11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Sand Ridge State Forest's Horseman's Park provides equestrian camping with hitching posts at each campsite along with picnic tables. The campground features a loop design where inner ring sites function like group camping areas, while outer ring sites offer more privacy against the woods. Vault toilets and garbage facilities are provided, along with dedicated manure disposal areas throughout the campground. Trails accessible to horses head directly from the camp, with the longest extending almost 15 miles. The terrain includes sandy hills that provide challenging rides for energetic horses, particularly on the Yellow Loop which rangers note will tire horses due to steep sandy inclines.
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers two distinct horse camping options for riders seeking more developed facilities. The Questing Hills Equestrian Campground features 51 electric sites with hitching rails and electricity throughout the park. Unlike many equestrian facilities, this campground provides a dedicated shower house with three showers and three bathroom stalls, plus vault toilets positioned strategically around the camping area. Over 26 miles of well-marked and maintained trails connect riders to various parts of the 15,000-acre wildlife area. Most sites have at least partial shade, making summer camping more comfortable. The campground's water sources are not available at every site but are distributed throughout the park for horse and human use.
"This is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables."
"Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn’t get a lot of action."
from $8 / night
"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."
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We camp at the equestrian loop, unlike some campgrounds we have our own shower house with three showers and three bathroom stalls."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Praire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tentand cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU. 2."
GuidePraire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tentand cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU. 2. Primitive Camp has seven three-sided shelters to camp near or in for a fee of $6 per night 3. Group camp area. A separate location has the equestrian campground, Questing Hills, with 51 electric sites.
LegendThis is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables. The campground is one loop so the inner ring of sites are almost like a group site setup. The outer ring sites are more private and up against the woods. A set of vault toilets is commonly located. Along with garbage cans there are multiple spots to pile manure. There were a couple sites occupied the first night but it emptied out on Saturday.
Most trails in this natural area are accessible to horses. Trails head out from camp. The longest being almost 15 miles. Hiking and hunting also happen here so keep an eye open on the trails. If you have an energetic horse that you want to work hard, head into the yellow loop. The ranger said it tires everyone because it’s steep hills of sand.
Across the road is a spot for day use riders to park their trailers. There were a bunch parked when we passed it.
This is a hidden gem and worth giving a chance.
GuideA friend and I were looking for somewhere to spend a weekend backpacking that wasn’t a 4+ hour drive away from central IL. This fits the bill but does leave some to be desired. The terrain is an interesting change from most IL hiking since the trails are incredibly sandy while the forest itself is mostly pine. Watch out for cacti along the trail! My only real complaints are the lack of water sources, and the inconsistencies between the trail map and the actual trail. Each trail is marked very clearly with directional sign posts as often as necessary, however, the first night we were hiking in to find BC1 and according to the map we should have passed it in our hike but never saw any sort of campsite at all. We ended up setting up camp off the trail in an unmarked clearing that worked quite well. The next day we moved on to look for site BC7. After hiking much farther than the map indicated, we finally stumbled on BC7. It turned out to be a pretty picturesque little clearing among the pines with an actual fire slab and a signpost marking the entrance trail. Overall it was a good trip, just don’t be fooled by how close things look on the map! Also, the bugs (of all kinds including ticks and mosquitoes) are pretty terrible and I would recommend going either in the early spring or late fall. Not June.
The forest grounds also have an equestrian campgrounds and the trails would be perfect for riding.
ScoutExcellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained.
GuideWe camp at the equestrian loop, unlike some campgrounds we have our own shower house with three showers and three bathroom stalls. Their is also a vault toilet in the middle of camp and the opposite end of the main bathrooms. Most sites have at least partial shade. The sites are always maintained with hitching rails and electricity water is not at every site but through out the park. Trails are well marked and maintained over 26 miles of trails.
GuideWe came Labor Day weekend to site see Lincoln museum and when we arrived there were motorcycle races going on next to the camp office and shower house and it was packed! The host took us to the opposite side of the fair and found us a site with electric and water on grass near the harness track barns and across from the grandstand. There were alot of a class RVs there for the Morgan horse show going on in the Coliseum parked by us. No tables or fire rings. We were near public toilets but no showers in our area. It was fine for two nights
GuideWe may have set the bar too high with our first camping trip. Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground. Although we don’t fish, we saw many people fishing from the shore line and enjoying the water in boats and canoes. There is a designated swimming area (beach), but it wasn’t open at this time. There are many hiking and walking trails within the park that are within driving distance of the campground. There is one main shower house and several single outhouse style men/women bathrooms scattered throughout. The showers were very adequate, nothing fancy, but serve their purpose. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site along with 30 or 50 amp hookups. Some have shared water hookups nearby also. There is also a typical dump station and potable water by it.
