Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground provides equestrian facilities with horse corrals for camping near Peoria Heights. This established campground accommodates both tent and RV camping alongside equestrian use, with access available via boat, vehicle, or walking. The campground offers picnic tables, drinking water, toilet facilities, and trash service. Alcohol is permitted, and fires are allowed at designated fire rings. The campground particularly serves riders exploring the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park trail system. Sites are situated to accommodate horses and their owners, with basic amenities focused on practical outdoor accommodations rather than luxury facilities.
Horseman's Park at Sand Ridge State Forest serves as another equestrian option in the region, located southwest of Peoria Heights near Forest City. While lacking dedicated horse corrals, this campground accommodates equestrian visitors with sites designed for those traveling with horses. The campground provides big-rig friendly access, toilet facilities, picnic tables, drinking water, and trash service. Campsites are reservable and can accommodate both tents and RVs. Jubilee College State Park also offers excellent horse trails that are well-maintained, with a trail system that supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Many equestrians appreciate the multi-use trails that are regularly maintained and mowed, providing good riding conditions throughout most seasons.
"Excellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained."
"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
"This is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables."
"Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn’t get a lot of action."
from $8 / night
from $22 / night
"Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
"Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"
from $8 / night
"Near the back you can camp right alongside the river. Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."
from $8 / night
"hey, there were some pretty outstanding trails to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was"
"quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"
from $10 / night
"Nestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience."
"Shade trees, soft grass, a nice trail to walk & great views. The stars in the night sky are breathtaking! This isn't some posh camping for someone looking to get a resort-feel."
from $8 / night
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
TravelerYou must pack in your own water and there are no electric hookups. Beautiful well maintained grounds with lots of open sky for starlink.
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
ScoutI live near this park and have used it regularly for years. It is certainly nothing special... just a nice average park. I usually do a combination van and tent camp here and it is totally adequate for that. It looks to be fine for RVs as well. The pit toilets are usually clean and relatively bug free. The shower house is clean and adequate. I just think of this as my "local campground"... my go to for a quick weekend getaway to set up and use my gear, and have friends out to share a fire. The park itself is nice, quiet and clean. You will see deer and raccoons. Jubilee is off a County Highway (Rt 150), about 5 miles off I-74. Small town with DG and Gas stations are about 5 miles away; Peoria IL is 15ish miles away.
LegendNestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience. Spread across multiple sites like Lock 6, Lock 11, Lock 21, Bridge 14, and Lock 22, this park stretches its campsites along a historic towpath beside century-old canal locks. First impressions? Think gentle grass clearings, basic picnic setups and a nostalgic vibe that combines outdoor adventure with engineering heritage all the while living up to bare-bones camping ethos.
Facilities remain strictly primitive as this is ‘Class C’ camping, meaning no hookups, no showers, no modern frills … just a pit toilet and a fire ring at each site. Cost is only $8 per night per family. Youth groups pay a minimum daily fee starting at $20. Other perks: senior citizens and disabled campers may qualify for free stays, depending on day and status. You’ll need to stop by the Visitor Center near Sheffield to pay (no reservations and everything at each lock is considered first-come, first-served), and all the drinking water is only available at central locations at each lock, not at individual campsites, so plan accordingly. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and campfires must stay in designated pits.
The setting is deeply outdoorsy and expansive. The canal’s towpath is a cyclist’s and hiker’s dream, with up to 155 miles to explore (miles of level surface, biking, hiking, horseback riding in some sections and even snowmobiling when it’s seasonally open). Anglers love the Hennepin Canal system as the waters are regularly stocked with bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish and even trout during special stocking events. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted with portage around non-operational locks and birding or historical sightseeing along the route is a delightful bonus.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Pick campsites closest to the canal but slightly back from parking that will deliver land that is flatter, vistas that are more scenic and spaces that are quieter; (2) Swing by the Visitor Center near Sheffield first for maps and essential info as you’ll need drinking water from there in case you didn’t bring your own;(3) If traveling with a dog or horse, check designations as only certain sites (e.g. Lock 21) allow equestrian camping; (4) Fishermen should bring rods early as anglers that I encountered say the catches here are worth the effort; (5) No pumps / dump stations so pack accordingly and use nearby towns for full services; and (6) Post-camping grub: head to Sheffield afterward for local eats like Belluccio’s for deep dish pizza, Italian beef & sausage sandwiches, Café 129 with its smoked prime rib and Red’s Bar & Grill for fantastic deep fried pork tenderloin sandwiches, which is a staple in these parts.
