Horse camping near Streator, IL ranges from primitive equestrian campgrounds about 30 miles out to more developed sites with corrals, showers, and dump stations approximately 40 miles away. Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground requires campers to bring horses, as the campground is exclusively reserved for those with equine companions. Located in Utica, Illinois, approximately 30 miles from Streator, this first-come, first-served campground offers primitive sites with basic amenities including drinking water, fire rings, trash disposal, and toilets. The limestone-stained campground provides ample space to wander and get lost in nature with sites that are spacious and nicely shaded. Registration involves picking up an envelope at Matthiessen State Park, completing it with personal information and length of stay, then depositing payment in the drop-off kiosk. Many visitors report finding the campground completely empty on multiple occasions, offering solitude for riders and their horses.
Direct access to nearly 5 miles of trails awaits equestrians camping at Matthiessen, with connections to the park's 2,000 acres of prairie, densely packed forests, and unusual rock formations. The Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, another horse-friendly option in the region, features horse corrals and accommodates both tent and RV camping. Grounds at Matthiessen require some maintenance attention, with reports of downed branches and occasional litter. The facilities are described as basic-to-bad, so campers should bring their own sanitary wipes. For those seeking alternatives, Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground in Bourbonnais offers additional equestrian camping opportunities approximately 40 miles from Streator, with amenities including drinking water, sanitary dump, showers, and toilets.
"hey, there were some pretty outstanding trails to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was"
"quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"
from $10 / night
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
"I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."
"It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."
from $40 - $20 / night
"Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint."
"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
"Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
"Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"
from $8 / night
from $22 / night
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
ScoutAway from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
ScoutJJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
TravelerI had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
ScoutListed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
GuideWater was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets. Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights.
TravelerThis was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.
GuideBeautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.
Equestrian camping near Streator, Illinois offers diverse terrain options across Bureau, LaSalle, and Kankakee counties. The region features limestone formations and waterways including the Illinois River, Hennepin Canal, and Kankakee River. Water levels in these waterways can fluctuate seasonally, with late summer often providing optimal conditions for trail riding combined with water activities.
Trail riding along waterways: At Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground, riders can access extensive trail networks. Located approximately 40 miles from Streator, the campground provides amenities supporting multi-day rides.
Kayaking nearby: When taking a break from horseback riding, many equestrian campers transport kayaks to nearby waterways. "There's great kayaking in nearby Illinois River, which you can access at multiple points," notes Stuart K. about activities near Matthiessen State Park.
Historical exploration: The canal lock system offers unique historical interest for equestrian campers. "If you didn't already know, the Hennepin Canal, and its series of locks & dams will eventually connect you with two of the most amazing rivers in the entirety of the US: the mighty Mississippi as well as the murky depths of the Illinois River," explains Stuart K. about Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
Spacious horse-friendly sites: Horse owners appreciate dedicated equestrian accommodations. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21, there's "the sixth and final camping area that has been reserved for equestrian campers, of which there's about 4-5 individual sites complete with a wooden hitching post to tie your horses down," according to Stuart K.
Nature viewing opportunities: Riders enjoy wildlife spotting from horseback. "Occasionally, if you are especially quiet, you'll come across no shortage of white-tailed deer or wild turkeys foraging through the crabapple and plum trees that are scattered throughout the forest," notes a visitor to Matthiessen State Park.
Access to varied terrains: Equestrians value the diverse riding conditions. "Whether you are camping or not, from the many valleys you will surprisingly encounter (Illinois is an incredibly flat state, for those that may not know) and the small trickling waterfalls you will stumble across to the non-stop trails, canyons, bridges, stairways, dams and dells," says Stuart K. about the Matthiessen area.
First-come, first-served basis: Most equestrian camping in the region doesn't accept reservations. "Given that you can't actually make a reservation here (or at any of the campgrounds along the Hennepin Canal for that matter) as this spot and the 5 others that make up the Hennepin Canal Lock camping options are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis," explains a reviewer.
Horses required for some sites: Verify whether the campground requires horses. "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty. Gave me my $8 back though," reports Amanda C. about her experience at Matthiessen State Park.
Basic facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds offer minimal amenities. "The facilities are basic-to-bad, so lower your expectations and bring your own sanitary wipes," notes Stuart K. about conditions at Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground.
Water availability varies: Potable water access differs between sites. "There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or a filtration system," warns a camper about Hennepin Canal facilities.
Playground alternatives: While dedicated playgrounds are limited at equestrian sites, natural features provide recreation. "Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature," reports a camper about Moraine View State Park, which offers both equestrian opportunities and family-friendly amenities.
Water safety considerations: Supervise children near waterways. "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)," explains Linda N. about Kankakee River State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn animal sightings into learning experiences. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N. about Kankakee River State Park.
Site selection for large rigs: Not all equestrian sites accommodate larger RVs. "We saw a class A, so they do fit," notes Jeff and Linda L. about Hennepin Canal Lock 21, though this isn't true for all equestrian campgrounds in the region.
Water and electric hookup considerations: Research utility locations before arrival. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K. about Comlara County Park, which offers both standard and equestrian camping options about 40 miles from Streator.
Weather preparedness: The open nature of some equestrian campgrounds means limited protection from elements. "No Shade, and no showers. This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago. We looked at this place when we were looking for a spot to camp for a local wedding. But, no shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable," warns Joel R. about a campground in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Streator, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Streator, IL is Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Streator, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Streator, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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