Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground features a dedicated horse corral area with wooden hitching posts for securing horses at campsites. This primitive camping area sits alongside the Hennepin Canal State Trail, offering equestrians a separate camping section from non-horse campers. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Campers must complete a registration envelope upon arrival and pay the nightly fee at the drop-off kiosk. The equestrian campground is exclusively for those camping with horses, and rangers enforce this restriction even when the campground is empty.
The Hennepin Canal State Trail connects riders to multiple access points along its length, with the Lock 21 area providing direct trail access for horseback riding. Jubilee College State Park offers excellent, well-maintained horse trails with multiple loop options through varied terrain. Riders appreciate the spacious sites at Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground, which feature ample shade and room to set up camp alongside horses. The campground entrance is separate from the main park entrances, with its own discreet entry and parking area on the east side. Horse owners should note that water access points are limited at some locations, particularly along the Hennepin Canal, where potable water is only available at certain points. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with limestone-stained canyon walls creating distinctive scenery along Matthiessen's nearly 5 miles of trails.
"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."
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
"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"
from $8 / night
"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"
from $10 / night
"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."
from $8 / night
from $8 / night
from $22 / night
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
TravelerYou must pack in your own water and there are no electric hookups. Beautiful well maintained grounds with lots of open sky for starlink.
LegendSet 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!
ScoutI 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.
LegendNestled 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!
ScoutListed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
GuideWater 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.
GuideBeautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.
GuideNo 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.
Equestrian camping near Lacon, Illinois offers access to nearly 100 miles of trails along the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. This area sits within Bureau County where the elevation ranges from 440 to 700 feet above sea level, creating subtle terrain variations uncommon in much of Illinois. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F while summer highs typically reach 85°F with moderate humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Trail riding on the Hennepin Canal: The crushed gravel trails provide excellent riding surfaces with multiple access points. "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," notes a visitor to Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
Fishing along the canal: The waterways offer multiple species for anglers of all skill levels. "Fishing is good! Bull-heads, sun fish, big mouth bass are abundant," shares a camper who frequents the canal system regularly.
Explore historical locks: The canal system features numerous historical locks that tell the story of early transportation in Illinois. "The highway can be heard in the distance but the sound of water through the lock washes it away," mentions a visitor to Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground.
Stargazing from open fields: The minimal light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. "The stars in the night sky are breathtaking!" reports one camper at Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park.
Spacious camping areas: Most equestrian sites provide ample room for both horse trailers and camping equipment. "Sites are spacious and nicely shaded," notes a visitor to Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground.
Affordable camping fees: The state-managed sites maintain reasonable rates. "Only $8 a night," confirms a satisfied camper about Hennepin Canal camping areas, while another mentions, "Fee is $8 however if you're an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
Peace and quiet: Many campgrounds offer solitude, especially during weekdays. "This small campground has separate space for equestrian campers and those without horses... it was empty during our stay," reports a camper at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The canal system attracts diverse wildlife. "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," explains a visitor at Matthiessen State Park.
Registration procedures vary: Most canal campgrounds operate on a self-registration basis. "There's a registration envelope that you'll pick up when you arrive at Matthiessen SP, where you'll simply need to fill this out with your name, # of days that you are planning to stay and then deposit the envelope in the drop-off kiosk along with the nightly fee," explains one camper.
Limited facilities: Expect primitive amenities at most locations. "The campground has nice bathrooms and hookups," mentions a visitor to Comlara County Park, but many other locations offer only basic facilities.
Seasonal considerations: Canal areas can become buggy in summer months. "This park is right next to the Hennepin Canal, which is full of stagnant water, a breeding ground for millions of mosquitos," warns one camper about certain sections.
After-hours activity: Some canal access points attract local visitors during evening hours. "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," reports a camper at Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground.
Day-use alternatives: Families can enjoy day trips if overnight facilities aren't suitable. "Our family had a day out there on our bikes and loved it!" shares a visitor to Jubilee College State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: The area offers chances to teach children about native species. "Cottontail rabbits are scurrying around trying to stay hidden from the several bald eagles that conquer the skies," observes a Matthiessen visitor.
Playground access: Some parks offer recreational structures for children. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," notes a visitor to Comlara County Park.
Safety planning: Parents should consider wildlife encounters when camping with children. "At about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them," recalls one Jubilee College State Park camper who left early due to the encounter.
Limited RV accommodations: Most equestrian camping areas have minimal RV facilities. "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal," reports an RVer at Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some areas can accommodate bigger vehicles despite limitations. "We saw a class A, so they do fit," notes a visitor at Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21, though adds this is uncommon.
Water access planning: RVers should plan for limited water hookups. "We used the Loves T/S at Atkinson," shares an RVer about managing water needs when staying at primitive camping areas.
Parking limitations: Some campgrounds have physical barriers limiting where RVs can park. "Barriers are in place to keep vehicles out of the tent camping area so had to camp in the parking lot," explains a visitor to Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lacon, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lacon, IL is Jubilee College State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lacon, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Lacon, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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