Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground provides the primary horse camping option near Lexington, Illinois. The campground features basic facilities for riders including potable water and pit toilets, though lacks electric hookups and showers. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at each site. No horse corrals are provided on-site, so equestrians need to bring portable corrals or high-lines for containing their animals overnight. The sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though the lack of hookups makes this destination more suitable for self-contained units or primitive camping. Sites can become muddy during rainy periods, affecting trailer parking and horse management.
Trails at Matthiessen connect to over 9 miles of bridle paths that wind through oak-hickory forests and open prairie. Riders appreciate the varied terrain which offers moderate difficulty with some creek crossings and gentle hills suitable for most experience levels. Trailer parking is available near the equestrian camping area with sufficient room for multiple rigs. The trails remain open year-round, though spring conditions can create muddy sections that require careful navigation. Water access for horses is available at several points along the trail system. Nearby Moraine View State Recreational Area, while not specifically designated for equestrian camping, offers additional recreational opportunities with hiking and multi-use trails approximately 30 minutes from Lexington. Both locations require campers to pack in feed and manage manure according to park regulations.
"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."
"I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."
"It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."
from $40 - $20 / night
from $22 / night
"Near the back you can camp right alongside the river. Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."
"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
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…
ScoutListed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
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.
LegendAs my post from a bit more than a year ago provided 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 SP where there exists a combination of EZ, intermediate and difficult hiking and riding paths; (2) There’s great kayaking in nearby Illinois River, which you can access at multiple points, but my favorite is to shove off either at Starved Rock SP boat launch or head south of that SP by about 3 miles to one of the several launches that exist on the southern shore; (3) Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your steed with simply amazing great galloping trails as well as numerous places to tie up your four-hoofed friend; (4) Sites are spacious and nicely shaded; (5) The facilities are basic-to-bad, so lower your expectations and bring your own sanitary wipes; (6) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature
Lowlights:(1) This CG is EZ to miss if you don’t look for it – DON’T drive all the way into Matthiessen SP either on its west or east sides – this CG has its own discreet entry with parking near the road on the east side; (2) The grounds themselves could benefit from some TLC as there’s a lot of downed branches and even trash scattered around the place (that we cleaned up before leaving); (3) Depending upon how you look at it, this CG had no one there on the 3 occasions we visited – which was fine for us, but some might find the solitude here a bit daunting
Happy Camping!
LegendWe were looking for a quick place to spend the night, like a Walmart or gas station when we found this gem. It is only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop. The campground is very big with lots of sites and since we were there at the end of October, there were not many other people around. We got a beautiful spot right on the lake.
The campground has nice bathrooms and hookups.
LegendLocated 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. One moment you’ll be driving down the well-paved country road with golden tassles of corn popping up on either side of you and the very next, you’ll turn into a wooded sanctuary that is punctuated by the marvelous Evergreen Lake, which was built in 1970 and is some 925 acres in size with an average depth of nearly 20 feet and 50 feet at its deepest.
It is this fresh body of water that really makes Comlara County Park stand-out from just about anything else in the surrounding area. It has not one but two outstanding boat launches as well as a separate launch for canoes and kayaks. There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in – which you will predominantly find largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, saugeye, muskellunge and crappie – as well as a small individual isle called Deer Island, although when we explored the small land mass, no deer were to be found. There’s boat rentals and a bait shop that is available on the weekends only as well as a proper beach head with swimming available 7 days a week during the summertime (Memorial Day – Labor Day).
As far as the campground(s) are concerned – if you look closely, there's actually not 1, not 2, not even 3, but actually 4 to choose from – but if you add up all of the 144 campsites (apart from the primitive camping options) collectively, they are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste, which when you add on top of that there isn’t much brush or anything separating you from your neighbors camping alongside of you. This is likely my biggest complaint: privacy. If that doesn’t matter to you and you enjoying being in a large wide open space chock full with other tents, RVs and 5th wheelers, then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you.
I would first begin by pointing out that the entire Comlara Park is very well organized, kept impeccably clean and very easy to navigate with relatively good roads and decent signage. It feels as though whether you are looking for a trail to hike, a spot to launch your kayak, biking trails to navigate or finding a fishing hole to cast a line, everything seems as though it is in very close reach and just a short walk away. All of the 144 campsites are made available on a first-come, first served basis, with 94 including 30 / 50 amp electric while 23 are non-electric sites, with the 11 remaining devoid of any hook-ups.
For my tent-pitching primitive bredren, there’s 16 walk-in sites in the main recreation area (I guess that is situated amongst or in-between the other 3 campgrounds that exist here), but there is a completely separate whole other area (oh, and located completely in a different county altogether), which is technically a completely different campground in a completely separate physical location with these 16 primitive campsites.
