Looking for a place to camp near Newton with your horse? Finding a place to camp in Illinois with your horse is easier than ever. With our help, you'll find the best Illinois equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
For longer stays at Red Hills State Park, there are more than 100 Class A campsites with vehicular access that provide electricity, a sanitary dump station, water and access to a modern handicapped-accessible building with showers and flush toilets. Some sites are pull-through with 50 amp service.
This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville
Scout
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.
Scout
Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos.
Traveler
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.
TravelerWe 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.
Guide
Beautiful lake with good fishing. Spots are a little unleveled but not bad. Nice restaurant, a little pricey but good food.
GuideNice little community park. Nice paced walking path around the lake. Fenced in dog play area. Large park area with multiple playgrounds. Clean bathroom, flush toilets and showers.
Scout
I was looking to stay at a state park with swimming and had never been to this one. I stayed here from Wednesday to Saturday. I was surprised when I arrived that there wasn’t a ranger, host, or campground office to check in with. There was a self registration kiosk on the site that was supposed to be the host. I never saw a ranger the entire time I was there and the host didn’t show up until Friday. The bathrooms were dirty and weren’t cleaned until Friday. The beach was small and also not well kept. I only saw one hiking trail. Many of the other campers had boats, so I guess it might be a good place to stay if you’re a boater, but not so much if you’re looking to do much hiking. The campsites weren’t bad, but most were kind of small and close together.
TravelerWe we’’re here 1st week of April. Still rather cool weather but had a great time. There are 3 loops only one of which is reservable & we were at the rear of that loop. Had the whole place to ourselves until the last night. Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground. Hosts told us they were making more space for specific species of trees so “take all you want” from the area. No need to bring firewood.
Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike. Definitely want to go back when the restaurant is open (mid-May I believe).
Fishing could’ve been better but again it was early April
Cell service was only 1-2 bars LTE with AT&T but able to stream with hotspot to the SmartTV with only 1 bar so not bad
ScoutClean campground right on the lake.
TravelerJust got here but very pleased so far. Nice fresh gravel sites. Lots of trails it seems. Lake is nice sized but not too big. Wish the restaurant was open, but told it may be next Spring. A little issue with the electric @ 1st but maintenance was out right away & got everything up & running. Easy entrance off IL-50. All roads in newly paved. Campground Host (Russ) very attentive and helpful. Water pressure at the Dump site is a little low, but not bad. AT&T reception is GREAT — 4 bars LTE @ the campsite; great for streaming later. For now, off for a quick canoe ride to check out the lake
RangerWe were there in November for just a night. At first I thought the sites were a bit rough and not very level. But while were there, they started to regrade the pads at the sites. The new gravel was leveled and packed flat. The sites are greatly improved.
Cell service was very good, Verizon, and very quiet. Most sites are 30 amp but the Lake view loop are 50 amp. There are a few sites that will handle large rigs but most are for medium sized rigs.
GuidePrice per night is $10 that includes electric and water only ...there is a dump station in the park as well ..you drop your payment at the bathhouse on the honor system. There's lots of playgrounds for kids and a big lake to fish or stroll around as well. Big thumbs up👍
ScoutWhile setting up our tents a woman came strutting down the road and in a hateful voice hollered "You've got 5 minutes to get your car out of here." Come to find out she was the camp host and apparently there was a small sign that one couldn't drop off supplies even though I am disabled. I understand she didn't want vehicle's back there but as they say you get more flies with honey than vinegar! Will never go back. Poor attitude!!
ScoutIt clearly states electric only. Which was no problem. They had a water hookup that you could pull up to for more water if needed. Dump station right outside the campground. Site 35 was perfectly level for the Class C (cruise America rental with no levelers. Great Campground host. We didn’t have a reservation. We pulled in and the host came out. Nice small playground for the kids. Beautiful lake.
ScoutIt’s a really nice park with great trails just wish the primitive camping would have been open I’m sure $20 for a rv site is a good price but it’s a little high for a tent camper like me
GuideNice clean park plenty of trees ..will need to fill up with fresh water at park .. we camped at lot 85 $20 a night $30 Friday- Sunday .. pier for fish .. didn't catch much .. Several small towns around for food and supplies ..the park restaurant wasn't open when we were there but I heard it was opening soon ..boats and kyacks welcome ..we took our dog too .. it gets a 4 stars for no wifi and slow fishing otherwise great place for a camper stay! Off rt #50
Scout
You will never know the person that you are until you have enjoyed this camp and quoncored.
TravelerLarge and clean area
TravelerLots to do and see. They have a bridge and trail that connect campsite to marina. Looove it
GuideCamped here in a tent. Loved it. Raccoons are really brave and ate not afraid of humans. They know how to rip open a tent for food. Nothing is safe here. But a beautiful lake and campground.
TravelerIt's a small campground that offers a playground,bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina. With small towns close to this state park.
GuideWe stopped in to Wolf Creek State Park later in the day on a Wednesday after trying to stop at a different campground that was closed. We were worried about finding a spot as the sun was going down so we called even though no one usually answers phones at state parks (esp during COVID). The woman that answered was SO nice and I was so happy to hear a voice on the other end. So that’s a huge plus. You can reserve spots online in advance but clearly we did not because we didn’t know we’d be headed there. Same day is first come first serve. We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone. Rolling in in the dark, we weren’t motivated to checkout the walk-in campsites. And it wasn’t necessary because the area - which if full would’ve been pretty cramped for our taste- was absolutely empty. So we were happy. Many many spots for RVs all next to one another but there was tree cover for some and the possibility of a little bit of privacy but not much in that area.
We had an almost full moon, but otherwise I think the stars would’ve been pretty awesome. The next morning we woke up and took a little hike down to Shelby Resevoir to see what was around. We were at campsite 18 and it was about 10 min hike down over there. Beautiful and big! Maybe good swimming I would assume? Too late in the year for us.
We will definitely be back to checkout more of the primitive/walk-in/hike in sites! Hiking trails look interesting and fun and Eagle Creek State Park is just across the water (that’s the bigger one). The 4 stars was because the sites are pretty close together which- even with RVs- I think people mind- but maybe not? We love to be back in the woods ans I do think there is an option for that. We just didn’t have time to check it out. Will update!
ScoutClean campground but camping proximity is very close.
TravelerNice big spots. 30 and 50 amp available. Right on lake Shelbyville. 309 spots 141 are reservable
TravelerWe absolutely love this state park. We have three medium size dogs that go with us we have plenty of space at our campsite that is big enough for them. The campsites are clean with electric hook ups. Water is near by to fill up. It is quite place. Beautiful views. Lake is near by to fish. If you have kids they have play ground to play on. Host are very nice and welcoming. We will definitely be back.
TravelerWe went for a weekend. The camp site we chose was very clean and had water and electric hook ups. Nice place for a fire. We were not a fan of the host she was very rude to us. My boyfriend is a disabled veteran and we showed the papers stating he was and she wouldn’t accept it. We asked her for information about the place and she was not informational at all. Our over all experience was okay but we will not go back.
GuideThere are no RV hook ups but it's a great place for a stop over for a picnic. It has a beautiful lake you can fish or just sit back and let the kids play.
Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Newton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Newton, IL is Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Newton, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Newton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
