Questing Hills Equestrian Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area accommodates horses and riders with camping options for both tents and RVs. Located near Chandlerville, Illinois, the campground provides electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities including showers and toilets. The campground features reservable sites specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses. Trailer parking is available with easy access to the equestrian camping areas. The campground receives positive reviews for its horse-friendly amenities and accessibility. Security regularly patrols the grounds, creating a safe environment for both horses and campers.
Horseman's Park in Sand Ridge State Forest offers another option for horse camping near Springfield. The campground includes toilet facilities and drinking water with spacious sites that accommodate horse trailers. Located approximately 50 miles from Springfield, the park connects riders to an extensive network of trails through the forest's diverse terrain. The equestrian trails wind through pine plantations and native sand prairies, providing varied riding experiences. Trail riders should note that some areas may have sandy footing that can be challenging for horses unaccustomed to such terrain. Most equestrian campsites include picnic tables and are designed to provide adequate space for both camping equipment and horse accommodations. The campground operates on a reservation system with specific guidelines for horse management.
"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. "
"Best campground in the Springfield area, in my opinion!"
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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
"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."
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.
Camping options around Springfield, Illinois include both established campgrounds and more rustic areas within state parks and forests. The region's central Illinois location features rolling hills, hardwood forests, and several man-made lakes with elevations ranging from 500 to 700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with winter lows often dropping below freezing, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season.
Fishing opportunities: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots directly accessible from campsites. "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from," notes Kaitlin D. who considers it her "close to home, fave weekender site."
Historical exploration: Illinois State Fair Campground provides an affordable base for visiting Springfield's Lincoln sites. "Short drive 2.5 miles to Lincoln home. 1 mile from Lincoln's Tomb," writes Jeffrey F., adding that the campground has over 300 sites with electric hookups.
Wildlife viewing: Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers secluded sites for nature observers. "Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade," reports Amanda C., who appreciated the well-spaced sites with "picnic table, fire ring, trash can and three sided shelter in each site."
Affordable rates: Waverly Lake City Park offers budget-friendly camping with minimal facilities. "It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do. As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean," mentions John H., who also notes the "4 consecutive day per month limit."
Lake access: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground features sites along the shoreline. "All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground," shares Greg S., highlighting the direct water access many campers appreciate.
Large campsites: Prairie Lake Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek has generous sites. "The sites were large and the primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low," reports Colin H., emphasizing both the campground's spaciousness and value.
Weather considerations: The open layout of some campgrounds can lead to wind exposure. Campers at Jim Edgar Panther Creek note this issue: "Always super windy too! Under developed CG. Lots of hunting and fishing opportunities but grounds are years always from being fully grown," writes Lucas T.
Facility limitations: Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park has basic amenities. "Sites were decent. Lack of flushing toilets and bathhouse is why I knocked it down a few. Outhouse was passable but a bathhouse would go a long way to upgrading the facility," notes J N., though the "playground was great for kiddos."
Seasonal fluctuations: Campground crowds vary significantly by season. At Illinois State Fair Campground, "We certainly didn't expect the Prairie Lake Campground to be full in late October! Both loops were full, but there was just enough space for us to squeeze in for 2 nights," reports Jennifer K., mentioning that "a few spaces seemed to be filled with deer hunters."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. J N. mentions that at Deer Run Campground, the "playground was great for kiddos" despite more basic facilities elsewhere in the campground.
Beach activities: For water-focused family outings, consider Deer Creek Campground where Leslie notes the "beach is so clean" and calls it a "wonderful place for family camping."
Bike-friendly loops: Prairie Lake Campground provides safe cycling areas for children. Jennifer K. observed "lots of families with kids riding bikes around the loop and some playing wiffle ball in the open field," making it a "great friendly, family park."
Electric options: Illinois State Fair Campground offers varying hookup layouts. Faith J. explains, "A large campground with water and electric. Few sites have sewer. You have the option of paved parking lot or on the grass. We chose the grass for the shade trees."
Site selection strategy: At Sangchris Lake, RVers should consider seasonal conditions. Susan L. shares, "Site 24 is huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric but no water at site. The site is totally private on one side because of a lake inlet and there's a large back area right on the lake."
Equestrian camping near Springfield: For those traveling with horses, Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest provides specialized facilities about 50 miles from Springfield. Art S. describes it as "the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables," adding that "most trails in this natural area are accessible to horses. Trails head out from camp."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Springfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Springfield, 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 Springfield, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Springfield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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