Best Equestrian Camping near McLeansboro, IL

Are you looking for a place to stay in McLeansboro with your horse? It's easy to find McLeansboro equestrian campgrounds with the Dyrt. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near McLeansboro, IL (21)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    1. Gun Creek

    20 Reviews
    66 Photos
    90 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground

    2. Harmonie State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    99 Photos
    76 Saves
    New Harmony, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground

    3. South Sandusky Campground

    18 Reviews
    52 Photos
    101 Saves
    Sesser, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Nearby Attractions

    South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake

    5. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    15 Photos
    32 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground

    6. Shawnee Forest Campground

    32 Reviews
    55 Photos
    192 Saves
    Vienna, Illinois

    Located in the Middle of Southern Illinois just Off I-24 it is a great place to stay while you explore all the the Shawnee Forest. From Giant City to Garden of the Gods. The Tunnel Hill bike trail is a half mile away and Cache River is just down the road. We have 60 Full Hook up sites. Large pull through sites up to 120 feet long. We have Shower Houses and Laundry Facilities. Our Campground is Open Year Round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground

    7. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    137 Saves
    Makanda, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Day Use

    8. South Sandusky Day Use

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    2 Saves
    Rend Lake, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

    Natural Features:

    South Sandusky Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. The South Sandusky Day Use Area offers the most accessible public swimming beach on the lake. The sandy beach is spacious enough to accommodate a large amount of people and provides visitors with convenient access to the refreshing waters of Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

    Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Recreation:

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities:

    South Sandusky Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 50 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock all within walking distance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews in McLeansboro

195 Reviews of 21 McLeansboro Campgrounds


  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Beautiful Sunsets over the Lake

    What a beautiful campground, it’s our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them

  • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

    Enjoyable time

    Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great place to camp!

    We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

  • Barbie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Great campground with persistent raccoons

    Harmonie State Park looks like a great place for a family vacation. In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp. We only stayed 1 night. Site 166 is big and on the end of a road. There's a restroom and water spigot within walking distance. They have showers but we didn't use them. Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back. I'm sure they were just looking for food.

  • Denton T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Union County Fair
    May. 22, 2024

    Union County Fair

    Kentucky Bike Ralley

    I stayed here and camped for a bike rally. I think you can only camp during an event. And cost is different from each event. Nice place

  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    May. 20, 2024

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Nice State Park Campground

    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.

  • Tina L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    May. 12, 2024

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Camp site #83

    It had electeic hook up but we were tent camping early May 2024. The campsite is mostly hill with a wash out running through it. It is also the breeding site of thousands of Miner Bees. They were docile and no one got stung but they were everywhere from sun up to sun down the entire site hummed with bees. The entire ground was full of holes that they were coming in and out of. Close to bathroom/showers and a playground, fresh water source across the road.

  • Jon H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    May. 8, 2024

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Nice, clean, state park.

    Everything was well kept and clean. Multiple bath/shower houses on each loop. Push button showers. Takes about a minute to get water hot, but good after that. Dated, but clean and functional. The lights stay on 24/7 so bugs are in the shower house.

    Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer. New Harmony (town) is close by and a must stop. Nature walks, lots of unique history you will find nowhere else, quaint shopping, coffee shops, wine bar, dining, etc...

    The pool has been filled in at the park. Very disappointing.

    I was demolished by mosquitos and was covered in deet. Tried picaridin too. If you get the biters off you, the gnats were all over me too. Not sure if just time of year or maybe always this way (did rain multiple times).

    Couldn't use mountain bike trails and most hike trails as it was too wet.

    Suggest calling before making reservations because many of electric sites are not level, at all. Ask which would be best.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • Kelsey R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Great Trip

    We had a great time here. Nice spaced out place. We stayed at site 192. It was at the back of the campground, but close to the bathrooms/showers and just across from the playground. It was close enough to walk to the Nature Center and grab ice cream. There’s even a hiking trail right behind. And not much through traffic since it’s in the back. Staff was extremely friendly. They had ice and firewood to purchase. Even the other campers were extremely friendly. We were only a few mins from downtown New Harmony. The coffee shop there was very good. Evansville was about 30 mins. We had to go get a new car battery there and DNR used a jump box to get us going. Very clean bathrooms and grounds. The only reason it didn’t get 5 stars were the showers. Older, took awhile to heat up, only had water for about 15 seconds at a time. Not easy to get a squirming toddler bathed. Better than nothing though. Great campground, highly recommend!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmonie State Park Campground
    Apr. 11, 2024

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Spring 2024

    Had the campground to myself. Facilities for showering were fine. Park employees were very friendly. I saw some cabins at park that they rent out that looked like a good deal for the non camping people. Short drive away is the town of New Harmony. They seem to have a lot of events in summer and fall. Access to the Wabash River right at the park

  • Tonya B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Mar. 18, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great Place!

