Equestrian camping opportunities within the forested hills surrounding Chester, Illinois provide multiple trail access options for riders. Randolph County State Recreation Area sits at an elevation of approximately 425 feet above sea level in the Mississippi River watershed. The camping areas specifically designed for horse owners feature graveled spaces with appropriate clearance for trailers and rigs while maintaining proximity to riding trails.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Randolph County State Recreation Area offers a 65-acre lake completed in 1961 where visitors can fish throughout their stay. "Nice little lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating," notes Joel R., who also mentions "There are water and electric hookups, and a dump station."
Hiking varied terrain: Giant City State Park Campground provides multiple trail difficulty levels through unique rock formations. "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails," reports Shana D., who visited during Easter weekend.
Beach swimming: South Sandusky Campground on Rend Lake includes beach access with swimming areas. "We love the large beach. The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size," shares Missy D., though another camper notes "It's sometimes pretty rocky in the water so we usually wear water shoes."
What campers like
Horse-friendly accommodations: Beyond the equestrian sites at Randolph County and Johnson Creek, other horse campgrounds near Chester, Illinois feature specialized amenities. St. Joe State Park Campground offers accommodation for those traveling with horses: "The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that's nice," reports Grant M.
Quiet camping environment: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful atmospheres for overnight stays. A camper at Randolph County noted, "Clean and very quiet," while another described their experience as "Quiet Chill and Peaceful." For those seeking tranquility at equestrian campgrounds in the Chester area, this provides welcome respite after long days of riding.
Lakeside sites: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds feature waterfront locations. "We love tent camping at South Sandusky. Many of the sites are right on the lake and the sunrise and sunsets are always gorgeous," writes Gina J., who appreciates the water views from their campsite.
What you should know
Site limitations for larger rigs: When bringing horses to campgrounds near Chester, site angles can present challenges. "Getting around is a little tight for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you're careful," notes one camper about Randolph County. Another mentions "tight spots and harsh back up angles," requiring planning when positioning larger horse trailers.
Water access considerations: Understand water availability at equestrian sites. At Johnson Creek Campground, "We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet," reports Stacia R., highlighting the importance of seasonal awareness when camping with horses that require regular water.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Verify trail status before arrival with horses. One camper found Johnson Creek trails "VERY unkept and there was poison ivy at nearly every step," contrasting with another visitor's positive experience on the same trails, demonstrating how seasonal changes affect riding conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, one camper shared, "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground," making it suitable for families with young children requiring entertainment between trail rides.
Kid-friendly wildlife: Pyramid State Recreation Area offers wildlife observation opportunities. "We spent about 4 hours just taking every little trail we could and couldn't have been happier," notes Andrew S., while another camper mentioned seeing "cute little forest bunnies running around" at Randolph County, providing natural entertainment for children.
Swimming options: During summer months, water features provide cooling options for families. South Sandusky Campground visitors appreciate that "It's also just a short drive from the South Sandusky swimming beach," though they recommend water shoes due to rocky conditions, important for protecting children's feet.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: RV campers should note utility placement at sites. At South Sandusky, the full hookup pull-through site features "sewer and power connections on the yard side, and water on the standard side," according to MickandKarla W., requiring appropriate hose and cord lengths.
Dump station positioning: At Randolph County State Recreation Area, plan arrival procedures carefully. "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," advises J K., preventing difficult maneuvering with horse trailers.
