Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground reserves all campsites exclusively for visitors with horses, with first-come, first-served camping on spacious, shaded sites complete with tie posts for horses. The grounds accommodate both tent and RV camping without hookups for $8 nightly. Horse owners must bring registration envelopes from the main park entrance. Riders frequently note the completely empty campground provides peaceful solitude during weekday visits. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground offers a separate equestrian camping area with wooden hitching posts that accommodate 4-5 horse sites. Both locations provide vault toilets and access to water, though no hookups or showers are available at either equestrian campground.
The extensive trail system at Matthiessen State Park connects riders to nearly 2,000 acres of varied terrain, featuring unusual rock formations, sandstone canyons, and dense forests that provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys frequently appear along the riding paths. Hennepin Canal's equestrian campsites connect directly to the canal trail system with crushed gravel surfaces suitable for horses. This trail network ultimately connects to both the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers through multiple small townships. Riders observe that trail difficulty varies significantly at Matthiessen, with easier paths along the upper bluffs and more challenging routes on interior trails. Neither location requires reservations, though summer weekends occasionally see higher horse camping demand near North Utica.
"hey, there were some pretty outstanding trails to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was"
"quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"
from $10 / night
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
"Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
"Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"
from $8 / night
"Nestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience."
"Shade trees, soft grass, a nice trail to walk & great views. The stars in the night sky are breathtaking! This isn't some posh camping for someone looking to get a resort-feel."
from $8 / night
from $8 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
"Located just northwest of the little hamlet called Franklin Grove, which is just due north of Ronald Reagan’s birthplace in Dixon, Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground is ideal if you"
from $4 - $8 / night
"Ever dreamt of working / living / camping on an actual working horse ranch? Then you've arrived at the perfect spot. "
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
ScoutAway from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
LegendNestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience. Spread across multiple sites like Lock 6, Lock 11, Lock 21, Bridge 14, and Lock 22, this park stretches its campsites along a historic towpath beside century-old canal locks. First impressions? Think gentle grass clearings, basic picnic setups and a nostalgic vibe that combines outdoor adventure with engineering heritage all the while living up to bare-bones camping ethos.
Facilities remain strictly primitive as this is ‘Class C’ camping, meaning no hookups, no showers, no modern frills … just a pit toilet and a fire ring at each site. Cost is only $8 per night per family. Youth groups pay a minimum daily fee starting at $20. Other perks: senior citizens and disabled campers may qualify for free stays, depending on day and status. You’ll need to stop by the Visitor Center near Sheffield to pay (no reservations and everything at each lock is considered first-come, first-served), and all the drinking water is only available at central locations at each lock, not at individual campsites, so plan accordingly. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and campfires must stay in designated pits.
The setting is deeply outdoorsy and expansive. The canal’s towpath is a cyclist’s and hiker’s dream, with up to 155 miles to explore (miles of level surface, biking, hiking, horseback riding in some sections and even snowmobiling when it’s seasonally open). Anglers love the Hennepin Canal system as the waters are regularly stocked with bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish and even trout during special stocking events. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted with portage around non-operational locks and birding or historical sightseeing along the route is a delightful bonus.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Pick campsites closest to the canal but slightly back from parking that will deliver land that is flatter, vistas that are more scenic and spaces that are quieter; (2) Swing by the Visitor Center near Sheffield first for maps and essential info as you’ll need drinking water from there in case you didn’t bring your own;(3) If traveling with a dog or horse, check designations as only certain sites (e.g. Lock 21) allow equestrian camping; (4) Fishermen should bring rods early as anglers that I encountered say the catches here are worth the effort; (5) No pumps / dump stations so pack accordingly and use nearby towns for full services; and (6) Post-camping grub: head to Sheffield afterward for local eats like Belluccio’s for deep dish pizza, Italian beef & sausage sandwiches, Café 129 with its smoked prime rib and Red’s Bar & Grill for fantastic deep fried pork tenderloin sandwiches, which is a staple in these parts.
Happy Camping!
ScoutListed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
GuideWater was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets. Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights.
GuideBeautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.
TravelerThis is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.
The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?
It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.
GuideNo hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.
Equestrian camping near North Utica, Illinois offers access to approximately 32 miles of combined trail systems across multiple state parks and natural areas. The limestone-rich soil in this region creates stable trail conditions even after moderate rain, with most elevation changes averaging less than 100 feet throughout the trail networks. Water levels at the Hennepin Canal fluctuate seasonally, affecting crossing points and water access for horses.
Explore limestone formations: At Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground, riders can access 12 miles of forested trails with natural springs. "There's several small natural springs completely shadowed by endless forests of hardwoods along with all of the natural fauna that you would expect in these parts like gray and fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, racoons, chipmunks, beavers and opossums," notes Stuart K.
Canal trail riding: Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground connects to the Hennepin Canal Trail system with level terrain ideal for less experienced riders. "The Hennepin Canal Trail goes right through camp. On a previous visit I rode my bike along the crushed gravel trail. With a few connecting roads, I traveled from a Chicago suburb to the Mississippi River. While I didn't see any horses then we did see a couple riding on the trail today," reports Art S.
Swimming for horses: The small man-made pond at Hansen's Hideaway Ranch provides a cooling spot for horses during summer months. "If you fancy pitching a tent or parking your RV for the night in an actual horse/farming working ranch environment, which puts you quite close to some pretty amazing river kayaking, somewhat challenging, yet scenic hiking all in a fairly historic area of north central Illinois, then Hansen's Hideaway may just be the spot for you," explains Stuart K.
Campground solitude: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peace and quiet, especially midweek. "Of all the camping options up and down the Hennepin Canal, while Canal Lock 21 is likely the largest and has more campsite offerings, it is still very basic and primitive, apart from the restroom, boat launch, picnic tables and fire rings that you will find," says Stuart K.
Working ranch experience: Some campgrounds offer an authentic farm environment. "This is a working ranch where you're able to board your horse while camping yourself. They have a game room, snack bar, swimming pond, playground, water and electric hook-ups, shower building with flush toilets, and firewood," writes Iris A. about Hansen's Hideaway Ranch.
Non-crowded facilities: Most equestrian sites remain underused compared to standard campgrounds. At Big Rock Campground, "Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability. Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn't my preference," notes Melissa C.
Horse verification: Some equestrian-only campgrounds strictly enforce their policies. At Matthiessen State Park, one camper reports, "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty. Gave me my $8 back though," warns Amanda C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near North Utica, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near North Utica, IL is Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near North Utica, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near North Utica, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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