While Sangchris Lake State Park Campground near Rochester offers campsites with electric hookups and accommodates pets, it lacks dedicated horse facilities such as corrals or stalls for equestrian campers. The campground's two areas—Deer Run and Hickory Point—provide options for tent, RV, and cabin camping, but neither specifically caters to horse owners. Sites are clean with fire pits and picnic tables, and the campground hosts are described as friendly and helpful by visitors. The bathrooms are basic, with non-flushable toilets at the primitive sites and shower facilities that require push-button activation.
The trails at Sangchris Lake State Park are accessible to hikers but lack proper maintenance for horseback riding, with bridges and paths in deteriorating condition according to visitor reports. Similarly, the Illinois State Fair Campground in nearby Springfield offers camping on grassy areas with shade trees or paved parking lots with hookups, but has no listed horse-specific amenities. For equestrians seeking dedicated facilities, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area located approximately 30 miles northwest offers more extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, though specific horse accommodations aren't detailed in the available information. Riders looking for horse-friendly campgrounds may need to venture further from Rochester for proper equestrian camping facilities.
"These walk in sites check all the boxes. At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. "
"Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind."
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
"The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking. I kind of miss tent camping!!!"
"Bathrooms are basic and in the front of the camp loops so you have a walk if you stay in the back like I did. Also, water is in the center of the loop so not very convenient. "
"As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away."
"The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well."
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
"It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out"
"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."
"Praire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tentand cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU. 2."
"The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."
"Lots of equestrian parking and camping flush toilets neat trails very swell nice better if s en during the fall. Fishing and boatibg here as well."
"We camp at the equestrian loop, unlike some campgrounds we have our own shower house with three showers and three bathroom stalls."
from $20 / night
TravelerCamp Host is very friendly and brought firewood to our site. Bath/shower house was clean. We were in the equestrian campground due to our 73 foot overall length. It was a great stay for visiting family. There are a lot of outdoor activities at the lake area, but no pool.
TravelerThe campsite is nice plenty of spaces spaced out nicely, but there’s absolutely no signage. took us forever to decide where we could park and what to do. tiny little sign on the Rangers house. Led us to a website and then charged us $50. Not what we were expecting. Plan ahead on this one.
ScoutThis campground is primarily for RVs and people with boats, given the lake nearby. There are five tent sites set back into the trees a bit. They are nicely laid out. There are a couple of picnic sites on the lake that are pleasant. What it needs for TLC is give the pit toilets a rehab. The one I used was filthy and the throne was almost completely unbolted. The water pump by the tent sites is inoperative and there seems to be only one location where one works, so you have to use your car to get water. It doesn't have showers but you can use one at a nearby campground if you really need. Bottom line: fix the toilets and water and I'd give this a four.
RangerOur campsite was the best! At the end of the road with lake frontage, it was quiet, private and relaxing. Cell service with AT&T was weak with 1 bar. Vault toilet nearby with very clean showers about 500 yds away. Great host!
ScoutIt one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out
ScoutCampground host is super cool. Best campground in the Springfield area, in my opinion!
ScoutThis is the bigger campground between hickory point and deer run options. The shower house, snack shop, and city water are onsite. There are vault toilets near the primitive camping, as well as another water spigot. Playground, pavillion, and sand volleyball court give options to entertain kids, with plenty of fishing, trails, and lake views to entertain the adults. We primitive camped here at the closest site to the parking. #57 is the closest, with the rest of the primitive sites being more of a trek to the site. However, the privacy, quietness, and views are 100% worth the trek to us. We did camp with a doggo, who does bark at passerby’s that are “too close” in her opinion but otherwise doesn’t. All the campers during our stay except for one very disruptive couple, did not complain at all and many came to give her loves or treats to help prevent further barking when they passed by. And honestly, the couple that did make the comment, clearly need to be at different campgrounds because the host had to come break them up after quiet hours began and they didn’t respect that rule. We also then were woken up by the same couple as they were packing up the next morning due to them yelling at each other. The hosts did try to make sure they slowed down while passing this site though, and I do believe if we had made some sort of complaint to them, they would have handled it immediately. We love this campground, and honestly we feel as if anywhere there are rvs allowed, you will likely have someone make a comment about the dog. It’s never been other tent campers, even the ones on electric sites. The snack shop has ice (currently $3 even a bag, with hosts including tax in the $3 to make it easier for campers), firewood bundles (not sure on price) as well as many smaller campground necessities including snacks and drinks, some fishing tackle, and some other camping things such as bug spray and sunblock. I did not check any prices on those. There is technically a bait shop also nearby, though between two longer stays here and at deer run, we’ve only seen him open once. And according to one of the hosts, he doesn’t seem to have “regular hours” other than he’s for sure closed Sundays and Mondays. The following Tuesday after learning this, he was also closed all day. So I’m not sure about anything there. He does also have an ice machine outside though.
ScoutCouple camping here, spent multiple nights in a row in primitive camping here. As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away. Shower house and city water available that way. Playground for kiddos on site. Lots of people bring pets, including equestrian for those campsite. Those do include the post to tie up on at each site. The hosts (bob and dawn were really checking in on us that stay, including being able to help when we accidentally killed our car battery. They also made thorough and consistent rounds which we appreciated. Also had Lynn, one of the idnr guys here, come back at the end of his shift to make sure we had learned about the storms coming in. He even checked in again the next chance he got to make sure we were okay still. We did end up leaving early, to which there is not refunds (I think this is state parks in general) however at $6 a night for primitive, we took that loss especially during an extreme heat warning (for multiple days). If you want a quieter campsite, I would recommend this one over hickory point as hickory point seems to be more RVers instead of the more primitive style of camping tends to be.
