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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
