Horseman's Park in Sand Ridge State Forest offers equestrian camping on a loop system with tie-up posts at each site, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The outer ring sites provide more privacy against the woods, while the inner ring creates a group camping atmosphere. Multiple manure disposal areas are available throughout the campground. The $8 fee is collected on an honor system, with staff not always present, especially for late arrivals. The campground remains relatively quiet with limited occupancy even on weekends.
The trail system accessible directly from camp includes routes up to 15 miles long, with the Yellow Loop known for its challenging sand hills that provide an excellent workout for energetic horses. Most trails in the natural area permit horses, though riders should remain alert for hikers and hunters who also use the paths. Across the road from the main campground, day-use riders can park their trailers in a designated area that frequently fills on weekends. Horseman's Park represents a hidden gem in central Illinois, offering sandy terrain and pine forest riding experiences that create an unusual desert-like environment for the region. The campground empties considerably on Saturdays as many riders prefer day-use visits.
"Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies. The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups."
"Excellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained."
"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
"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
from $22 / 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
"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.
Horseman's Park in Sand Ridge State Forest provides horse camping options in a central Illinois location featuring sandy terrain and pine forests. The equestrian-specific sites include tie-up posts at campsites arranged in inner and outer rings. Most trails in the natural area allow horses, with routes up to 15 miles long including challenging sand hills on the Yellow Loop. The $8 fee operates on an honor system, with limited staff presence, especially for late arrivals. Occupancy remains relatively low even on weekends, and the campground typically empties on Saturdays as riders prefer day-use visits.
Trail riding along the canal system: At Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, horseback riders can explore miles of trail alongside the historic waterway. "The Hennepin Canal Trail goes right through camp. On a previous visit I rode my bike along the crushed gravel trail. With a few connecting roads, I traveled from a Chicago suburb to the Mississippi River. While I didn't see any horses then we did see a couple riding on the trail today," notes Art S.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers find plenty of options at small lakes and ponds near equestrian camping areas. "There's a small fishing pond off the road a bit," mentions Jonathan J. about Jubilee College State Park Campground. The park offers year-round fishing access even during winter camping seasons.
Enjoy water activities: For those looking to combine horse camping with water recreation, several options exist within an hour's drive. "Excellent horse trails. Went with a group of around 8 people and it was beautiful! Well maintained," reports Rachel H. about the trails at Jubilee College State Park, which also offers fishing opportunities in the park's pond.
Privacy in equestrian campgrounds: At Comlara County Park, campers appreciate the spacious sites and varied camping options. "Camped here twice-once tent and once in new camper. Well kept campground. Nice lake-good fishing. RV sites fairly close together with not many/any trees for privacy. Tent sites a bit more spread apart however all traffic from campground routes by tent sites due to one way traffic," shares Kathie M.
Star gazing opportunities: The rural settings of equestrian camping areas provide excellent night sky viewing. "Great campground to get out of the city. The viewing of stars is incredible," notes Joe M. about Jubilee College State Park. The open areas around many horse camps offer unobstructed views of the night sky.
Natural surroundings: Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground offers unique landscape features. "Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your steed with simply amazing great galloping trails as well as numerous places to tie up your four-hoofed friend," describes Stuart K. The limestone formations and canyon features create a distinctive riding experience.
Horse-specific requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds near Peoria strictly enforce horse presence requirements. "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty. Gave me my $8 back though," reports Amanda C. about Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground.
Variable bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities at horse camps range from basic to primitive. "The bathrooms were disgusting, like probably not cleaned in years gross," warns Jenn K. about one park. At Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground, "The picnic tables were in a bad state, with boards missing and deteriorating wood, so it could use some upkeep."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for possible wildlife interactions when staying overnight. "This camping spot was very quiet and secluded, just like I wanted, but at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them," recounts Ashley C. about her experience at Jubilee College State Park.
Look for campgrounds with play areas: While many equestrian camps focus on horse amenities, some offer additional recreation for children. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," mentions Sage C. about Comlara County Park.
Consider day-use areas: For families new to horse camping, try the day-use facilities first. "Across the road is a spot for day use riders to park their trailers. There were a bunch parked when we passed it," notes Art S. about Sand Ridge Horse Campground.
Plan for insects: Central Illinois horse camps can have significant bug populations. "The bugs (of all kinds including ticks and mosquitoes) are pretty terrible and I would recommend going either in the early spring or late fall. Not June," advises Joy H. about Sand Ridge Horse Campground.
Site selection for trailers: When bringing horse trailers and RVs, choose outer ring sites when possible. "The outer ring sites are more private and up against the woods," explains Art S. about Sand Ridge Horse Campground. These sites typically offer more room for larger vehicles.
Water access considerations: Many horse campgrounds have limited water hookups. "There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or a filtration system," cautions Stuart K. about Deer Creek Campground.
Winter access: Some equestrian campgrounds remain accessible year-round. "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. about winter stays at Jubilee College State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Peoria, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Peoria, 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, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Peoria, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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