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Best Equestrian Camping near McClure, IL

110 Reviews

Equestrian Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park features designated horse camping areas with access to drinking water, shower facilities, and toilet access. Located near Goreville, Illinois, approximately 25 miles from McClure, this campground is designed specifically for those traveling with horses. Reservations are required for the equestrian sites, which allow overnight camping with horses in a dedicated section separate from the standard campgrounds. The facilities are well-maintained and adequately shaded for campers and horses alike. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the amenities, the Class C Equestrian Campground section accommodates tent camping with horses. The campground maintains reasonable policies for horse owners, including guidelines for waste management and designated areas for horses.

The Shawnee National Forest surrounding the equestrian campgrounds provides extensive trail riding opportunities through diverse terrain. Riders access miles of interconnected bridle paths directly from the campground, allowing for day-long excursions without trailering horses to separate locations. The campground's location provides strategic access to forest trails that wind through sandstone formations and hardwood forests characteristic of southern Illinois. Trails range from easy paths suitable for novice riders to more challenging routes for experienced equestrians. Primitive horse camping is also available in select areas of the Shawnee Forest, though amenities are limited compared to established equestrian campgrounds. Water access for horses is available at certain points throughout the trail system, though riders should carry sufficient water during summer months. The surrounding public lands offer additional riding opportunities, making this region a notable destination for horse camping in Illinois.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near McClure, Illinois (17)

    1. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground."

    "Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.

    All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."

    2. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."

    3. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    "Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."

    4. Apple Creek Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Altenburg, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730

    5. Devils Backbone Park

    2 Reviews
    Grand Tower, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-6192

    "There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake. The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, "hidden" spring, and trout streams)."

    6. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    30 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    7. Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    6 Reviews
    Bargerville, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 985-4983

    "This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."

    "Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week."

    8. Equestrian Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    1 Review
    Goreville, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "You have to walk from the parking lot into the basic sites but they are super close. Trying here was nice, and campsites a quiet and well taken care of."

    9. Johnson Creek

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"

    "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."

    10. The Art Farm Women’s Retreat

    3 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    41 miles
    +1 (270) 217-2170

    $30 - $90 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near McClure, IL

2 Photos of 17 McClure Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near McClure, IL

110 Reviews of 17 McClure Campgrounds

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Campground Improving in 2017

    There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground. The campground is being upgraded this year in which I belive they are adding 50 amp full service to many of the electric only sites. There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river. I have tent camped here and camped in a pop-up camper in the fall both times. Hiking is the best activity here unless you ride horses and that is great here too. This one and Wolf Creek on Lake Shelbyville are the best parks in Illinois for horse trails.

  • d
    May. 29, 2019

    Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    A beautiful equestrian lodge and campground. Ride out of several trail hea

    Address: 50 Barger Rd, Stonefort, IL.

    Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL.    Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge.  Ride or hike in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.  Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites.  Stalls can be reserved. some sites are full hookup. Primitive camping also available.  CALL them for more info at 270-205-7138.  Arena and huge event barn on site. Event barn can be reserved for weddings.  Numerous sites have electric and water.  They have a Facebook page with numerous photos.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Johnson Creek

    off the beaten path

    Located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.

    We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.

  • Mike V.
    Jul. 1, 2016

    Pyramid State Recreation Area

    Pyramid State Park, IL, initial visit

    Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak. Did a nice long walk along one trail late May and there was a lot of bird activity. Can't explore it all on one visit. Saw several people camping, and some were horse back riding on a trail. Hope to go back some day and spend more time there.

  • e
    May. 31, 2018

    Johnson Creek

    woods camping byo horse

    single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared. drinking water available right outside the camp and most sites have a non-potable water spigot, horse hitch, and fire ring. close to lake kinkaid and johnson creek. there are a few trails that connect to this spot.

    if you have a golden pass then you can receive a discounted stay.

  • Anton T.
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    Ferne Cliffe State Park

    Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois. It is not among the best known parks, and its distance from bigger cities makes it more obscure and less frequented than other places I have visited. The campground is small, situated on a limestone bluff which is cut by a small rivulet and some seasonal small waterfalls. The area is really a hidden gem - one has to hike down to discover the natural canyon with the awesome sites. The campground is clean and well maintained. A site of interest nearby is the Garden of the Gods wilderness, which 300 million years ago was the bottom of a sea. The whole area was spared by the glacier activity, yet the weathering of the rocks has given us a sandstone plateau with numerous hoodoos. Close nearby are also Cave in Rock and Land Between the Lakes, both worth seeing.

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Johnson Creek Campground

    Scenic

    As with all of southern Illinois it’s very senic rock formations neat trails and fishing.

  • Larry J.
    Oct. 17, 2018

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Outstanding state campground

    We spent 8 days in the campground. The host was excellent and clearly there to make the stay pleasant. Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.

    All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information. The lodge has some of the best fried chicken anywhere and is very reasonable. Saturday night the dining hall was packed because of the all you can eat venue not to mention the excellent service

    This is a park that would be better labeled as an unforgettable experience.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Great Midwest Campground

    This is a wonderful place. I camped here as a teen and returning last summer was a great experience. In July the campground was nearly empty. We had our pick of nice shaded sites. The facilities were well maintained with new asphalt roads and clean pit toilets and water. The camp host was very welcoming and helpful. We had dinner at the historic lodge which is very popular and known for their huge portions and outstanding fried chicken. The lodge is worth the visit alone. The rock formations that make up the park are great for repelling and hiking. The hardwood forest provides great cover. If your visiting Southern Illinois this is high on the list.

Guide to McClure

The Shawnee National Forest area surrounding McClure, Illinois offers horse camping opportunities across 280,000 acres of public land. Trail systems connect through sandstone formations and hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 350 to 700 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-45°F while summer averages 75-95°F with high humidity.

What to do

Trail riding access: At Giant City State Park Campground, equestrians find extensive trail networks. "There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river," notes Michael M. "This one and Wolf Creek on Lake Shelbyville are the best parks in Illinois for horse trails."

Fishing opportunities: Johnson Creek provides access to Lake Kincaid with multiple fishing spots. "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake. The campground is in the Shawnee National Forrest," explains Joel R. Some campgrounds stock small ponds for catch-and-release fishing within walking distance of campsites.

Exploring nearby towns: Take short trips to surrounding communities for local culture. "Make the quick drive to Makanda and explore the little hippy town. Don't forget to take a stroll through the secret garden!" recommends Shana D. Many small towns within 30 minutes of McClure offer weekend farmers markets and local restaurants.

What campers like

Reasonable rates: Budget-conscious riders appreciate affordable equestrian camping options. "It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping," notes Tabitha R. about Johnson Creek, which charges $10 per night with self-check-in. Golden Pass holders can receive discounted stays at some federal recreation areas.

Clean facilities: Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park maintains well-kept restroom facilities. "Clean open campground with little privacy. Well kept bathrooms and water pumps throughout," reports Stephanie S. The park offers both modern shower facilities and vault toilets depending on which camping loop you select.

Wildlife viewing: Nighttime brings opportunities to hear and see local wildlife. "We heard several owls calling in the trees around us when we went to bed, so we stayed up listening for awhile. In the middle of the night we were startled awake by a pair of owls in the tree right above us," shares Joel R. Spring and early summer visitors often report firefly displays: "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!"

What you should know

First-come, first-served: Many equestrian camping areas don't accept reservations. "Most you can spend here is 14 days, which lots of locals do," explains Never Sitting S. about Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR. During peak summer weekends and holidays, arrive early to secure spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near McClure, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McClure, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near McClure, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near McClure, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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