Equestrian camping options near New Athens, Illinois extend beyond Randolph County, with several facilities catering to riders within a 50-mile radius. Most horseback-friendly campgrounds in southern Illinois operate year-round, though amenities vary significantly by location. The region's rolling terrain and mixed hardwood forests create diverse riding environments across state and county parks.
What to do
Trail riding at Horseshoe Lake: Located approximately 40 miles northwest of New Athens, this state park offers primitive camping with access to wooded trails. "Peacefully tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day," notes camper ML W. The park provides basic accommodations with "very private and clean" sites according to WanderlustDu0.
Swimming and boating: St. Joe State Park Campground features "two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers," according to Olivia S. The park combines water recreation with trail access approximately 50 miles east of New Athens.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Pyramid State Recreation Area offers numerous fishing spots across its multiple lakes. "Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak," reports Mike V., while another camper notes "plenty of places to throw a pole in" with "facilities well maintained."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Horseshoe Lake State Park receives praise for its value, with Helge noting it's a "great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just $8." Travis confirms this price point, adding the park has "clean and well kept up spots, water spigots never far from your camp, also nice cast iron fire pits."
Natural surroundings: Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a secluded atmosphere. Joel R. reports, "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake. The campground is in the Shawnee National Forrest, and We heard several owls calling in the trees around us when we went to bed."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at regional campgrounds. At Pyramid State Recreation Area, Logan W. reports "The campsites were nice and level with a table" while at Johnson Creek, Tabitha R. notes the campground "provides large spots, drinking water, vault toilets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in."
What you should know
Site reservations: At Randolph County State Recreation Area, Matthew H. advises "Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front. $18 a night. Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots."
Noise considerations: Some parks near highways or railways experience noise issues. At St. Louis West Historic Route 66 KOA, Brian W. notes "be prepared for a lot of noise from the busy main road and passing trains in the near distance."
Seasonal limitations: Facilities may change seasonally. At Johnson Creek Recreation Area, Stacia R. reports "We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dam West Spillway campground includes facilities for children. Jacqueline F. notes "There are a couple of beach areas you can walk or ride a bike to" while heather S. adds "Big, spacious campsites with really pretty, big trees for lots of shade. The bathroom and shower facilities are FABULOUS, and super clean."
Educational activities: Some parks offer structured learning opportunities. Amber G. says Dam West is "Family and pet friendly, nice bath houses, most sites are spacious" while Chris B. adds "They have outdoor informational presentations about plants and animals geared toward children."
Site selection: When camping with children, look for specific site features. At Dam West, Jeanie H. mentions "There are a lot of mature trees in the campground that provides plenty of shade in the summer. Many of the sites are blacktopped and large RV's will fit on the sites."
Tips from RVers
Hookup information: For horse camping near New Athens, Illinois, electrical options vary. At Greensfelder County Park, Matthew H. details "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved... 2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug... site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn't realize till we parked."
RV size limitations: Monitor site dimensions when bringing larger rigs. At Greensfelder County Park, Matthew notes "Most sites are great for trailers 26' or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft)" and "site 29 where we stayed can fit a 40' fifth wheel."
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal needs. Matthew H. points out Greensfelder has "no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away" while at Horseshoe Lake, Helge reports the $8 fee includes "access to drinking water and waste water dump."
