Best Equestrian Camping near Olney, IL
Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Olney? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. Find Illinois equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Olney, IL (5)
1. Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
Sumner, Illinois9 Reviews•11 Photos•15 SavesFor 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.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
2. Harmonie State Park Campground
New Harmony, Indiana34 Reviews•99 Photos•76 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$30 / night
3. Oblong Park and Lake
Newton, Illinois5 Reviews•2 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
4. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Kinmundy, Illinois13 Reviews•9 Photos•13 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
5. Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
Johnsonville, Illinois4 Reviews•6 Photos•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Olney
64 Reviews of 5 Olney Campgrounds
Rach W.
Scout
Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
Enjoyable time
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.
Barbie G.
Traveler
Harmonie State Park Campground
Great campground with persistent raccoons
Harmonie State Park looks like a great place for a family vacation. In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp. We only stayed 1 night. Site 166 is big and on the end of a road. There's a restroom and water spigot within walking distance. They have showers but we didn't use them. Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back. I'm sure they were just looking for food.
- Sandie R.Scout
Oblong Park and Lake
Beautiful, well maintained
Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos.
- Matt M.Traveler
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Nice State Park Campground
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.
Tina L.ScoutHarmonie State Park Campground
Camp site #83
It had electeic hook up but we were tent camping early May 2024. The campsite is mostly hill with a wash out running through it. It is also the breeding site of thousands of Miner Bees. They were docile and no one got stung but they were everywhere from sun up to sun down the entire site hummed with bees. The entire ground was full of holes that they were coming in and out of. Close to bathroom/showers and a playground, fresh water source across the road.
Jon H.ScoutHarmonie State Park Campground
Nice, clean, state park.
Everything was well kept and clean. Multiple bath/shower houses on each loop. Push button showers. Takes about a minute to get water hot, but good after that. Dated, but clean and functional. The lights stay on 24/7 so bugs are in the shower house.
Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer. New Harmony (town) is close by and a must stop. Nature walks, lots of unique history you will find nowhere else, quaint shopping, coffee shops, wine bar, dining, etc...
The pool has been filled in at the park. Very disappointing.
I was demolished by mosquitos and was covered in deet. Tried picaridin too. If you get the biters off you, the gnats were all over me too. Not sure if just time of year or maybe always this way (did rain multiple times).
Couldn't use mountain bike trails and most hike trails as it was too wet.
Suggest calling before making reservations because many of electric sites are not level, at all. Ask which would be best.
Kelsey R.
GuideHarmonie State Park Campground
Great Trip
We had a great time here. Nice spaced out place. We stayed at site 192. It was at the back of the campground, but close to the bathrooms/showers and just across from the playground. It was close enough to walk to the Nature Center and grab ice cream. There’s even a hiking trail right behind. And not much through traffic since it’s in the back. Staff was extremely friendly. They had ice and firewood to purchase. Even the other campers were extremely friendly. We were only a few mins from downtown New Harmony. The coffee shop there was very good. Evansville was about 30 mins. We had to go get a new car battery there and DNR used a jump box to get us going. Very clean bathrooms and grounds. The only reason it didn’t get 5 stars were the showers. Older, took awhile to heat up, only had water for about 15 seconds at a time. Not easy to get a squirming toddler bathed. Better than nothing though. Great campground, highly recommend!
- DDonald S.Traveler
Harmonie State Park Campground
Spring 2024
Had the campground to myself. Facilities for showering were fine. Park employees were very friendly. I saw some cabins at park that they rent out that looked like a good deal for the non camping people. Short drive away is the town of New Harmony. They seem to have a lot of events in summer and fall. Access to the Wabash River right at the park
- BBennieTraveler
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Not too bad and great in a pinch!
We 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.
Dusti M.Guide
Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
Nice weekend camping
Beautiful lake with good fishing. Spots are a little unleveled but not bad. Nice restaurant, a little pricey but good food.
- Dusti M.Guide
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.
- KKirstenGuide
Harmonie State Park Campground
Maybe not a tent…
the heat was definitely a vibe killer. our tent trapped in so much heat and humidity it was INSANE. plots are very close together, so you have people around you. and animals start to become active around 8:30pm. we had some trouble with a few raccoons coming up to our table and having no fear to approach us. i suggest keeping a large stick with you. and bring a candle to keep bugs away. they’re everywhere and all over you. wouldn’t recommend trail #2 either. only trail i went on while i was there and i ran into at least 20 spiderwebs, a large bug chased us for another good 2 miles continuing to land on us and buzz in our ears. the trails are long with no mile markers, but very cool scenery on the way. the trail ended at a road, where you have to walk all the way back to camp (about 45 minutes) up hills and on the road.. ALSO LIVE BUGS IN SHOWERS!!
MickandKarla W.
LegendHarmonie State Park Campground
Beautiful State Park
This state park was easy to find. We arrived about 4:45 PM as their Sunday check in time is 5:00 PM. There were still campers coming out of the park. Check in was super easy thanks to a very nice ranger. We proceeded 3 miles into the park to the campground(CG) loop areas. We were offered pull through site 20 if we didn’t want our reserved site 22 that was a back-in with electric(50/30 AMP) only. Site 22 was an easy back-in and its a large site so we stuck with this site. We paid$23 per night, plus$5 transaction fee, and$3.22 tax for this site. Upon arrival we payed a one-time$9(out of state) entrance fee. There are water spigots periodically spaced around the loops. Ours was about 55 feet from our site, which was convenient to fill our fresh water tank. There was a sign on the spigot not allowing splitters to connect for more permanent use. We were in one of the CG’s first loops, 16-28, that was pretty much empty during our two night’s stay Sun- Tue the first week week of June. We liked this loop’s privacy and space between sites. In the main campground areas(sites 60- 100s) the RV and tent sites were closer together but we did notice that a few sites around 118 had electric and water. There were quite a few restrooms/shower facilities smartly placed throughout the CG loops. This state park was among the cleanest and well maintain that we have experienced during our journeys.
