Best Equestrian Camping near Salem, IL

Looking for a place to camp near Salem with your horse? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. These scenic and easy-to-reach Illinois campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Salem, IL (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway

    2. Dam West Spillway

    10 Reviews
    30 Photos
    4 Saves
    Carlyle, Illinois

    Overview

    Dam West Spillway is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

    Recreation

    Dam West Spillway provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is plenty of open space for children to play and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam.

    Facilities

    Dam West Spillway has one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as an accessible fishing pier and several amenities. It is within walking distance of a marina and boat storage facility and connected to the Dam West Day Use Area and Recreation Area, which offers a campground. The Carlyle Municipal Pool is a short drive away.

    Natural Features

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    3. Gun Creek

    19 Reviews
    63 Photos
    90 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground

    4. South Sandusky Campground

    18 Reviews
    52 Photos
    101 Saves
    Sesser, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Nearby Attractions

    South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rend Lake

    7. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    15 Photos
    31 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    8. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    6 Photos
    13 Saves
    Ramsey, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Day Use

    9. South Sandusky Day Use

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    2 Saves
    Rend Lake, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

    Natural Features:

    South Sandusky Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. The South Sandusky Day Use Area offers the most accessible public swimming beach on the lake. The sandy beach is spacious enough to accommodate a large amount of people and provides visitors with convenient access to the refreshing waters of Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

    Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Recreation:

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities:

    South Sandusky Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 50 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, marina, and dock all within walking distance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Salem

92 Reviews of 9 Salem Campgrounds


  • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

    Enjoyable time

    Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

  • Olivia L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    May. 27, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Great

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  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    May. 20, 2024

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Nice State Park Campground

    We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

    There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Feb. 1, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Clean park, cheap prices. Would definitely come back

    The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Jul. 13, 2023

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Not too bad and great in a pinch!

    We did not have a reservation it was just a quick stop for the night while passing through.

    This was a good spot for the night.  We didn't get there until after dark and the campgrounds weren't that well marked.  We didn't stay in the spot we originally planned because it was getting late and we couldn't find it and I didn't want to keep hitting the other campers with our headlights.

    The campground was no where near full and it was very quiet so a very nice nights stay.  Only complaint was trying to find the right campsite.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    May. 24, 2023

    Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    Good Luck

    The stay was pleasant and the lake was very nice but the reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer. Basically people show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave. They have to pay for the spot by 8pm. And people can stay as long as they want as long as they pay for the next day by then. But if they don’t pay they have to leave by 9am the next morning. So you never know when people are actually leaving or a spot was opening up. Every spot was taken when we go in and we heard from the check in lady that someone was leaving so we went and waited watching them pack up to get their spot. We were there for one night and had 5-6 people come to us asking what time we were leaving the next morning. It was crazy. This was also the week before memorial day weekend so that’s probably why. Primitive camping was closed. We were in a truck with a roofnest.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    May. 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Amazing Lake Views!! Bring a fishing pole.

    Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities. Self checkin. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food.

  • Sarah J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Dam West Spillway

    Two night stay

    Had a lake front site with beachfront access. It was flat ground, everyone was so nice and it was so clean and the area was lovely. There were bathrooms with clean toilets locks and showers, laundry access, a marina, massive amounts of fish spots, several playgrounds, drivers were slow and courteous. Trip couldn’t have gone better!

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Lots of space by a Lake

    RV or tent, book online at Recreation.Gov not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water. Campfire area and picnic table provided. Bathhouse is clean and park areas are all clean, dump station on site. We will be back and book closer to the lake in a level site.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Dec. 23, 2022

