Giant City State Park includes both standard camping areas and an equestrian camping section with 25 sites located apart from the main campground. The park offers a range of terrain from flat camping areas to steep hiking trails with elevation changes of up to 200 feet in some sections. The equestrian campground connects directly to riding trails that range from 2 to 15 miles in length, traversing diverse habitats including wetlands, upland hardwood forests, and dramatic sandstone formations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Crab Orchard Lake, fishing is especially productive for catfish and crappie. "This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees," notes camper Never Sitting S. Boat access is available for those who bring their own watercraft.
Rock climbing: Several areas near Giant City State Park offer climbing opportunities for experienced climbers. "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else," advises Josh M. Bring your own gear as rentals aren't available in the park.
Wildlife viewing: The trails around horse campgrounds near Pomona, Illinois provide excellent wildlife watching. Early morning and dusk offer the best chances to spot deer, turkey, and various bird species. Ferne Clyffe State Park's diverse habitat supports a memorable natural light show. "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" shares Stephanie S.
What campers like
Accessible trails: The equestrian camping areas near Pomona connect to well-marked trail systems suited for various rider skill levels. Deer Ridge Campground offers "trails to and from the campground all across the park, great personnel, accessibility throughout the park, scenic locations within a mile walk from the campground," according to Hannah S.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained shower houses and bathrooms at Pomona area campgrounds. "The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean!" notes Shana D. about the facilities. Most equestrian campgrounds provide basic amenities like water access points and vault toilets.
Stargazing conditions: The rural location of many campgrounds creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. Johnson Creek Campground offers a particularly dark sky experience. "Due to the somewhat rural location you could not beat the view of the stars at night," shares one reviewer about camping in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal changes: Trail conditions in Shawnee National Forest and surrounding areas vary significantly by season. Spring brings muddy trails with frequent flooding of low areas, while summer trail usage is limited by heat and insects. Fall typically offers the best riding conditions with moderate temperatures and colorful foliage.
Reservation systems: Most equestrian campgrounds near Pomona use different reservation systems. At Ferne Clyffe State Park, "You take an open spot and pay the park ranger or host when they come around," explains Glenda, noting that "no answer to phone calls and reservation webpage dropped us twice."
Trail markings: Some trail systems lack clear markings or distance indicators. One camper observed that "the trail itself is tricky. It does have markings, which keep you on the trail, but there's no way of knowing how far along the hike you are, or how long the hike even is."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: South Sandusky Campground provides recreational facilities for children. "The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size. The kids loved the playground. There were kids everywhere and everyone was very friendly!" reports Missy D.
Junior ranger programs: Several parks in the Pomona area offer educational programs for children during summer months. These typically include guided hikes, wildlife identification activities, and conservation lessons appropriate for ages 5-12.
Easy trails: For families with children or beginners riding horses, stick to the designated beginner trails which are clearly marked at trailheads. "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls," recommends one camper about nearby hiking options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campsites in the region require significant leveling. "The sites are not level front to back, so you need to unhook. No biggie," advises Greg S. about Shawnee Forest Campground. Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Water access: Not all campsites have individual water hookups. "No water hook up at each site, only electricity," notes one camper. Others mention "Water is available at central hydrants, though not at individual sites." Bring extra hoses if needed to reach shared water spigots.
Road conditions: Access roads to some horse camping areas can be challenging for larger trailers. Most equestrian campgrounds are designed for standard truck and horse trailer combinations under 40 feet total length, with limited turning radius at some campgrounds.
