2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Several horse-friendly campgrounds near Oquawka, Illinois offer specialized facilities for equestrians. Lick Creek Unit in Shimek State Forest maintains both upper and lower equestrian campgrounds with electric hookups, fifty-amp service, and water connections. Sites accommodate tents and RVs with ample space for horse trailers. The campground has excellent horse trails and good riding conditions according to frequent visitors. River Valley Horsecamp in Farmington features spacious campsites near the Des Moines River with drinking water, electric hookups, and well-maintained barns specifically designed for horses. The grounds are well-kept with accommodations that make family equestrian camping comfortable and convenient.
The trail systems connecting these equestrian campgrounds provide extensive riding opportunities. Lick Creek trails wind through the scenic woodland areas of Shimek State Forest, with terrain suitable for various riding skill levels. Most sites require reservations, especially during peak summer and fall riding seasons. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve also offers horse corral camping with electric sites, fire rings, picnic tables and direct access to riding trails. Water sources for horses are available at designated points throughout the trail networks. Horse owners should note that these facilities typically have specific manure disposal areas and require proof of negative Coggins tests for all equines entering the properties. The campgrounds' proximity to trails makes them convenient base camps for day-long rides.
"Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out."
"The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you!"
from $15 - $20 / night
"I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max."
from $20 / night
"CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."
from $20 - $26 / night
"The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground."
from $15 - $20 / night
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
from $8 - $50 / night
"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $14 / night
"Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."
"There are usually a lot of horse back riders on the hiking trails. Overall a great place to spend a weekend"
from $18 / night
ScoutNice staff members can't complain. It has everything needed to get away and still not stress about comfort well kept and maintained alcohol and campfire is a must to experience the full camping trip no hangover no fun just drink responsibly and be kind and respectful to other fellow campers
GuideThis site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
GuideLots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.
GuideBeautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers,toilets,30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property. Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon.
GuideI stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max. I was here mid-November in town for work and there was no more than four other campers at any point. Pretty basic surroundings though. There's barrel trash cans, didn't see a dumpster. Didn't see any toilet or shower buildings. Hardly any trees near the sites. Decent playground close by though, and a heavily wooded park with trails beyond that.
LegendCamped here for a family reunion. Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming. Excellent time spent with family and horses, will return again.
LegendDown the road from the sleepy little town of Bentonsport, IA is this small riverfront campground. On a Sunday afternoon in October, there were several RVs but almost all of the riverfront sites (which I would consider prime) were empty. But there were also chickens (apparently belonging to one of the campers) and two horse and buggies (I thought they might have been statues and then one of the horses whinnied!). There was no camp host or anyone else to speak with about the campground.
The view of the Des Moines River and the Bentonsport Bridge was beautiful, and it is an easy and short walk into town, although the town does not offer much in the way of amenities (unless you like fudge, and then you have to pick some up at Addie Mays in the Greef General Store). As far as restrooms go, there appeared to be only a small outhouse. I did not check it out since it looked like I would have had to walk through someone’s site to access it. If you have a fully contained RV, the river sites would be nice but otherwise, this campground does not have much to offer.
LegendMain CG has gravel lanes, showers, fire rings, tables, electric, nearby lodge and shelter with Cedar River access.
TravelerLots of full hookups. Sites a little close. Campground managers friendly and very helpful
Horse campgrounds near Oquawka, Illinois sit along the western border of Illinois and eastern Iowa, with most facilities located within a 40-mile radius. The region features rolling woodland terrain intersected by the Des Moines and Cedar Rivers, creating diverse riding environments. Winter temperatures typically drop to 15-20°F while summer averages 85-90°F with moderate humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for equestrian camping.
Trail riding with water access: At Big Hollow Recreation Area, riders can combine trail riding with lake activities. "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish," notes Sarah J.
Stargazing after rides: Indian Lake Park offers night sky viewing after daytime trail rides. "There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends. Hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, bird watching," says Dave N.
Historical exploration by horseback: The area's equestrian trails connect to historical sites. "Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, an Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing," explains Greg K. about the area near Bentonsport.
Well-designed equestrian facilities: Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground receives consistent praise for its horse-friendly design. "We had a wonderful time camping and riding the trails," says Dorothy H., while Kyle D. adds, "Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping."
Quality barn facilities: River Valley Horsecamp stands out for its equine infrastructure. "Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming. Excellent time spent with family and horses," shares Lesley R.
Level sites for trailer parking: Many equestrian campers appreciate flat camping surfaces. "Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring. No table at this site, but other sites in this area has tables," reports Fred S. about his stay at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends," warns Dave N. about Indian Lake Park.
Water access varies by site: Water hookups differ across campgrounds. "There is no water or sewer on your site but water is available in camp," explains Thomas B. about Bentonsport Riverside Park.
Site amenities differ by campground: Electric service ranges from basic to full. "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots," reports Travis R. about Big Hollow Recreation Area.
Playground access: Sites with play areas keep children entertained. "There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach," mentions Dave N. about Indian Lake Park facilities.
Multiple accommodation options: Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area offers various camping arrangements. "This is a large state park with separate camping loops. The equestrian loop was popular and we saw many there. It has plenty of shade and even what looked to be a horse water trough," observes Art S.
Budget-friendly options: Some sites offer affordable family camping. "Paid $10 for site," notes Fred S. about his primitive camping experience.
Hookup availability: Full hookups make horse camping comfortable. "Full hookup!!! There is a good sized lake that we have kayaked and swam in. The conservation officers are very nice and usually stop by to make sure everything is going great," reports Jeremy about Big Hollow Recreation Area.
Site spacing considerations: Look for sites with adequate room for both RV and horse trailer. "CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites, fire rings, wood available in park, tables," explains James M. about Loud Thunder Forest Preserve.
Shade availability: Tree cover varies significantly. "There are a few spots with morning shade but the whole place will get that hot afternoon sun. We saw a couple RVs running a/c with the electric sites," warns Art S. about non-equestrian loops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Oquawka, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oquawka, IL is Big Hollow Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Oquawka, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Oquawka, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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