    South Sandusky Campground

    One of Our Favs

    This campground(CG) is super easy to find. We arrived at the CG at about 1:45 PM, which was early as this CGs check-in is 5:00 PM. The gate office was open and after a very quick check-in, we proceed to one of the few FHUs(50/30/20 AMP), back in site 135. This site slopes downhill we so moved our rig onto the pad towards the back as far as possible to level. The water pressure was poor so we filled our fresh water tank and used our internal water pump. We got 2 bars on Verizon and T-Mobile and quite a few OTA channels. Satellite is iffy due to the number of mature trees in all CG areas. We’ve been to this CG many times but normally stay in the non-full hookup sites closer to the lake. There are five CG/loops within South Sandusky plus a walk-in tent area. We have stayed mostly in the first loop, Dogwood, as you enter, but the others are nice as well with some sites having water and electricity. The only FHUs are in Dogwood and most will take larger rigs. All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive(see the sign pic we posted). A comp host comes by after you set up and tag your post. There is a lot to do here. There are miles of paved bicycle trails, a marina, fishing, and a 27-hole golf course a couple of miles away.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Oct. 5, 2022

    South Sandusky Campground

    COE does it again

    Another great COE Park and this one offers some full hook up sites. ATT & Verizon both came in good. Water & electric (30 amp) were convient & functioned perfectly. Not all sites are very level. We got a great water view site, but lacked afternoon shade. A large park with well spaced site. Well worth the money, especially with the geezer pass.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Apr. 30, 2022

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Nice & Private

    We we’’re here 1st week of April. Still rather cool weather but had a great time. There are 3 loops only one of which is reservable & we were at the rear of that loop. Had the whole place to ourselves until the last night. Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground. Hosts told us they were making more space for specific species of trees so “take all you want” from the area. No need to bring firewood.

    Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike. Definitely want to go back when the restaurant is open (mid-May I believe).

    Fishing could’ve been better but again it was early April

    Cell service was only 1-2 bars LTE with AT&T but able to stream with hotspot to the SmartTV with only 1 bar so not bad

  • Cooper F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 27, 2022

    Gun Creek

    Well maintained!

    Very well kept, friendly staff, very convenient from interstate. Limited interstate noise, not all sites have water/sewer, but many water points available throughout camp. They’re indicated on website, we just overlooked the detail.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 22, 2022

    Gun Creek

    Lake Views

    We loved staying here. Pet friendly and beautiful lake views from many of the camp sites. I recommend checking the grade of the camp site because some of the ones next to the lake were at a pretty big angle. Our site was nice and flat so no issues there. We loved it and would definitely stay again.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Oct. 28, 2021

    South Sandusky Campground

    Peaceful, safe, convenient

    We had a peaceful stay with a view of the water! We took our toddler and infant. It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds. The neighbors were super nice and it appeared there were many long-term campers!

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Oct. 28, 2021

    South Sandusky Campground

    Top tier

    Great campground! Second time staying here. Nice blacktop roads, clean restroom/shower. Friendly attended. Great view of the lake on a number of sites.

  • Bill P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    Large sites

    This is a very nice campground with very large back in spots in the reserved area. There are restrooms but no trash dumpsters in the camping area. Very well shaded but no real view of the lake.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Hateful Host

    While setting up our tents a woman came strutting down the road and in a hateful voice hollered "You've got 5 minutes to get your car out of here." Come to find out she was the camp host and apparently there was a small sign that one couldn't drop off supplies even though I am disabled. I understand she didn't want vehicle's back there but as they say you get more flies with honey than vinegar! Will never go back. Poor attitude!!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Dam West Spillway

    Busy weekend

    We stayed the weekend here and it got really busy. When we tried to book online, all were taken but saw they had a few sites that were first come. Luckily, we got one of the last two. This campground is kept very clean and the hosts were excellent! The sites that overlook the lake are absolutely gorgeous! We didn’t land one but had lots of room where we were in site #24. There are a couple of beach areas you can walk or ride a bike to. The campground is close to a wal mart and a Mexican restaurant.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    Jul. 23, 2021

    Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

    Great and quiet on a Thursday night. Class C

    It clearly states electric only. Which was no problem. They had a water hookup that you could pull up to for more water if needed. Dump station right outside the campground. Site 35 was perfectly level for the Class C (cruise America rental with no levelers. Great Campground host. We didn’t have a reservation. We pulled in and the host came out. Nice small playground for the kids. Beautiful lake.

  • AC
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Spillway
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Dam West Spillway

    Good Spot

    Pretty nice area, there were alot of people when we were there. But alot of good trails and fishing at the spillway.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Salem, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Salem, IL is Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Salem, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Salem, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.