Happy Camping!
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
ScoutListed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
GuideWater was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets. Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights.
GuideBeautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.
Equestrian camping options near Peoria Heights, Illinois focus on practical accommodations that serve riders exploring the region's trail systems. Located in central Illinois with primarily flat terrain punctuated by occasional valleys, the area features a mix of prairie, forest, and waterway environments. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with most campgrounds open from spring through fall when temperatures range from 50-85°F during camping season.
Trail riding on varied terrain: At Jubilee College State Park Campground, riders appreciate the well-maintained paths. "Excellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained," notes Rachel H. The multi-use trails accommodate various experience levels.
Winter camping options: Jubilee College State Park remains accessible year-round for cold-weather enthusiasts. "I have camped at this park several times over the last few years. Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself," shares Jonathan J.
Waterway exploration: Comlara County Park provides lake access for boating enthusiasts. "The campground is very big with lots of sites and since we were there at the end of October, there were not many other people around. We got a beautiful spot right on the lake," reports Sarah S. Fishing opportunities are abundant, though additional fees apply for water activities.
Stargazing opportunities: The open skies away from urban light pollution create ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "Great campground to get out of the city. The viewing of stars is incredible," says Joe M. about Jubilee College State Park Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground offers peaceful surroundings. "Depending upon how you look at it, this CG had no one there on the 3 occasions we visited – which was fine for us, but some might find the solitude here a bit daunting," explains Stuart K. Weekdays typically see fewer visitors.
Wildlife encounters: Local fauna adds interest to equestrian camping experiences. "Occasionally, if you are especially quiet, you'll come across no shortage of white-tailed deer or wild turkeys foraging through the crabapple and plum trees that are scattered throughout the forest here," notes Stuart K. about Matthiessen State Park.
Budget-friendly options: Most equestrian campgrounds in the area maintain affordable rates. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, "Fee is $8 however if you're an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights," according to Jeff F.
Primitive facilities: Expect basic amenities at most sites. "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal," reports Jeff and Linda L. about Hennepin Canal Lock 21.
Local wildlife awareness: Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters. "At about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them," shares Ashley C. about an experience at Jubilee College State Park.
Water recreation planning: Deer Creek Campground offers swimming options. "Nice place and people very helpful and beach is so clean," mentions Leslie. Families should bring their own water recreation equipment as rental availability varies by location.
Playground access: Comlara County Park includes facilities specifically for children. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," says Sage C. Arrive early to secure sites near play areas during busy weekends.
Campsite selection strategy: For family camping, choose sites strategically. "The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups. We tent camp and majority for the sites also have plenty of room for one or two tents," explains Brooke C. about Jubilee College State Park.
Limited RV services: Most equestrian campgrounds offer basic RV accommodation without full hookups. "The campground has nice bathrooms and hookups," notes Sarah S. about Comlara County Park, though specific hookup types vary by campground.
Site leveling challenges: Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "There is a large open area for tent camping but no real space for rv's. We set up in the parking lot and nobody asked us to move," reports Art S. RVers should bring leveling blocks.
Seasonal access considerations: Campground roads may become difficult during wet periods. "We stayed during the week... It was super quiet, a few farmers and some people stop in to go fishing. We had our camper and barriers are in place to keep vehicles out of the tent camping area so had to camp in the parking lot," shares Jeff F. about Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Peoria Heights, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Peoria Heights, IL is Jubilee College State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Peoria Heights, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Peoria Heights, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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