Best Equestrian Camping near Nashville, IL

Nashville, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Nashville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Nashville, Illinois (16)

    1. Dam West Spillway

    10 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-5253

    $30 / night

    "It is directly on Carlyle Lake, ,the largest lake in Illinois. It has activities for children on the weekends."

    "Right next to the marina and with many sites right on the lake, you can’t go wrong here."

    2. Gun Creek

    21 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $30 / night

    "One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."

    "The lake had the most amazing sunset! Everyone is super friendly and we recommend the blue jay loop for best views and swimming access to the lake."

    3. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

    "Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."

    4. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 629-2320

    "Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."

    "Many of the sites are walk up only.  The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games.  Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water."

    5. Pyramid State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 357-2574

    "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."

    "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."

    6. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    28 miles
    Website

    "Hundreds of campsites, marinas with boat rentals, beaches and stores nearby in case you need something. This area is truly a southern Illinois gem!"

    "Large spacious sites, close to swimming beaches, although not walking distance. Tree covered and offer some privacy. Great place to meet with family and friends."

    7. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700

    8. South Sandusky Day Use

    4 Reviews
    Rend Lake, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    9. Du Quoin State Fair Campground

    1 Review
    Pinckneyville, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 542-1515

    10. Randolph County State Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Chester, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 826-2706

    "Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area."

    "This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Nashville, IL

1 Photos of 16 Nashville Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Nashville, IL

129 Reviews of 16 Nashville Campgrounds


  • J K.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Randolph County State Recreation Area

    Nice quaint campground

    This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

    Park Information:

    West Central Illinois

    4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

    618-826-2706

    N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

    Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

  • 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.

  • J
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Dam West Spillway

    Lots of trees, shades, great campsites, friendly hosts and clean facilities

    This campground qualifies for the senior pass for reduced rates. It is directly on Carlyle Lake, ,the largest lake in Illinois. It has activities for children on the weekends. The campsites have sewer and water on some sites, as well as other sites with electricity available. There are a lot of mature trees in the campground that provides plenty of shade int he summer. Many of the sites are blacktopped and large RV's will fit on the sites. There is a beach very near the campground that is within walking distance. There are also pools located near to the campground that can be used by the public.

  • Cindy C.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Wonderful for all ages. Located on Rend Lake Illinois.

    North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing. The sites have many areas that fit different needs. I have stayed this year in both. My site at North Sandusky was on the water and I could pull my pontoon right behind my campsite. The kids were close enough to the bathrooms and showers to walk. And there was fresh water located there as well. There was a park a bit further down the way as well. But no need as the lake was in the backyard.

    South sandusky site was across from a park, bathrooms, showers and water. The beach was a 2 mi hike on a beautiful trail. But we could walk across the street to a fishing swimming spot as well.

    The beach is super clean and monitored well.

    The bathrooms were cleaned every morning before 7 am. Water had great pressure and was always nice and hot.

    I love these campgrounds and can’t wait to go back.

  • M
    Aug. 19, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Picture perfect

    Full hookups to tent camping and spacious sites. This is a Corps of Engineer Campground so bring your America the Beautiful pass! Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome.

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Johnson Creek Campground

    Scenic

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

  • J K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Rend Lake

    Water lovers paradise!

    Anything you’d ever want to enjoy on the water is all at your finger tips! Hundreds of campsites, marinas with boat rentals, beaches and stores nearby in case you need something. This area is truly a southern Illinois gem!


Guide to Nashville

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy scenic trails and fishing opportunities at Pyramid State Recreation Area, where you can explore the beautiful landscapes of southern Illinois.
  • Johnson Creek provides access to Kincaid Lake, perfect for a day of fishing or relaxing by the water after a ride.
  • Experience the tranquility of nature at Randolph County State Recreation Area, which features numerous trails for horseback riding and hiking.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • Gun Creek offers well-maintained sites with ample space for both horses and riders, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • At Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, equestrian campers can enjoy large, shaded sites that provide a relaxing environment for both horses and humans.
  • South Sandusky Campground features spacious sites that accommodate larger rigs and horses, making it a convenient choice for equestrian enthusiasts.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities

  • Dam West Spillway provides essential amenities like drinking water and trash disposal, ensuring a clean and comfortable camping experience.
  • Johnson Creek Campground offers basic facilities such as picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a cozy evening after a day of riding.
  • Rend Lake features well-maintained restrooms and showers, making it easy for equestrian campers to freshen up after a long day on the trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nashville, IL is Dam West Spillway with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Nashville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.