individual riders and small groups, with sufficient space between sites to maintain privacy. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some routes challenging to follow without proper maps. Horse owners should bring their own containment systems as the park does not provide dedicated corrals or tie-outs. Riders appreciate the trail access but recommend bringing detailed maps as park-provided navigation materials are limited.

Map showing campgrounds near Jonesboro, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Jonesboro, Illinois (23)

    1. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground."

    "Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
    All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."

    2. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."

    3. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    "Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."

    4. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    19 miles

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    5. Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    6 Reviews
    Bargerville, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 985-4983

    "This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."

    "Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week."

    6. Equestrian Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    1 Review
    Goreville, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "You have to walk from the parking lot into the basic sites but they are super close. Trying here was nice, and campsites a quiet and well taken care of."

    7. Devils Backbone Park

    2 Reviews
    Grand Tower, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-6192

    "There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake. The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, "hidden" spring, and trout streams)."

    8. Apple Creek Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Altenburg, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730

    9. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

    "Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."

    10. Johnson Creek

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"

    "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Jonesboro Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Jonesboro, IL

3 Photos of 23 Jonesboro Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Jonesboro, IL

182 Reviews of 23 Jonesboro Campgrounds

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Campground Improving in 2017

    There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground. The campground is being upgraded this year in which I belive they are adding 50 amp full service to many of the electric only sites. There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river. I have tent camped here and camped in a pop-up camper in the fall both times. Hiking is the best activity here unless you ride horses and that is great here too. This one and Wolf Creek on Lake Shelbyville are the best parks in Illinois for horse trails.

  • J K.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Randolph County State Recreation Area

    Nice quaint campground

    This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

    Park Information:

    West Central Illinois

    4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

    618-826-2706

    N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

    Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

  • d
    May. 29, 2019

    Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    A beautiful equestrian lodge and campground. Ride out of several trail hea

    Address: 50 Barger Rd, Stonefort, IL.

    Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL.    Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge.  Ride or hike in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.  Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites.  Stalls can be reserved. some sites are full hookup. Primitive camping also available.  CALL them for more info at 270-205-7138.  Arena and huge event barn on site. Event barn can be reserved for weddings.  Numerous sites have electric and water.  They have a Facebook page with numerous photos.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Johnson Creek

    off the beaten path

    Located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.

    We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.

  • Mike V.
    Jul. 1, 2016

    Pyramid State Recreation Area

    Pyramid State Park, IL, initial visit

    Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak. Did a nice long walk along one trail late May and there was a lot of bird activity. Can't explore it all on one visit. Saw several people camping, and some were horse back riding on a trail. Hope to go back some day and spend more time there.

  • e
    May. 31, 2018

    Johnson Creek

    woods camping byo horse

    single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared. drinking water available right outside the camp and most sites have a non-potable water spigot, horse hitch, and fire ring. close to lake kinkaid and johnson creek. there are a few trails that connect to this spot.

    if you have a golden pass then you can receive a discounted stay.

  • Anton T.
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    Ferne Cliffe State Park

    Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois. It is not among the best known parks, and its distance from bigger cities makes it more obscure and less frequented than other places I have visited. The campground is small, situated on a limestone bluff which is cut by a small rivulet and some seasonal small waterfalls. The area is really a hidden gem - one has to hike down to discover the natural canyon with the awesome sites. The campground is clean and well maintained. A site of interest nearby is the Garden of the Gods wilderness, which 300 million years ago was the bottom of a sea. The whole area was spared by the glacier activity, yet the weathering of the rocks has given us a sandstone plateau with numerous hoodoos. Close nearby are also Cave in Rock and Land Between the Lakes, both worth seeing.

  • Cindy C.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Wonderful for all ages. Located on Rend Lake Illinois.

    North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing. The sites have many areas that fit different needs. I have stayed this year in both. My site at North Sandusky was on the water and I could pull my pontoon right behind my campsite. The kids were close enough to the bathrooms and showers to walk. And there was fresh water located there as well. There was a park a bit further down the way as well. But no need as the lake was in the backyard.

    South sandusky site was across from a park, bathrooms, showers and water. The beach was a 2 mi hike on a beautiful trail. But we could walk across the street to a fishing swimming spot as well.

    The beach is super clean and monitored well.

    The bathrooms were cleaned every morning before 7 am. Water had great pressure and was always nice and hot.

    I love these campgrounds and can’t wait to go back.

  • M
    Aug. 19, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Picture perfect

    Full hookups to tent camping and spacious sites. This is a Corps of Engineer Campground so bring your America the Beautiful pass! Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome.

Guide to Jonesboro

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Equestrian Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park provides well-maintained sites and easy access to trails, making it a favorite among horse campers.
  • At Johnson Creek, you'll find spacious spots with fire rings and picnic tables, ideal for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • Devils Backbone Park offers a variety of trails and amenities like drinking water and sanitary dumps, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.

Tips for equestrian camping near Jonesboro, Illinois

Equestrian campgrounds include diverse features

  • The Apple Creek Conservation Area is known for its level camping spots and proximity to fishing opportunities, making it a great choice for multi-activity trips.
  • At Johnson Creek Campground, enjoy the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest while having access to basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables.
  • Camp Ondessonk features a variety of accommodations, including cabins and tent sites, perfect for families looking to enjoy a horse camping experience together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Jonesboro, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Jonesboro, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Jonesboro, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Jonesboro, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring