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Best Equestrian Camping near Chester, IL

136 Reviews

Randolph County State Recreation Area features eight horse stalls at its equestrian site, allowing riders to camp with their horses in designated areas. The campground provides electric hookups and water access for equestrian campers, with separate areas for tent and RV camping near the horse facilities. Located five miles northeast of Chester, the 1,101-acre recreation area offers multiple trail options for riding through the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. The sites have gravel pads that accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space. Trails remain well-maintained for riding, though some loops may experience seasonal closures due to weather conditions. The campground accommodates various rig sizes, though some camping spots have tight angles that can make maneuvering larger horse trailers challenging.

Shawnee National Forest's Johnson Creek Campground connects riders to a network of forest trails suitable for day rides from the camping areas. The campground offers primitive camping with horse hitches at most sites, allowing riders to keep their mounts nearby while staying in tents or RVs. Non-potable water spigots are available at many of the sites, with drinking water accessible near the entrance. Trail access from the campground leads riders through scenic forest terrain with varied terrain and difficulty levels. The camping area has three small loops, with one loop specifically designed for equestrian use with more open space at the forest edge. The horse-friendly sites require self-check-in and cost $10 per night, making this an affordable option for riders exploring the northwestern edge of Shawnee National Forest. Golden Pass holders receive discounted rates at this campground.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Chester, Illinois (16)

    1. Randolph County State Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Chester, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 826-2706

    "Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area."

    "This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."

    2. Johnson Creek

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"

    "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."

    3. Pyramid State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 357-2574

    "Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak."

    "The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer."

    4. Johnson Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "As with all of southern Illinois it’s very senic rock formations neat trails and fishing."

    5. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700

    6. St. Francois State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."

    "All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."

    7. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground."

    "Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
    All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."

    8. St. Joe State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Park Hills, MO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 431-1069

    "A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."

    "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."

    9. Devils Backbone Park

    2 Reviews
    Grand Tower, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-6192

    "There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake. The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, "hidden" spring, and trout streams)."

    10. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

    "Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Chester, IL

1 Photos of 16 Chester Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chester, IL

136 Reviews of 16 Chester Campgrounds

  • J K.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Randolph County State Recreation Area

    Nice quaint campground

    This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. 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. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

    Park Information:

    West Central Illinois

    4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

    618-826-2706

    N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

    Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Campground Improving in 2017

    There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground. The campground is being upgraded this year in which I belive they are adding 50 amp full service to many of the electric only sites. There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river. I have tent camped here and camped in a pop-up camper in the fall both times. Hiking is the best activity here unless you ride horses and that is great here too. This one and Wolf Creek on Lake Shelbyville are the best parks in Illinois for horse trails.

  • iloveitontop R.
    Sep. 13, 2016

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Great place if you are boating or ORV.

    Nice park with a large camp sites with premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, two swimming beaches, equestrian trails, a hiking and bicycling trail and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 3, 2016

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    St. Francois SP is Fair to Average.

    This campground was packed, but it started off on the wrong foot. The entrance comes up quick and is right off a state highway with traffic moving between 65-80 mph so of course I passed the entrance and had to double back.

    When I pulled into the park there was bunch of construction. There were a few trails but honestly it really seemed like an RV park with very few tents. The showers and bathrooms were clean but there were too many people, it was very crowded.

    I should add as a positive that here were equestrian trails and a large parking lot to park your horse trailer.

    St. Francois State Park is close to St. Louis so it is probably a popular destination, it just didn't feel like camping. I'm sure it will improve a little when the construction is completed, but I doubt it will be above three stars.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2019

    Randolph County State Recreation Area

    Nice little lake

    This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating. There is also hunting, so some seasons are iffy. There are water and electric hookups, and a dump station. Modern shower and bathroom. Located five miles northeast of Chester IL for supplies.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Reviews on Campground #1 & #2

    I’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.

    CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.

    Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!

    Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!

  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2021

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Good for ATV’s, also good for horses and people.

    So, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario. The park is big enough you don’t hear the small engine vehicles over here.

    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. Hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails. There’s even a nice 11 mile long paved trail that has some hills but will work for kids/strollers/etc.

    There are a number of more interesting parks in the area for what I think of as a true camping experience, but this is a good one if you’re also on the pokemon plan (gotta camp ‘em all). If you like atv/utv/dirt bike stuff, man, campground one is for you, and it looks like a blast, read up on the lead mine tailing warnings.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Johnson Creek

    off the beaten path

    Located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.

    We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.

  • Mike V.
    Jul. 1, 2016

    Pyramid State Recreation Area

    Pyramid State Park, IL, initial visit

    Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak. Did a nice long walk along one trail late May and there was a lot of bird activity. Can't explore it all on one visit. Saw several people camping, and some were horse back riding on a trail. Hope to go back some day and spend more time there.

Guide to Chester

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse enthusiasts looking to explore the state's beautiful landscapes.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Randolph County State Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking, all while having access to horse camping facilities.
  • Pyramid State Recreation Area features numerous lakes and trails, perfect for horseback riding and exploring the scenic surroundings.
  • Johnson Creek offers equestrian camping with access to trails that connect to the Shawnee National Forest, providing a great backdrop for riding adventures.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Randolph County State Recreation Area includes an equestrian site with eight stalls, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and riders.
  • At Pyramid State Recreation Area, horse campers can find well-maintained sites that cater to their needs, along with easy access to trails.
  • Johnson Creek provides basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, making it a convenient spot for horse camping.

Equestrian campgrounds include these features

  • Randolph County State Recreation Area is known for its big rig-friendly sites and ample space for horse trailers, making it easy for campers to set up.
  • Pyramid State Recreation Area offers a peaceful environment with close proximity to lakes, ideal for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • Johnson Creek features a self-check-in system and clean facilities, ensuring a hassle-free experience for equestrian campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chester, IL is Randolph County State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Chester, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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