Best Equestrian Camping near Oakland, IL

Wolf Creek State Park Campground features dedicated horse camping areas with 13 equestrian campsites and additional trailer parking for approximately 6 more rigs with tie-out posts for day riders. The equestrian area is set apart from hiking trails and other camping sections, providing a dedicated space for horse enthusiasts. Horse trails at Wolf Creek connect to several miles of riding paths separate from the hiking trail system. The campground is maintained by the US Corps of Engineers and includes full hookup RV sites throughout the park. Bathrooms with flush toilets and shower houses are available in each camping section. Most equestrian sites provide ample space for both horse trailers and camping equipment. The park remains open year-round, with October being particularly scenic when the leaves change color.

Trails at Wolf Creek State Park offer varying difficulty levels suitable for different riding experiences, with some routes providing views of Lake Shelbyville. The equestrian camping area includes designated spaces where riders can tie their horses when not actively riding. Campers should note that the park has specific rules about horse containment and waste management that must be followed. The park's location on Lake Shelbyville provides additional recreational opportunities for equestrians after riding, including swimming at the beach (closed after Labor Day) and fishing. Campers frequently observe deer running through the park in herds during winter months. Some equestrian sites can be reserved in advance, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The horse trails are particularly enjoyable during fall when temperatures are cooler and the forest displays vibrant colors.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Oakland, Illinois (6)

    1. Turkey Run State Park Campground

    70 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2635

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Short drive from Chicago (3 hours?) and you are in lush forest. You have to pick the right campsite or you will have no cover and big campers on either side of you."

    "But close to a good size hill. Not a grass spot. No water hookup. But would recommend. Little store has lots to offer. Gas station and good near by. Fantastic walking trails within a mile or 2 also."

    2. Mill Creek Park

    1 Review
    Marshall, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 889-3901

    "Incredible people who will gladly be your new best friend, super clean, Great Lake to be on, tons of trails to hike."

    3. Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Findlay, IL
    37 miles
    Website

    "The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."

    "Lots of equestrian parking and camping flush toilets neat trails very swell nice better if s en during the fall. Fishing and boatibg here as well."

    4. Whitley Creek - Lake Shelbyville

    3 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    "But a beautiful lake and campground."

    5. Turkey Run Canoe & Camping

    5 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2029

    $35 / night

    "Site 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs. Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience. Will return fsho."

    "That being said it did seem a little tight in certain area we were in but we drove around and rest of campground looked awesome!"

    6. Oblong Park and Lake

    4 Reviews
    Newton, IL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 592-3431

    "Very humble rural park with a quiet atmosphere and Great Lake for fishing. The people of oblong are also the friendliest around!"

    "There's lots of playgrounds for kids and a big lake to fish or stroll around as well. Big thumbs up👍"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Oakland, IL

2 Photos of 6 Oakland Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Oakland, IL

93 Reviews of 6 Oakland Campgrounds


  • Michael M.
    Oct. 9, 2017

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Great camping all year round

    We have camped here many times and this time was awesome as well. The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails. There are 13 horse camp sites and additional trailer parking for about 6 more rigs with tie out posts for riders that will not be camping. There are several miles of horse trails and the area is set apart from hiking trails and the other camping areas. There are hundreds of campsites in this park in addition to the horse campgrounds and the entire area is maintained by the US Corps of Engineers. There are full hookup RV sites everywhere with tons of flush toilet bathrooms and shower houses in each large section. There is also a tent camp area without electricity, these sites are cheaper and there are lake front sites available here too. There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round. There are lots of hiking trails and deer run through the park in herds in the winter months. The hiking is OK in this park and good if you like short 1 to 1 1/2 mile hikes. I recommend visiting in the fall after Labor Day, October when leaves are changing is my favorite time for this campground. Clean restrooms, showers and a small store at the entrance for bait, firewood or forgotten items make this a great place to spend a few days.

    Website: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/WolfCreek.aspx

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Clean park

    Lots of equestrian parking and camping flush toilets neat trails very swell nice better if s en during the fall. Fishing and boatibg here as well.

  • M
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful State Campground

    This is a wonderful campground with drive in availability, equestrian camp and reservable sites!  The have great camp hosts Dave and Sharon on the reservable side that will help out in anyway and are so friendly!  This campground also has boat access and a beach and hiking trails.   It is built into the woods so most lots are very shady and all are very level.

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Bad Management Ready To Ruin Your Holiday

    This park is beautiful, clean and the people were friendly. My issue is with the site supervisor and superintendent. On July 4th 2025 we were given the option of moving our entire campsite or being kicked out of the park. JULY 4TH! We booked our campsite in the last week of April, paid in full. We were the second party to book any spot in the entire campground! We chose our spot specifically for the access to the water and seclusion from the rest of the sites. Come to find out(a day after we set up camp) we booked in "horse camp" which apparently requires you to have horses. It never stated this on the website or rental confirmation we received. Nobody reached out to us in the three months we held the booking to confirm if we had horses. There was no on-site check in that could have saved us the trouble. No, instead we had to take 4 hours out of our holiday to pack all of our stuff and move into overflow camping or be forced to leave. Because of their mistake. Absolutely ruined our holiday with zero remorse or understanding. The icing on the cake was as we were leaving horse camp we noticed multiple other camp sites where people had not brought horses. They stated this happens all the time. If site management had two braincells to rub together they would fix their website instead of consistently ruining peoples trips and holidays. And then these people had the audacity to say they weren't going to charge us for the campsite they moved us to?!?! In reality, we should be receiving a full refund for the campsite we did pay for and free passes for the rest of the year. There is a second state campground on the other side of the lake I would suggest before coming to this place.

  • Mike  D.
    May. 27, 2019

    Turkey Run State Park Campground

    Nice campground, close to home!

    Short drive from Chicago (3 hours?) and you are in lush forest. You have to pick the right campsite or you will have no cover and big campers on either side of you. We had two campsites right next to each other and backing into the woods.  Went on a fun canoe trip right down the road, which was fun.  There is an odd (but fun!) Key West themed bar/resturant very close to the park entrance.  The hiking is great in the area near the lodge.  I'd go back to the area and maybe try a different loop as we were near the entrance which had a lot of traffic.  Well maintained park with very clean bathhouse.

  • Rowan G.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Turkey Run Canoe & Camping

    Good amenities, great proximity to state park

    Site 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs. Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience. Will return fsho.

  • B
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Turkey Run State Park Campground

    Good

    Enjoyed our stay. Site 198 had lots of room to roam. No neighbors too close. But close to a good size hill. Not a grass spot. No water hookup. But would recommend. Little store has lots to offer. Gas station and good near by. Fantastic walking trails within a mile or 2 also. And canoe rental directly across street.

  • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Turkey Run State Park Campground

    Pros and Cons you Should Know beforehand

    Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.

    It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI

    This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.

    This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.

    On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.

    Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.

    The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.

    You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.

    Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.

  • Dusti M.
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Oblong Park and Lake

    Small town park

    Nice 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.


Guide to Oakland

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the companionship 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.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Tips for equestrian camping near Oakland, Illinois

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oakland, IL is Turkey Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 70 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Oakland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.