Tonya S.
Traveler
TravelerJubilee College State Park Campground
Lots of available sites
You must pack in your own water and there are no electric hookups. Beautiful well maintained grounds with lots of open sky for starlink.
Equestrian Camping near Kewanee, IL
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Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground features separate areas for equestrians and non-horse campers on grassy sites with trees at the edges. The equestrian campsites include wooden hitching posts for securing horses, with approximately 4-5 individual sites available in the designated equestrian area. Located on the Hennepin Canal State Trail, the campground provides primitive camping with picnic tables, vault toilets, and water access. The sites are primitive with no hookups, though there is space for both tents and RVs, including class A motorhomes. Camping fees are $8 per night, with free camping Sunday through Thursday for Illinois residents over 62. The grassy sites show tire marks where people have previously driven in to set up camp.
The Hennepin Canal Trail runs directly through the campground, offering extensive riding opportunities along the crushed gravel path. Riders can access the trail system that eventually connects to both the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, passing through several small Midwestern towns. Horses have been spotted using the trail regularly, confirming its suitability for equestrian activities. The campsites provide enough separation for privacy despite being visible to others in the park. For riders looking beyond the canal trails, Jubilee College State Park Campground, located outside of Peoria, offers additional horse camping with equestrian trails that are well-maintained and suitable for group rides of up to 8 people. The trails at Jubilee are regularly maintained with mowing, providing excellent conditions for horse riding through prairie conservation areas.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Kewanee (10)
1. Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $8 / night
2. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
"Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
"Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"
Check Availabilityfrom $8 / night
3. Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground
"Nestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience."
"Shade trees, soft grass, a nice trail to walk & great views. The stars in the night sky are breathtaking! This isn't some posh camping for someone looking to get a resort-feel."
Check Availabilityfrom $8 / night
4. Jubilee College State Park Campground
"Excellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained."
"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
5. Morrison-Rockwood State Park
"We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun."
"We enjoyed the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop. We liked the different loops of campsites with pit toilets every where and a nice modern bathroom/shower house also."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
6. Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
"Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground."
"Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
7. Rockwood State Park Campground
"Nice long trail, friendly people, and a cute little ice cream shop that was a lifesaver after a long hike."
8. Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park
"hey, there were some pretty outstanding trails to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was"
"quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
9. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve- Horse Corral Campgrounds
"CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $26 / night
10. American Legion Freedom Farm Campground
Drive Time
- 43 min from Peoria, IL
- 53 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 26 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 40 min from Rockford, IL
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Kewanee, IL
51 Reviews of 10 Kewanee Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendHennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground
Quiet Primitive Camping Off I-80
Set just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
- NNeil P.
ScoutJubilee College State Park Campground
Nice RV/ camping Park
I live near this park and have used it regularly for years. It is certainly nothing special... just a nice average park. I usually do a combination van and tent camp here and it is totally adequate for that. It looks to be fine for RVs as well. The pit toilets are usually clean and relatively bug free. The shower house is clean and adequate. I just think of this as my "local campground"... my go to for a quick weekend getaway to set up and use my gear, and have friends out to share a fire. The park itself is nice, quiet and clean. You will see deer and raccoons. Jubilee is off a County Highway (Rt 150), about 5 miles off I-74. Small town with DG and Gas stations are about 5 miles away; Peoria IL is 15ish miles away.
- Stuart K.Legend
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground
Camp Where 100-Year-Old Locks Gaze Over Your Tent
Nestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience. Spread across multiple sites like Lock 6, Lock 11, Lock 21, Bridge 14, and Lock 22, this park stretches its campsites along a historic towpath beside century-old canal locks. First impressions? Think gentle grass clearings, basic picnic setups and a nostalgic vibe that combines outdoor adventure with engineering heritage all the while living up to bare-bones camping ethos.
