Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Lake Shelbyville is the way to go. Camping with your horse in Lake Shelbyville just got easier. With our help, you'll find the best Illinois equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville
Guide
These walk in sites check all the boxes. At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. About half the sites were filled by the second day we were there. We settled on 62, which is spacious and provides access to the path from the front and behind where you can walk into site 64 as well. A parking area with a single spot for each camp site is well marked and by two vault toilets. Park staff and host were great. A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64. $8 for IL residents is hard to beat, if you don't need an RV spot with electric. A water source is also by the parking spots. The weekend we were there the weather had cooled some and a great breeze was coming off the lake. Springfield being so close is a bonus.
The only negative is like any spot and how previous people leave the camp looking before you are there. Some garbage in the fire pit and random spots are par for the course in any state park. Pick up the trash and dump it in the dumpster by the parking lot. Leave the site better than you found it is our motto.
Scout
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Traveler
We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.
There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.
RangerCame here in winter and it’s really beautiful. Lots of amenities and big spots, will come again
RangerThe park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores
Traveler
The camp host was super friendly, the sites were large and the primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low.
GuideThere's really no way to describe this campground except for: Accommodating. Beautiful. Clean. Convenient. Peaceful. Relaxing. We have spent many weekends here and have never had a bad experience. Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff and crew do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!!! We appreciate them and this wonderful campground. Our favorite sites are 13, 18, 23. Please visit and enjoy!
TravelerWe did not have a reservation it was just a quick stop for the night while passing through.
This was a good spot for the night. We didn't get there until after dark and the campgrounds weren't that well marked. We didn't stay in the spot we originally planned because it was getting late and we couldn't find it and I didn't want to keep hitting the other campers with our headlights.
The campground was no where near full and it was very quiet so a very nice nights stay. Only complaint was trying to find the right campsite.
TravelerI stayed at the tent sites. They are first come, first served, and a short walk from the parking spots. There are times of RV sites also, although the host said most all are reservable and only a handful are firstcome, first served. There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean.
GuideWe are enjoying our stay at Hickory Point Campground Lot 23 at Sangchris Lake State Park. A close and convenient location to amenities and supplies. Sites are spacious and campground is quiet and leisurely during the week. Beautiful shoreline lots. 30 amp service. Decent AT&T cellular coverage (it varies but able to stream, etc )
ScoutIt’s a beautiful location right by the water. The only issue is it slants a little. Very clean camp grounds . Bathrooms are just ok.
Scout
I was looking to stay at a state park with swimming and had never been to this one. I stayed here from Wednesday to Saturday. I was surprised when I arrived that there wasn’t a ranger, host, or campground office to check in with. There was a self registration kiosk on the site that was supposed to be the host. I never saw a ranger the entire time I was there and the host didn’t show up until Friday. The bathrooms were dirty and weren’t cleaned until Friday. The beach was small and also not well kept. I only saw one hiking trail. Many of the other campers had boats, so I guess it might be a good place to stay if you’re a boater, but not so much if you’re looking to do much hiking. The campsites weren’t bad, but most were kind of small and close together.
Guide
This park is pretty quiet, the lake itself looked nasty - no swimming allowed. Primitive sites were walk in. Other sites had electric. There were some cabins available. The bathrooms were not cleaned the whole time I was there, and they were disgusting. Showers required a push button activation every 10-15 seconds, but after About the 10th time I did get a little hot water.
TravelerWe we’’re here 1st week of April. Still rather cool weather but had a great time. There are 3 loops only one of which is reservable & we were at the rear of that loop. Had the whole place to ourselves until the last night. Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground. Hosts told us they were making more space for specific species of trees so “take all you want” from the area. No need to bring firewood.
Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike. Definitely want to go back when the restaurant is open (mid-May I believe).
Fishing could’ve been better but again it was early April
Cell service was only 1-2 bars LTE with AT&T but able to stream with hotspot to the SmartTV with only 1 bar so not bad
TravelerBeautiful campground. Very open & spacious. Sites are very large with plenty of room between neighbors. Also all sites are gravel & graded well and level except for the 2 Handicapped sites—Concrete pads on those (IL Disable RESIDENTS ONLY). Very good lake access & multiple public docks. Restrooms/shower houses are nice & well taken care of. Hosts Don & Jill were great.
ScoutWhile setting up our tents a woman came strutting down the road and in a hateful voice hollered "You've got 5 minutes to get your car out of here." Come to find out she was the camp host and apparently there was a small sign that one couldn't drop off supplies even though I am disabled. I understand she didn't want vehicle's back there but as they say you get more flies with honey than vinegar! Will never go back. Poor attitude!!
TravelerThis campground is very clean and super easy to fit any rig. Most sites have lake views and have electric hookup but no water hookup. However communal bathrooms and showers are clean. Sites are fairly close together tough. You can purchase firewood and ice at campground.
GuideThis is our close to home, fave weekender site. Electric only but still love. Spaced out, gravel sites and asphalt roads. We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from. Spotty reception but it’s great to unplug.
ScoutSpent a tent night here at the Deer Run portion of the camp. It's a nice, well kept campground with clear level spots. Bathrooms are basic and in the front of the camp loops so you have a walk if you stay in the back like I did. Also, water is in the center of the loop so not very convenient. Each space did have power and the price was reasonable. I'd recommend staying near the front or in a trailer.
Scout
You will never know the person that you are until you have enjoyed this camp and quoncored.
TravelerLarge and clean area
TravelerLots to do and see. They have a bridge and trail that connect campsite to marina. Looove it
GuideCamped here in a tent. Loved it. Raccoons are really brave and ate not afraid of humans. They know how to rip open a tent for food. Nothing is safe here. But a beautiful lake and campground.
GuideI camped here in a tent before we had an rv. The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking. I kind of miss tent camping!!!
TravelerIt's a small campground that offers a playground,bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina. With small towns close to this state park.
GuideWe stopped in to Wolf Creek State Park later in the day on a Wednesday after trying to stop at a different campground that was closed. We were worried about finding a spot as the sun was going down so we called even though no one usually answers phones at state parks (esp during COVID). The woman that answered was SO nice and I was so happy to hear a voice on the other end. So that’s a huge plus. You can reserve spots online in advance but clearly we did not because we didn’t know we’d be headed there. Same day is first come first serve. We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone. Rolling in in the dark, we weren’t motivated to checkout the walk-in campsites. And it wasn’t necessary because the area - which if full would’ve been pretty cramped for our taste- was absolutely empty. So we were happy. Many many spots for RVs all next to one another but there was tree cover for some and the possibility of a little bit of privacy but not much in that area.
We had an almost full moon, but otherwise I think the stars would’ve been pretty awesome. The next morning we woke up and took a little hike down to Shelby Resevoir to see what was around. We were at campsite 18 and it was about 10 min hike down over there. Beautiful and big! Maybe good swimming I would assume? Too late in the year for us.
We will definitely be back to checkout more of the primitive/walk-in/hike in sites! Hiking trails look interesting and fun and Eagle Creek State Park is just across the water (that’s the bigger one). The 4 stars was because the sites are pretty close together which- even with RVs- I think people mind- but maybe not? We love to be back in the woods ans I do think there is an option for that. We just didn’t have time to check it out. Will update!
ScoutClean campground but camping proximity is very close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake Shelbyville?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake Shelbyville is Wolf Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lake Shelbyville?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Lake Shelbyville, with real photos and reviews from campers.
