16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Randolph County State Recreation Area offers eight stalls for horses at its equestrian campsite area, providing a dedicated facility for those traveling with equine companions near Prairie du Rocher. The recreation area encompasses 1,101 acres with a mix of wooded terrain and open areas suitable for horses. Campsites are well-maintained with gravel pads and shaded areas, though sites can be quite close together during busy periods. The equestrian area connects to hiking trails that wind through the park's rolling hills. Primitive campsites and sites with electric hookups are available, with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings with grill grates, and trash collection. The campground provides access to water fill stations with frost-free spigots, though individual water hookups are not available at campsites.
The trails throughout Randolph County provide moderate terrain suitable for horses of varying experience levels, with routes connecting to scenic overlooks and the 65-acre lake. Horse owners need to bring their own feed, as no on-site feed store exists. Reservations for the equestrian sites can be made through Reserve America, though some sites remain first-come, first-served. The park is located five miles northeast of Chester, offering convenient access to supplies when needed. Trailheads are clearly marked with adequate space for horse trailer parking. During summer months, the grounds are regularly mowed and maintained, creating safe riding conditions. The camping area provides sufficient space between equestrian sites to accommodate trailers and temporary corrals if needed. Fall and spring offer the most comfortable riding weather, with summer occasionally becoming quite hot and dry.
"My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."
"All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."
from $15 - $27 / night
Check Availability"Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area."
"This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
"The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that’s nice."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."
from $25 - $36 / night
Check Availability"There is no equestrian camping and the parking for horse trailers is super small. There’s a neat 7 mile loop goes by old stable as well."
"Babler State Park Wildwood, MO
💰 $12-$21/night
🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022
Site 48 ⚡️💧
🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)
➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
"single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"
"The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."
RangerNice park with a large camp sites with premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, two swimming beaches, equestrian trails, a hiking and bicycling trail and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.
LegendThis campground was packed, but it started off on the wrong foot. The entrance comes up quick and is right off a state highway with traffic moving between 65-80 mph so of course I passed the entrance and had to double back.
When I pulled into the park there was bunch of construction. There were a few trails but honestly it really seemed like an RV park with very few tents. The showers and bathrooms were clean but there were too many people, it was very crowded.
I should add as a positive that here were equestrian trails and a large parking lot to park your horse trailer.
St. Francois State Park is close to St. Louis so it is probably a popular destination, it just didn't feel like camping. I'm sure it will improve a little when the construction is completed, but I doubt it will be above three stars.
LegendCampground Review: This is a nice little hidden gem outside St Louis in a great county park. If you are a Six Flags kinda person, the amusement park sits at the southern entrance to Greensfelder. The park itself has some great hiking and biking trails, but the big draw is equestrian in nature (including eventing jumps along some of the trails). This campground caters to the horse-set, with more campsites attached to the equestrian park than not, which means you should make reservations in advance as it is a busy little campground. The equestrian camping area has a standing stall type open barn, a round pen for turn out, and large campsites designed for horse trailers. All of the sites with electric are meant for horse trailers as there are no amenities for RV's. The showers and toilets are in the horse camping portion of the campground. The non-horse camping area seemed to be an afterthought, and is along side a park artery leading to a boarding barn and more trails. I did like that there were two trail heads on opposite sides of the camping lot, and the trails were well marked. Expect this campground area to be busy as it is the staging area for equestrians who use the park.
Product Review: In July I won some gear from Primus for reviewing some campgrounds I visited earlier this summer. This was the first opportunity I had to try out my Primus Profile Camp Stove. This is a nice car camping stove; at eleven pounds, it isn't something to carry far. Things I liked about it include the wind guards, the latching lid, and the fairly thin profile when collapsed. For a two burner stove, it really didn't take up much room in my trunk and it is sturdy enough that I wasn't worried about piling gear on top of it. However, while new out of the box, the igniter didn't work. Glad I always pack a lighter. It's not going to boil water in record time, but certainly held a steady flame and was easy to adjust. I have other stoves, but this one seems like it will be my go to when car camping with friends as I can cook more on two burners than one. https://primus.us/collections/camping-stoves
GuideThere is no equestrian camping and the parking for horse trailers is super small. There’s a neat 7 mile loop goes by old stable as well.
LegendThis is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.
Park Information:
West Central Illinois
4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233
618-826-2706
N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..
Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.
