Equestrian campgrounds near Peru, Illinois offer primitive camping options with basic amenities for riders and their horses. Facilities typically sit on slight inclines or near small bodies of water, with most providing water spigots, vault toilets, and picnic areas. Campsites include wooden hitching posts, round-abouts for exercise, and ample space for horses to rest. The region features mixed prairie and hardwood forest terrain with trails ranging from 5-12 miles through varying landscapes.
What to do
Trail riding along historic waterways: Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground connects directly to the crushed gravel Hennepin Canal Trail. "The gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8," notes Jeff and Linda L., who visited Lock 21 Campground.
Fishing in quiet waters: Several horse campgrounds provide access to stocked ponds and canals. "Fishing is good! Bull-heads, sun fish, big mouth bass are abundant," according to Jeny C. who camped at Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing in prairie settings: The natural areas surrounding these equestrian sites support diverse wildlife. At Franklin Creek, "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. Cottontail rabbits are scurrying around trying to stay hidden from the several bald eagles that conquer the skies," describes Stuart K.
What campers like
Spacious sites with minimal crowding: The equestrian campgrounds typically provide ample space between sites. At Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground, Stuart K. notes, "Sites are spacious and nicely shaded."
Complete solitude: Many equestrian camps see minimal use outside peak seasons. "We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces," reported Jeff and Linda L. at Lock 21 Campground. Similarly, Jennifer T. observed at Hennepin Canal Lock 22, "My stay was on a Saturday night, and my dog and I were the only ones camping there."
Budget-friendly pricing: Most equestrian sites have minimal fees. At Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground, Jeff F. mentioned, "We stayed during the week (it's free then to IL residents over 65, otherwise it's $8)."
What you should know
Strict equestrian-only policies: Many sites enforce horse-owner requirements. Amanda C. shares her experience at Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground: "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty. Gave me my $8 back though."
Limited amenities require preparation: Facilities are minimal at these primitive sites. Art S. explains about Hennepin Canal Lock 22: "There is a large open area for tent camping but no real space for RVs. We set up in the parking lot and nobody asked us to move... A pit toilet and water pump can be found. There were just a few picnic tables and campfire rings."
Seasonal considerations: Water access varies through the year. Jeff F. notes at Hennepin Canal Lock 22, "The place needed mowed badly," and advises, "We used the Loves T/S at Atkinson" since there's "no water, or dump station."
Tips for camping with families
Grist mill exploration opportunities: Historical features enhance family visits. Stuart K. explains that Franklin Creek "features a fully functioning grist mill that goes all the way back to early Americana where corn meal and wheat flour were made from the stream currents of water passing by... On weekends, you can actually take the kids to this site, located just 70 yards west of the Equestrian Campground for a super-cool interactive exhibition."
Water activities at developed sites: For families wanting more amenities, Comlara County Park offers additional recreation. "You can rent boats and kayaks to take out on the lake during the day and grills throughout the park to have a bbq at night with friends. There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy," says Sage C.
Natural creek exploration: Stream features provide natural play areas. At Franklin Creek State Natural Area, "You'll also discover that there is a very nice stream here that the kids will love jumping across and/or wading in searching for crawdads or small fish," notes Stuart K.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most equestrian sites have minimal RV facilities. Art S. notes about Hennepin Canal Lock 22: "There is a large open area for tent camping but no real space for RVs. We set up in the parking lot and nobody asked us to move."
Hookup availability varies: Some campgrounds offer basic utilities. At Big Rock Campground, Amanda K. reports: "As someone who normally camps in state parks with only electricity hookups, this site was a welcome treat... Water + 50amp hookups. Wide, open spaces for kids to ride bikes and explore wildflowers... Sites seem to be mostly level."
Extension hoses required: Water access points are often distant from sites. Amanda K. cautions about Big Rock Campground: "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!"
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