RangerRolled in on a July Saturday at 6:30pm. There are hundreds of sites at this campground and so many were still open. Was looking for a Class C site (I.e. rustic site, no hookups). Chatted with camp hosts « papa Bruce » and « grandma sugar burger » They were so sweet and accommodating. For same day, it’s first come first serve so bring cash - you can online pay with a card online 3 days minimum before. 8$ Class C and 20$ Class A (hookup). Dump station and water and trash receptacles. Lots of hiking trails and eating activities - sadly we didn’t have time to explore.
Sangchris Lake State Park offers 120 campsites across two campgrounds, set on 3,000 acres of central Illinois woodland surrounding a 2,165-acre reservoir. The park sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures that average 85°F during peak camping season. Winters reach average lows of 29°F, making April through October the primary camping window for most visitors.
Fishing opportunities: Sangchris Lake provides good fishing conditions with multiple fishing docks. "All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground," notes Greg S. about the Hickory Point area at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground.
Kayaking and water activities: The lake offers calm waters for paddling. "Had fun kayaking here too," mentions Rhonda W. "We are enjoying our stay at Hickory Point Campground Lot 23 at Sangchris Lake State Park... Beautiful shoreline lots," adds Jason L., highlighting the lake access.
Playground access: For families with children, playground facilities provide recreation options. "The park has a great play area," notes Jessica D. about Sangchris Lake State Park Campground. This makes it convenient for families needing to keep children entertained between outdoor activities.
Wildlife observation: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife viewing. "Plenty of wildlife to observe and wonderful fishing to be had. Great to ride a bike around, too!" says Jessica N. about her experience at Hickory Point campground.
Shoreline camping spots: Lakeside sites are highly valued by campers. "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from," shares Kaitlin D., describing Sangchris Lake State Park Campground as "our close to home, fave weekender site."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility maintenance. "Clean bathhouse. Campground hosts very helpful. Electric only but water available and nice dump station," notes Greg S. about Hickory Point campground.
Quiet atmosphere: The peaceful environment appeals to many visitors. "This campground is very well kept. Beautiful setting and delightful people that run it," shares Jeanne D. about Hickory Point. For those seeking more seclusion, "Deer Run is mostly trailers and RVs, but can easily accommodate tent campers, and is less crowded than Hickory Point," according to Amy S.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more basic experiences, Primitive Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek offers alternative options. "Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade. These are walk in sites ranging from 0.10 miles to 0.50 miles from the parking lot. Just $6 a night," reports Amanda C.
Electric hookup limitations: While electric hookups are available, capacity issues can occur during peak usage. Susan L. cautions about Sangchris Lake State Park Campground: "Because of the heat over this holiday weekend and a completely full campground, the electricity couldn't meet the demand and a transformer blew."
Shower facilities: Shower quality varies across campgrounds. "The showers required a push button activation every 10-15 seconds, but after about the 10th time I did get a little hot water," reports Carol about Sangchris Lake State Park.
Water access considerations: Most sites don't have water hookups directly at the site. "Electric only but water available," mentions Greg S., so campers should prepare accordingly with water containers or longer hoses.
Seasonal variations: Campground experience changes significantly with seasons. "I recommend visiting in the fall after Labor Day, October when leaves are changing is my favorite time for this campground," suggests Michael M. about Wolf Creek State Park Campground.
Playground access priority: For families with children, sites near recreational facilities are advantageous. "The kids had a great time even though due to covid-19 the playground was closed," mentions Jamie C. about Sangchris Lake. Consider selecting campsites within walking distance of play areas.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with suitable biking terrain. At Illinois State Fair Campground, "Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front," suggests Faith J., noting the paved areas good for bikes.
Consider tent campsites: While many families use RVs, tent options provide unique experiences. "I stayed at the tent sites. They are first come, first served, and a short walk from the parking spots," shares Mike G. about Hickory Point, highlighting the accessibility.
Check bathroom facilities: For longer stays with children, bathroom quality matters. "The bathrooms were dirty and weren't cleaned until Friday," notes Heidi about Wolf Creek State Park, suggesting midweek visits might encounter less maintained facilities.
Electric/water location assessment: RVers should verify utility access before setup. "We needed a 100 ft fresh water hose to fill up. Luckily a friendly neighbor had one for us to borrow!" shares Jennifer K. about Primitive Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek.
Site selection for large rigs: Site dimensions matter for larger vehicles. "Site 24 is huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric but no water at site," notes Susan L. about Sangchris Lake, providing specific site recommendations for bigger rigs.
Full hookup availability: Full hookups are limited in the region. "One row of full hookups, like a parking lot layout," reports Never Sitting S. about the Illinois State Fair Campground, one of the few locations offering sewer connections.
Weather preparedness: Be ready for variable conditions. "It stormed pretty bad the second night there. Woke up to find my tent wasn't so waterproof," mentions Jamie C., highlighting the need for proper equipment even in established campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rochester, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rochester, IL is Sangchris Lake State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rochester, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Rochester, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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