With amenities in mind, aside from the greatest asset being Evergreen Lake itself and beyond the associated amenities that have already been highlighted (e.g. boat launch, beach, canoe / boat rental, bait shop) there’s 3 kid’s playground, at least 5 large shelters by my count, at least 3 his / her bathroom and shower facilities as well as scattered in-ground fire rings, water spigots (basically planted every 3rd or 4th site) stand-up BBQ grills as well as the prerequisite picnic tables, all of which were in very condition during our stay. There’s only one dump station, which seemed odd considering that there’s at least 3 campgrounds if not 4 here and 144 sites collecting garbage at a single time. There is firewood, ice and fishing worms available at the visitors center and campground station in the main area.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If like me you are a primitive tent camper and on the look out for some pretty amazing, not-so-EZ places on earth to really feel like you are out enjoying pristine, undisturbed nature, then you’ll want to have a very close look at the primitive camping areas west of Evergreen Lake over near White Oak. There’s 16 or so simply excellent lakefront sites over here along with your own boat dock; (2) Should you be ‘herd camping’ with a much larger group, there’s actually a simply fantastic hidden group camping oasis over here in White Oaks as well that you can get away from it all; (3) In the event that you grow weary of cooking up franks & beans again for dinner, you’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso, where there’s a Monical’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Casey’s, El Paso Mexican or, upgrade yourself to The Local Tap, which is a craft kitchen and alehouse serving up some excellent fare. Of course, you could head into Bloomington, of which you will find everything, but that’s a bit of a hike unless, like me, you would make that drive to either have some of the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer, Giordano’s, or one of the greatest sausage and Italian beef joints in the world, Portillo’s.
Happy Camping!
LegendBeautiful lake view site. Steep drop to water so not good for those w/little kids. Great trees for hammock-overlooking lake! Pad level. Water very close. Outhouse close walk. Kayak launch close walk. Boat dock close. Shower house short walk
LegendVery large non electric site near water. Quieter area of campground. Site level. Water close by. Pit toilets close.
ScoutGot kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty. Gave me my $8 back though.
Moraine View State Recreational Area provides the primary camping option near Lexington, Illinois, located approximately 30 minutes from town. The area sits within the Grand Prairie natural division, featuring rolling grasslands and scattered woodlands at an elevation of around 750 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer highs average in the upper 80s with moderate humidity levels compared to other Illinois camping destinations.
Fishing and kayaking access: At Comlara County Park, visitors find extensive water recreation opportunities on Evergreen Lake. "This park is mainly flat grounds. Camping plots are very open with options very close to the water. You can rent boats and kayaks to take out on the lake during the day," notes reviewer Sage C.
Trail exploration: Moraine View offers varied terrain for hikers and mountain bikers. "Has sections of niceness hiking and kayaking," reports Sara C. The trail system includes both paved and natural surface paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Beach activities: During summer months, Comlara County Park provides swimming access. "Beach costs extra and all boats were rented out by 9am on a Saturday," reports Melissa B., highlighting the importance of early arrival during peak season.
Winter camping: Unlike many seasonal Illinois campgrounds, Moraine View State Recreational Area remains open year-round. Winter camping provides solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities with significantly fewer visitors than during summer months.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer generous site dimensions. At Comlara County Park, Mike K. notes, "Our site was huge. Right by jones pond," while at Deer Creek Campground, Kate M. reports "Large, quiet campsites that are not too crowded. Near the back you can camp right alongside the river."
Fall color viewing: The deciduous forests surrounding Lexington provide excellent autumn displays. "We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds," describes Jennifer M. about her experience at Moraine View.
Waterfront camping: Multiple campgrounds offer lake or river views. "I was on site P16 which offers a lake view," says Brandi M. about Moraine View. These waterfront sites provide direct fishing access and scenic views.
Clean facilities: Despite primitive amenities at some locations, cleanliness is maintained. At Deer Creek, Kate M. notes "Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."
Campground layouts vary significantly: At Moraine View, Ryan M. reports, "We stayed until the main part where you could reserve online through Reserve America. Would not recommend that area to anyone. Sites are right on top of each other in every direction." He adds, "Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we'd wished we'd known about that area before going."
Seasonal water quality concerns: Some lakes experience algae issues during warm months. Julie notes about Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground, "'Lake' has had a lot of algae over the last couple years."
Services and supplies: Proximity to stores varies by location. At Deer Creek, Kate M. advises, "There are not a lot of stores in the area (closest is about ~15 minutes) so pack all of your stuff."
Additional fees: Beyond camping rates, expect charges for activities. Marcie J. notes about Comlara County Park: "Good rates but the kicker is the $20.00 fee per boat/kayak to get on the lake plus the fee for the swimming area was a bit much for us."
Playground access: For families with young children, Comlara County Park offers recreational structures. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," says Sage C.
Beach swimming: Moraine View State Recreational Area provides swimming facilities with limited hours. Brandi M. notes, "The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water so it wasn't a big deal."
Quieter camping sections: Families seeking peace should choose locations strategically. "VERY family oriented atmosphere - there was no nonsense loud drunkards in the evenings, relatively quiet and relaxing. This was a huge bonus to us, as we had younger kids and loud idiots would have freaked them out," reports Mike K. about Comlara County Park.
Limited hookup options: Most horse campgrounds near Lexington, Illinois offer only electric hookups. At Deer Creek Campground, Leslie notes the place is "awsome" but warns that amenities are basic without full RV hookups.
Concrete pad availability: Select sites at Comlara County Park provide improved parking surfaces. Mike K. describes, "We reserved site 111, which had a nice long concrete pad for parking cars on - fits easily 2-3 cars."
Weather considerations: Spring camping can be challenging due to muddy conditions. Sarah S. found Comlara County Park convenient: "We were looking for a quick place to spend the night, like a Walmart or gas station when we found this gem. It is only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lexington, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lexington, IL is Comlara County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lexington, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Lexington, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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