GuideSmall campground ground ram by saint louis county parks. We were the only ones here. Heavy equestrian park, it’s not required (to have a horse) to stay here. A few piles of horses droppings but very well maintained. We stay about 30 feet to the right of the horse pin, and behind it where they dump the horse stuff really can’t smell anything. Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can’t be reserved. Pro -Most sites are great for trailers 26’ or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft) -2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug -Not to many trees hanging over your camper that would drop branches -site 29 where we stayed can fit a 40’ fifth wheel -a lot of room to back in -showers and restrooms year around -frost free water at both ends of the campground -usual fire pit, picnic table and grill -park campers on grass to be closer to one side or another of your site -sites are reservable
Cons -no water at sites -no 50 amps -no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away
-site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn’t realized till we parked. Only this one doesn’t have 30 -horses traffic on Saturday eventually from what the ranger told me once Covid is better -most sites back up to main road(mostly light traffic and none at night)
GuideI’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.
CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.
Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!
Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!
RangerSo, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario. The park is big enough you don’t hear the small engine vehicles over here.
The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that’s nice. Hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails. There’s even a nice 11 mile long paved trail that has some hills but will work for kids/strollers/etc.
There are a number of more interesting parks in the area for what I think of as a true camping experience, but this is a good one if you’re also on the pokemon plan (gotta camp ‘em all). If you like atv/utv/dirt bike stuff, man, campground one is for you, and it looks like a blast, read up on the lead mine tailing warnings.
RangerLocated on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.
We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.
Randolph County State Recreation Area features 1,101 acres of wooded terrain with equestrian camping options about five miles northeast of Chester. The recreation area sits in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois with a 65-acre lake built in 1961. Sites can accommodate horse trailers with nearby water spigots and electrical connections. Campers report varying levels of privacy across the campground's different sections, with some preferring the walk-in sites for more seclusion.
Fishing at multiple lakes: At Randolph County State Recreation Area, the 65-acre lake offers good fishing opportunities with easy shoreline access. "Nice little lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating," notes Joel R.
Visit nearby historic sites: The town of Prairie du Rocher sits near Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, a reconstructed 18th-century French fort worth exploring when taking a break from camping. The fort hosts regular historical reenactments during summer months and offers exhibits on the region's French colonial history.
Explore Shawnee National Forest: Johnson Creek Recreation Area provides access to Shawnee National Forest trails about an hour from Prairie du Rocher. "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake. The campground is in the Shawnee National Forest, and We heard several owls calling in the trees around us when we went to bed," shares Joel R.
Peaceful atmosphere: Most campers appreciate the quiet setting at Randolph County. "Quiet and peaceful," notes reviewer C.O., highlighting one of the most common positive remarks about the area's horse campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: Horseshoe Lake State Park offers excellent bird watching, especially during migration seasons. "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru," says Kent B. The park preserves a natural oxbow lake that attracts diverse wildlife.
Lake access and swimming: During summer, the recreation areas near Prairie du Rocher provide lake access for cooling off. "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view," mentions Shirlee A. about Randolph County, adding that her family with toddlers found the area very accessible.
Site reservation requirements: About half the sites at Randolph County require reservations through ReserveAmerica, while others remain first-come, first-served. "Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front. $18 a night," explains Matthew H.
Basic amenities only: Pyramid State Recreation Area typifies the level of amenities at campgrounds in this region. "The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent," reports Logan W.
Seasonal variations: Different seasons offer very different camping experiences near Prairie du Rocher. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures and best conditions for trail riding, while summer can become hot and humid. Winter camping is possible but facilities may be limited.
Playgrounds available: Several recreation areas near Prairie du Rocher offer play equipment. "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground," mentions Shirlee A. about her stay with toddlers at Randolph County.
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy spotting the abundant wildlife in the area. "The nature is beautiful and cute little forest bunnies running around!" notes Shirlee A., highlighting the family-friendly wildlife viewing opportunities.
Water safety considerations: St. Joe State Park Campground offers swimming areas with varying levels of supervision. "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" reports Olivia S. Always check current water conditions before allowing children to swim.
Site angles and accessibility: Many of the horse campgrounds near Prairie du Rocher have tight turning angles for larger rigs. "Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots," warns Matthew H. about Randolph County.
Electric considerations: Most sites offer only 20-30 amp service. "2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug," notes Matthew about Greensfelder County Park, adding that "site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn't realized till we parked. Only this one doesn't have 30."
Fill water before parking: Since individual sites lack water hookups, plan accordingly. "50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front," mentions Matthew H., highlighting the importance of filling tanks before setting up at your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Prairie du Rocher, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Prairie du Rocher, IL is St. Francois State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Prairie du Rocher, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Prairie du Rocher, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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