Questing Hills Equestrian Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area provides specialized camping for horse owners. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs with electric hookups, water access, and sewer connections. Shower facilities and toilets are available for campers. The site requires reservations and permits pets alongside horses. Security regularly patrols the grounds, creating a safe environment for overnight stays with horses. Trailer parking is available with sufficient space for horse vehicles. The campground maintains trash collection and drinking water access points throughout. Morgan horse shows occasionally take place at nearby facilities.
Located 35 miles northwest of Sherman, the equestrian trails at Jim Edgar Panther Creek connect riders to over 16 miles of designated bridle paths through diverse terrain. These trails wind through hardwood forests and open meadows, providing varied riding experiences for all skill levels. Water access for horses is available at several points along the trails. Riders appreciate the well-maintained paths that accommodate both experienced and novice equestrians. Trail maps are available at the main office. Horse owners should bring their own feed and tack storage containers as these are not provided on site. During busy periods, especially weekends and horse show events, riders should arrive early to secure preferred camping spots. The primitive camping areas offer a more secluded experience for those seeking quieter surroundings.
"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
"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."
"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. "
"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
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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
"This is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables."
"Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn’t get a lot of action."
from $8 / 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.
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.
TravelerWe've stayed at Hickory Point before, but this was our first time at Deer Run. It has not disappointed! The primitive sites (there are 5 with no electric or water hookups) are off set in the back of the campground, providing privacy and quiet, which is what we were going for this time. The primitive sites without electric or water are $6 a night, and you can for pay up to 14 nights at a time. There are electric and water hook up sites for $8 a night, they just aren't as private but still lovely! 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. There are well water spigots at Dee Run and Hickory Point, but the city water spigot is at Hickory Point only. It rained quite a bit our first two nights here, but there are so many trees covering the primitive sites you couldn't really feel it until it was thunder storming. We stayed nice and dry inside the tent. There are a LOT of sassy raccoons who will still your food - and the containers that never had food in them in fact- as well waking up to crows cawing every morning- may not be everyone's thing, but I sure enjoy that aspect. The hosts are fantastic and make rounds every 2-3 hours each day, anything we've needed they e been able to help with or point us in the direction to go next. Great campground to stay at, whether for a night or a week, no complaints here thus far!
GuideVery quiet, clean, nice place. Easy to get to. Clean porta pots. Can stay up to 4 days. Picnic tables. Place for fire. Free camping. First come first serve.
Horseman's Park at Sand Ridge State Forest provides primitive camping with trailer parking for equestrians 25 miles north of Sherman. The campground features vault toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and trash receptacles for overnight visitors with horses. Camp areas accommodate both tent campers and RVs, with spaces large enough for horse trailers. While the campground lacks designated horse corrals or stalls, riders can secure their horses using their own portable containment systems. Security personnel regularly patrol the grounds, creating a safe environment for campers with valuable horses and equipment.
Connected to over 50 miles of equestrian trails through the forest, Horseman's Park serves as an ideal base for exploring Sand Ridge's extensive riding terrain. Questing Hills Equestrian Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers another horse camping option approximately 40 miles northwest of Sherman. This campground provides electric hookups, water connections, sewer facilities, showers, and toilets for overnight horse campers. Reservations are recommended for both campgrounds, particularly during peak riding seasons in spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable for extended trail rides. The primitive nature of these facilities appeals to experienced horse campers seeking direct access to trail systems rather than resort-style amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sherman, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sherman, IL is Illinois State Fair Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sherman, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Sherman, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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