Facilities remain strictly primitive as this is ‘Class C’ camping, meaning no hookups, no showers, no modern frills … just a pit toilet and a fire ring at each site. Cost is only $8 per night per family. Youth groups pay a minimum daily fee starting at $20. Other perks: senior citizens and disabled campers may qualify for free stays, depending on day and status. You’ll need to stop by the Visitor Center near Sheffield to pay (no reservations and everything at each lock is considered first-come, first-served), and all the drinking water is only available at central locations at each lock, not at individual campsites, so plan accordingly. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and campfires must stay in designated pits.
The setting is deeply outdoorsy and expansive. The canal’s towpath is a cyclist’s and hiker’s dream, with up to 155 miles to explore (miles of level surface, biking, hiking, horseback riding in some sections and even snowmobiling when it’s seasonally open). Anglers love the Hennepin Canal system as the waters are regularly stocked with bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish and even trout during special stocking events. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted with portage around non-operational locks and birding or historical sightseeing along the route is a delightful bonus.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Pick campsites closest to the canal but slightly back from parking that will deliver land that is flatter, vistas that are more scenic and spaces that are quieter; (2) Swing by the Visitor Center near Sheffield first for maps and essential info as you’ll need drinking water from there in case you didn’t bring your own;(3) If traveling with a dog or horse, check designations as only certain sites (e.g. Lock 21) allow equestrian camping; (4) Fishermen should bring rods early as anglers that I encountered say the catches here are worth the effort; (5) No pumps / dump stations so pack accordingly and use nearby towns for full services; and (6) Post-camping grub: head to Sheffield afterward for local eats like Belluccio’s for deep dish pizza, Italian beef & sausage sandwiches, Café 129 with its smoked prime rib and Red’s Bar & Grill for fantastic deep fried pork tenderloin sandwiches, which is a staple in these parts.
Happy Camping!
James M.LegendScott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Very basic camp area with equestrian Trail access.
This campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
- Stuart K.Legend
Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Scott County Park’s Secret Saddle Spot
Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground. It’s the sort of place that feels like you stumbled onto a secret level in a video game: no hookups, no frills, just you, your horse and the occasional squirrel judging your life choices. If SOC-Fox is the Brady Bunch middle child (see my review for this CG), this one is the mysterious cousin who shows up at family reunions in cowboy boots and doesn’t say much.
The sites? Bare-bones, as expected. You’re not here for 'glamping.' You’re here for space to tie up your horse, throw up a tent and feel like you’ve traveled back to 1883 (minus the dysentery). Fire rings are your only luxury item here, and if you’re expecting bathhouses with spa vibes, forget it. You’ll find pit toilets that are … serviceable. Let’s call them ‘character-building.’ Roads in here are gravelly but manageable if you take it slow, but you don’t really want to be coming here if you’re toting a 5th wheel or driving an RV as this area is really more geared for mi tent pitchin’ bredren who want the opportunity to ‘rough it’ ... ideally with their noble steeds.
What makes it shine, though, are the equestrian trails. Miles of riding paths crisscross through woods, open meadows and rolling hills. Even if you’re not on horseback, you can hike them and pretend you’re in a Western where the budget ran out before they gave you an actual horse. And because this campground is the least famous of the seven, you’re more likely to get actual peace & quiet. No cannonballing kids, no RV generators humming in the night, just plenty of crickets, the odd, stray coyote and your horse deciding 2 a.m. is the perfect time to shuffle around loudly.
Insider Tips? Giddy-up, here’s a few: (1) Bring your own water as there’s no magic spigot here; (2) If you want solitude, this is the place. It’s basically the anti-aquatic center; (3) Hungry after a day on the trail? Eldridge’s Grille on the Green dishes out hearty comfort food, and you won’t even have to tie your horse out front; and (4) If you need supplies, hit the Tractor Supply in nearby Eldridge. They won’t blink when you walk in smelling like hay and campfire.
Happy Camping!
- JJeff F.
GuideHennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
Nice quiet place
Water was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets. Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights.
