Equestrian camping near Montgomery, Illinois offers options for horseback riders seeking rural trails and dedicated facilities. Within an 85-mile radius, several state parks and forest preserves maintain horse-friendly campgrounds with trail access through prairie landscapes and wooded terrain. Winter temperatures in this region regularly drop below freezing from November through March, while summer camping season brings humidity with daytime highs commonly reaching the mid-80s.
What to do
Trail riding on dedicated bridle paths: Kankakee River State Park offers multiple trail options for equestrians. "There are a few Indian caves through the creek where you can still find arrowheads. Exploring the area is pretty cool and the park is quite expansive and impressive for this state," notes Andrea F.
Fishing from shorelines: Anglers can cast lines at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, where lakefront sites provide direct water access. "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The lakefront tent sites are spacious and you can fish right from your site!" according to Chloe N.
Hiking through diverse terrain: The forest preserves offer hiking opportunities through prairie and woodland. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options," says Art S. about Paul Wolff Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Big Rock Campground receives praise for its generous camping areas. "Nice campground with big, level sites. Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability," reports Melissa C., while Jeff G. adds, "The spaces are pretty level. There is electric at the sites and water spigots throughout."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Nature observation is common at several parks. "I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels," writes Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground. At Kankakee River State Park, Shannon H. mentions, "Stars were out. River is fast, tried to fish."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff," notes Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Water hookups can be challenging at some campgrounds. "The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)," warns Rodney D. about Big Rock Campground. Amanda K. reinforces this: "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!"
Limited shade at newer sites: Several campgrounds have young trees providing minimal coverage. David W. notes about Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground: "There is some shade, but you have to search for it." At Big Rock, Joel R. states, "No shade, and no showers. This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago."
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. At Matthiessen State Park, Stuart K. explains, "There is no reservation system and all sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. There's a registration envelope that you'll pick up when you arrive."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: For families with children, consider seasonal timing. Linda N. shares about Potowatomi Campground: "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had. We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!"
Beach and swimming options: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers water recreation for children. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" mentions Chloe N.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs enhance family experiences. Tyler S. notes about Big Rock Campground: "Nice clean place. Activities for the kids and adults." At Paul Wolff Campground, Mike D. adds, "As a Troop we would rent one of the cabins for late season campouts. Clean facilities but the nice part is the scenic hiking for being close to town."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Power and water connections vary by campground. Amanda K. from Big Rock Campground shares, "As someone who normally camps in state parks with only electricity hookups, this site was a welcome treat," while Marisa A. notes about Paul Wolff Campground: "Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise."
Site spacing considerations: RV campers should research site layouts before booking. MalibuDave42 L. observes about Paul Wolff Campground: "Though a commercial-style, it does not feel like it. Sites are well spaced. Full trees around the perimeter, but not a lot for shade over the campsites. Water and electrical at every site. Very easy in and out, for any sized rig."
Seasonal timing for equestrians: Horse owners should check trail conditions before visiting. The Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground provides "access to sanitary dump stations, showers, and toilet facilities" with trail riders able to "access several miles of bridle paths directly from the campground."