The camp sites are spread apart nicely with some moderate elevation change giving many great views of the lake. All campsite pads were gravel and the access roads were paved. Site 40 where we stayed was right by the lake and absolutely beautiful!
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!
LegendSimple campground...simple is the key. Not a whole lot of fluff with this campground. The reason to camp here is to make sure you get to fish or be on the water. The location is nice as it is in central Illinois and one of the few in the area. Costs can be a little expensive to some but reality is it is right in par with the state. You need to make sure there is good weather coming here as there isn’t too much to do minus the lake. Sites are electric and some are right in the water which would be ideal for kayak/canoe. It is a pretty big park and it is normally booked up so better to reserve early.
I’ve stayed here a few times and we have always stayed with friends sharing sites as it is always better with friends along. It is located close tot he bike paths for mountain bikes so that is an added bonus. Nice little get away at the end of it.
The central Illinois region around Manito offers several equestrian-friendly camping options with varying terrain. Located in the Illinois River Valley, this area features sandy soils and rolling terrain at elevations between 450-650 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs regularly exceeding 85°F, making late spring and early fall ideal for horse camping near Manito.
Trail riding for all skill levels: At Comlara County Park, riders can explore trails around Evergreen Lake. "I really enjoyed my stay at Evergreen Lake. The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RV's in an area called White Oak," reports Scott N., who appreciated the dock facilities for water access.
Fishing between rides: The region's numerous lakes provide fishing opportunities after horseback riding sessions. At Jubilee College State Park, one camper noted, "There's a small fishing pond off the road a bit. The trails will be closed for deer season though. I enjoy riding my bike around the park and down to the actual college."
Explore historic sites: While camping with your horse, visit nearby historic landmarks. Jonathan J. mentions, "There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night." Many equestrian trails connect to points of cultural interest within a short ride.
Privacy options: Horse campers appreciate the range of site privacy available. At Prairie Lake Campground, a camper describes their experience: "Praire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tent and cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU."
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers value well-maintained bathroom facilities. "Pleasant campground with 2 loops. Clean bathrooms with showers. Choice of full hookup or just electric on outer perimeters of each loop. Small fishing lake. 2 campground host sites with wood and ice for sale," notes Steve H. about the amenities.
Sandy terrain challenges: The unique sandy soil provides engaging workouts for horses. At Primitive Campground, one rider noted: "Stayed one night in July. We tent camped in site 1 of the primitive campground. There are 7 sites well spaced with a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and three sided shelter in each site."
Seasonal closures affect trail access: Many horse trails close during hunting seasons. According to Jonathan J., "The trails will be closed for deer season though" at Jubilee College State Park, so check seasonal closure schedules before planning your trip.
Water access varies significantly: Not all equestrian sites have equal water access. "Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade. These are walk in sites ranging from 0.10 miles to 0.50 miles from the parking lot," reports Amanda C. about the Primitive Campground, highlighting accessibility considerations.
Wildlife encounters possible: Be prepared for wildlife while horseback riding. At Deer Creek Campground, Kate M. describes: "Large, quiet campsites that are not too crowded. Near the back you can camp right alongside the river." This riverside location increases wildlife viewing opportunities.
Choose campsites with playgrounds: When bringing children to horse campgrounds near Manito, select locations with kid-friendly amenities. At Comlara County Park, Sage C. notes: "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow."
Look for dedicated family areas: Some equestrian campgrounds have family-specific sections. "The campground has nice bathrooms and hookups," states Sarah S., making family stays more comfortable when camping with horses.
Plan for mixed activities: Not everyone rides, so choose locations offering multiple recreation options. "Overall pretty good. Nice sites with some that are right on the lake," shares J.K. about an equestrian camping experience that accommodated both riders and non-riders in the family.
Select sites with appropriate hookups: RV campers with horses need specific site amenities. At Illinois State Fair Campground, Jeffrey F. explains: "Large campground over 300 sites. All sites have electric, most have water. Dump station. Shaded camping on grass, only paved sites are the parking lot (no shade)."
Consider parking surface for horse trailers: Trailer parking requirements differ from standard RV needs. "You have the option of paved parking lot or on the grass. We chose the grass for the shade trees," recommends Faith J., highlighting an important consideration for horse owners.
Look for maneuver room: Horse trailers require extra space for safe positioning. One camper at Illinois State Fair Campground observes, "You can tell it was designed to fit in the maximum number of sites. Perfect for events." This layout provides the room needed for horse trailers to maneuver safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manito, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manito, IL is Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Manito, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Manito, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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