Shimek State Forest offers equestrian camping options with seasonal accessibility from April through October. The forest contains over 9,000 acres of woodland terrain with elevations ranging from 500 to 680 feet above sea level. Winter conditions often close trails due to snow and ice, while summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding adventures: Access over 25 miles of designated horse trails through Shimek State Forest's diverse terrain. The trails connect directly to both the Upper and Lower Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground where campers report "We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails" according to Dorothy H.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at nearby lakes within 30-minute drives from horse campgrounds near Quincy, Illinois. Siloam Springs State Park Campground offers productive fishing spots as Elisha P. notes, "I actually haven't fished it much but everyone around here loves to catch trout there."
Archery practice: Visit specialized archery ranges within a 45-minute drive of equestrian campgrounds. The Frank Russell Campground features "an archery range and equestrian site" according to Lindsey C., making it ideal for campers wanting to practice their marksmanship between trail rides.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Equestrian campgrounds near Quincy experience minimal traffic Monday through Thursday. At Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area, "The equestrian loop was popular and we saw many there. It has plenty of shade and even what looked to be a horse water trough," reports Art S.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and camping areas provide comfortable stays. Indian Creek Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness as Amie M. explains, "Each loop has a big bathroom with massive showers. One of our showers even had a handheld nozzle! And each loop has their own dumpster."
Spacious sites: Campsites provide ample room for horse trailers and camping equipment. Rodeo Park offers "Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box" according to Sam H., though he notes there's "Hardly any trees near the sites."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most horse trails close during winter months and after heavy rainfall due to safety concerns. Plan accordingly and check trail conditions before arrival.
Limited supplies: Stock up before arriving at Indian Creek Campground as Amie M. advises: "This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in... 25 min from Walgreens, 45 min from Walmart."
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds require advance bookings, especially for weekend stays from May through September when sites fill quickly. Self-registration may be available during off-peak periods.
Insects and ticks: Prepare for significant bug activity during summer months. At Indian Creek, one camper reports: "Only issue I had was the amount of bugs that were everywhere. When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: Select shorter loop trails under 3 miles for first-time riders. Siloam Springs offers options as Olivia S. shares: "The trails are pretty well marked and are best in mid/late fall or early spring. We've redone them numerous times and still enjoy them. My favorite trails are the Red Oak and Hoot Owl!"
Playground access: Families appreciate recreational areas near camping sites. Rodeo Park features a "Decent playground close by though, and a heavily wooded park with trails beyond that" according to Sam H.
Swimming options: Cool off at designated swimming areas after trail riding. Emily C. from Frank Russell Campground reports, "Down the road a walk away. There is a trail that leads right to the water where we were able to have a swim and not have to leave the campground."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many equestrian campgrounds feature concrete or gravel pads for stable parking. At Frank Russell Campground, Doug W. observed: "The sites are all paved and most are well spaced," though he cautions "the photos of the sites are a bit deceiving. I thought my site, #6, was dead level. While it was level side to side, it had about 6" of slope front to back."
Full hookup availability: Select sites with comprehensive RV connections. Jan K. appreciated that Frank Russell offered a "perfectly level... paved parking pad" and mentioned the convenience of using "their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park."
Electric amperage options: Check whether 30-amp or 50-amp service is available before booking. Campsites at Lick Creek Unit - Lower Equestrian Campground provide both fifty-amp and thirty-amp electrical service with water hookups for RVs accompanying horse campers.