Jeff and Linda L.GuideHennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
Unique Park
No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.
- James M.Legend
Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Open primitive County park site
The site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead. There is a recycling dump station nearby, and open space with shaded tree area. The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions. Pride Lake offers paddling and fishing.
Guide to Kewanee
Equestrian camping opportunities abound within 30 miles of Kewanee, Illinois, particularly along the historic Hennepin Canal system. The flat terrain features a mix of prairie and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 650 to 750 feet above sea level. Campgrounds in this region typically remain open from April through October, with peak season bringing temperatures between 75-85°F during summer days.
What to Do
Trail riding on the Hennepin Canal paths: Horse riders can access miles of crushed gravel paths at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground. "The Hennepin Canal Trail goes right through camp. On a previous visit I rode my bike along the crushed gravel trail. With a few connecting roads, I traveled from a Chicago suburb to the Mississippi River. While I didn't see any horses then we did see a couple riding on the trail today," notes Art S.
Fishing along the canal system: The canals provide good fishing opportunities with several species available. "Fishing is good! Bull-heads, sun fish, big mouth bass are abundant," reports Jeny C. about the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground.
Explore local historic sites: Visit the Jubilee College historic area near the campground. "There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night," mentions Jonathan J. who visited Jubilee College State Park Campground.
What Campers Like
Quiet camping options for equestrians: The dedicated horse camping areas provide peaceful surroundings. "The site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire pit, charcoal grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead," describes James M. about Scott County Park's Equestrian Campground.
Spacious sites at certain campgrounds: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out. "This campground is a lovely gem! Most of the camp sites are fairly secluded from one another by distance and from surrounding foliage," writes Stacie H. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Off-season tranquility: Camping during weekdays or shoulder seasons offers additional peace. "I especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself," notes Jonathan J. about Jubilee College State Park.
What You Should Know
Campsite availability varies by season: Many horse campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis. "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty. Gave me my $8 back though," reports Amanda C. about Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground.
Facility conditions can be basic: Expect primitive amenities at many locations. "The picnic tables were in a bad state, with boards missing and deteriorating wood, so it could use some upkeep. The grass was nice and green, though, and looked very pretty and well kept," writes Jennifer T. about Hennepin Canal State Trail.
Evening activity patterns: Some locations experience local traffic in evenings. "This is a favorite haunt for the local late-night scene. For as rural as the area seems to be, there were a surprising number of cars just passing through the parking lot, starting at about 10:30 pm or so," notes Jennifer T.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground-adjacent sites: Choose campgrounds with play areas for children. "We had site 57 which is in a loop which goes around a playground. It was great for the kids who could go play and the sites in this loop provide plenty of space and privacy," recommends Ben W. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Beginner-friendly camping: Some locations are perfect for introducing new campers to outdoor experiences. "First timers/young kids - yes. Primitive campers - no. My husband had never been camping... This is a great place for new campers, families of young kids, or just looking for an easier trip," advises Amy W.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for native wildlife in early mornings. "Occasionally, if you are especially quiet, you'll come across no shortage of white-tailed deer or wild turkeys foraging through the crabapple and plum trees that are scattered throughout the forest," Stuart K. observed at Matthiessen State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared to adjust for uneven terrain. "The Road there is paved, not really big but not gravel. The place is pretty small, no water, or dump station. We used the Loves T/S at Atkinson. The place needed mowed badly," reports Jeff F. about Hennepin Canal State Trail.
Parking arrangements: Some campgrounds have specific restrictions. "There is a large open area for tent camping but no real space for rv's. We set up in the parking lot and nobody asked us to move," explains Art S. about camping at Hennepin Canal State Trail.
Utility access information: Know where to find hookups and which sites offer them. "We saw a class A, so they do fit. No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal," notes Jeff and Linda L. about Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Kewanee, IL?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kewanee, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kewanee, IL is Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground with a 2.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Kewanee, IL?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kewanee, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Kewanee, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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