- TTracie E.Traveler
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Nice & Private
We 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
Cynthia K.LegendHarmonie State Park Campground
Out of the way
This is a small state park in an out of the way part of the state. Located in Southwest Indiana, about 40 miles from Evansville.
This is a typical Indiana State Park. Some sites are pretty close together, some are spacious. There's electricity, but water is shared. Some sites have 50 amp, so when you're looking to reserve, check that out. IMO, the best site is site 39. It's at the end of the row, with somewhat secluded. It's a walk to the bathroom, but worth it. Site 22 is also a good site at the end of a row & has a trail from the site to the small pond.
Be sure to watch for the grade also. Some of the sites had a noticeable incline.
Bathrooms are pretty dismal. They smelled bad too. They need to start replacing these old, worn out comfort stations with something from this century! The nature center is in the campground & is pretty small. We enjoyed it though.
The camp store is in the park office& is ridiculous. Bring everything you need, cause you won't find it there!
8 trails the longest is 2.5 miles, the shortest.25 miles. There's also mountain bike trails & a 4 mile horse trail.
Kim C.GuideHarmonie State Park Campground
Almost a 5 star but the gnats drove us crazy
We stayed at Harmonie State Park for 4 nights Tue-Fri the second weekend of April. Unfortunately the weather was cold, windy, and rainy. I don’t know if it was the weather but the gnats were everywhere. We had a pull through site #40 is was very narrow but it had a beautiful view out our back windows. Water was available throughout the park. It was easy to hook up if we needed more water. Only 3 spigots were not uncovered yet. We had a raccoon visit our campsite and heard bobcats at night.
Take a tour of New Harmony if you like history. The town is beautiful most of the shops were not open during the week.
Overall the park is beautiful we just didn’t have great luck with the weather.
- EElmer L.Scout
Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
Great fishing
Clean campground right on the lake.
- TTracie E.Traveler
Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
Beautiful Fall Visit
Just 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
Doug W.
RangerRed Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
Nice state park with recent upgrades
We 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.
- Cris C.Guide
Oblong Park and Lake
Quiet friendly camping
Price 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👍
- HHan E.Traveler
Harmonie State Park Campground
Good and large campground I went during the middle of the week after Labor Day and I was able to find a nice secluded site 100 yards from the nearest camper The bathrooms were nice and clean I would stay here again
Good and large campground I went during the middle of the week after Labor Day and I was able to find a nice secluded site 100 yards from the nearest camper The bathrooms were nice and clean I would stay here again
Jan S.GuideHarmonie State Park Campground
Absolutely gorgeous
There are alot of campsites to choose from. They all have some shade but most are totally shaded with large trees. Sites have gravel pads . Each one has a grassy area (big) which was perfect for our pups. We walked the whole camping area and actually there are no bad sites. We are here on a thursday and practically no one here but are told it will fill up tonight. Traveling, so only here for 2 nights but would definitely stay longer if we could. The nature center( in center of camp) is having a nature show called "Eel of fortune" this afternoon. Looking forward to that. Staff are wonderful and enjoy hearing where you are from.
- SSharon F.Scout
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Hateful Host
While 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!!
- JJonathon B.Scout
Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
Great and quiet on a Thursday night. Class C
It 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.
Frank H.GuideHarmonie State Park Campground
Top Flight State Park
This is a huge state park! There are lots and lots of campsites in this state park bordering the Wabash River. Sites are divided into smallish areas some for tents, some for RVs and some mixed. Lots of trees for shade. Bathhouses in each area with showers and toilets. Very clean & well maintained. Some areas with children playgrounds. The park has multiple picnic areas and shelters. There are a couple of ponds. There is a boat launch at the Wabash River. There is a good size swimming pool (though closed at my visit for the pandemic). Park sells firewood for individual fire pits at each site. Electric hookups at most tent sites. Water spigots near each bathhouse.
- FFrank S.Scout
Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park
Nice park
It’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
David E.GuideHarmonie State Park Campground
Great park and friendly staff
This park is gorgeous! I needed a place to say to visit a family member in the Hospital in Evansville and this park was a great place to stay and relax after long day. Must of the park I didn’t explore, but they have a lot to offer. Bathrooms/showers are good, sites are good, and staff is very friendly! Learned that allergies are worse for most people in this area of the country so if you have allergies, be prepared. Bugs were also very active.
Guide to Olney
Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with facilities designed for both riders and their horses.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- At Red Hills Lake State Park, visitors can enjoy scenic trails perfect for horseback riding alongside a picturesque lake.
- Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area provides access to well-maintained paths ideal for exploring on horseback, with the added bonus of fishing opportunities.
- Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area features extensive trails that are great for riding, along with a peaceful environment for a relaxing getaway.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- Harmonie State Park Campground offers electric hookups and water sources, ensuring that both horses and riders have the necessary comforts during their stay.
- Oblong Park and Lake is equipped with facilities that cater to equestrian needs, including ample space for horse trailers and easy access to riding trails.
- Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area features picnic tables and sanitary dump stations, making it convenient for horse campers to enjoy their time outdoors.
Equestrian campgrounds include unique features
- Red Hills Lake State Park is known for its big rig-friendly sites and drinking water access, making it a comfortable choice for horse campers.
- Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area provides reservable sites and a variety of accommodation types, ensuring a tailored experience for equestrian visitors.
- Harmonie State Park Campground features multiple playgrounds and nature trails, making it a family-friendly destination for those traveling with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Olney, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Olney, 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 Olney, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Olney, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.