    Stayed here on the way to and from Florida (home in Minnesota). Very nice campground. Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel, great sunrise/sunset views, and the bathrooms are very clean and well lite. The gentleman/host that greeted us at the office upon arrival was polite and helpful. Will definitely stay again!

  • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Feb. 23, 2024

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Great trails and well kept campsites

    We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

  • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Feb. 4, 2024

    Pyramid State Recreation Area

    Nice campsites and lots of lakes

    We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Suburb Camping

    Came to this campsite with my boyfriend and I as well as our two dogs. We were in spot 51, we have a large 8 person tent and need water & electricity so we rent out RV spots instead of the typical tent spots. When we arrived after our 15 hour drive, someone decided to park in our site. Once they moved we were able to start putting up our tent which was on a hill so we were slanted throughout the night. A family rented out the entire rest of the cul-de-sac, which isn’t the parks fault, but they claimed the pavilion and surrounding area. I would call this more of “suburb camping” because there are hardly any trees for privacy, large open fields of grass, and you are 2 minutes from the highway, food, and gas stations. It is only a single bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower instead of any stalls. They provide WiFi that did not work for us, we had better connection with our cellular data. No garbages anywhere in the campsite, thankfully we had our own garbage bags and tossed it in the dumpster before we left. It was fine to crash for one night, but I wouldn’t want to stay here for an extended period of time.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Oct. 23, 2023

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Quiet, Peacefull, Friendly

    This was one of the best I have stayed out. I met some nice people, Manager helped me get my electric set up, (user error), Facilities clean and very nice, roads and park well taken care of..

  • Klayton W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Oct. 7, 2023

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Close to home, will be back

    Easy access, very clean facilities and lots to do and see nearby, friendly service. The constant interstate noise is a bit annoying

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Jul. 13, 2023

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Not too bad and great in a pinch!

    We 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.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Jun. 18, 2023

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Very clean and well kept - new campground

    This campground is very clean! Large open sites- shade is minimal for most sites but we had a beautiful large site with some shade (site 51). They have new trees planted.

    There is no pool or activities for kids but we went out and explored the area

    Beautiful walking/bike paths around the property

    Hosts were very kind and helpful, we felt very welcomed!

    There is some freeway noise but didn’t bother us at all

    Laundry and bathroom facilities were very clean - was great to do a laundry mid trip!

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    May. 24, 2023

    Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    Good Luck

    The stay was pleasant and the lake was very nice but the reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer. Basically people show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave. They have to pay for the spot by 8pm. And people can stay as long as they want as long as they pay for the next day by then. But if they don’t pay they have to leave by 9am the next morning. So you never know when people are actually leaving or a spot was opening up. Every spot was taken when we go in and we heard from the check in lady that someone was leaving so we went and waited watching them pack up to get their spot. We were there for one night and had 5-6 people come to us asking what time we were leaving the next morning. It was crazy. This was also the week before memorial day weekend so that’s probably why. Primitive camping was closed. We were in a truck with a roofnest.

  • Paul B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    May. 7, 2023

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Full Hookup Value

    There are numerous state park campgrounds in the area, but we stayed here for the full Hookups and available wifi. Just of I-24, was a plus as well. We did hear traffic noise from the interstate, but it was tolerable. Showers were clean. With a discount from this app, we saved $16 off our stay. Close by are dining options and a dollar general.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    May. 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Amazing Lake Views!! Bring a fishing pole.

    Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities. Self checkin. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Apr. 18, 2023

    Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    Early April Nice Weather

    We spent 5 nights on Site A5 at Crab Orchard Campground. All sites are FC/FS. Full hookups are in Loop B & it was full. 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. The 2 nearest to us we saw on Sunday (Easter) and the only 1 more time during the 5 days. Someone in one of the sites by the late (A9, A11 or A13 I think) said they saw snakes but we never saw any and our dogs would have noticed.

    Showers and restrooms are nice. Ones in Loop A are no new (Loop Bs are new) but still nice. Lots of hot water.

    Lots of trails (within 10-30 minute drive). Fishing was good (especially catfish and crappie). Went into Carbondale a few times. Also went South to Alto Pass but wineries all closed on Tuesday; locals told us they are open more hours during summer.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Lots of space by a Lake

    RV or tent, book online at Recreation.Gov not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water. Campfire area and picnic table provided. Bathhouse is clean and park areas are all clean, dump station on site. We will be back and book closer to the lake in a level site.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near McLeansboro, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McLeansboro, IL is Gun Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near McLeansboro, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.