Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Urbana is the way to go. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you. Plan the perfect trip in minutes.
$40 - $20 / night
Traveler
First stop on a cross county trip. We were directed to Catfish Bay for tent camping. It was lightly drizzling and on an overcast day most of the tree-covered campsites were dark. There are some nice sites right on the water (be prepared to walk your gear in from parking lot). Site #21 was private, with more open sky and a shorter walk to parking/outhouse. The outhouse was in really rough shape--looked like it hadn't been swept out or hosed down for awhile. Won't be back.
TravelerWe group camped with about 6 tents and 12 people, had a great time, very quite secluded area for group camping. Good fishing and kayaking, facilities could be a little cleaner but not bad, the water is TERRIBLE and looks like coffee or tea. But otherwise, if you bring your own water, not bad...
GuideThis is a beautiful state park, lovely camping. I was on site P16 which offers a lake view.
They have recently paved the roads which was nice. The main shower hpsue was nice and well maintained.
The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water so it wasn't a big deal.
The price was great at $20 a night. We stayed 3 nights. We'll definitely be back.
GuideWe stayed over the Memorial Day weekend, so the park was at max capacity. It was still a good stay. After 10 pm it was completely quiet. The site was level and we had 30 amp electricity. It's a family environment, with lots of joyful kids all over, which I liked. The sites are pretty close together, but we've had far worse. I will note that site P 30 is next to a trail and lots of people cut through the site, so some may not want that site for that reason. The lake is great for boating and lots of campers were fishing. The staff were helpful. Only one imajor ssue - we made a huge mistake by not noticing that the potable water tank has to be filled BEFORE the entrance, where the dump station is. DO NOT fill your tank with the water from iside the camp as it's full of dirt. It's literally orange. It took us several flushings to get all of the dirt out of our fresh water tank. The showers have the same water and my hair felt like I had toothpaste in it afterwards. In spite of this, we had a fine time. It was our mistake for not noticing the water sign on the way in. We would definitely stay again, but I do hope they clean up the water supply there. It's probably not a good thing.
ScoutThis is an awesome place to stay. We got a first come, first serve tent spot right on the lake which made for a gorgeous sunrise. The amenities were great and there’s plenty to do around the area.
TravelerEasy access from the highway. Drove in without reservations, mid-week, just before dark, for a quick overnight while on a cross country trip. The very nice hosts (father/daughter team) helped us with the process. Lots of good sites available with long, relatively level gravel pads with 30amp electric. Got water on the way in, by the dump station. Firewood bundles for $8. Lots of beautiful, tall trees. I imagine it would be nice on a summer day, with plenty of shade. Clean and basic bathroom, there were free showers but I didn’t use them. This was an excellent overnight stay for only $20.
ScoutSo we loved staying here for 2 weeks, it was cozy and quiet. It had excellent 5G AT&T, 30amp service and lots of shade. We stayed in our 44’ Newmar Dutchstar.
The Sites have lots of slope so bring many leveling pads/blocks (we needed 9 - 1.5” thick dica road warrior jack pads (highly recommend). 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.
If my wife wrote this - it would be 4-stars due to showers without temp control and button timer style where you get 30-60 seconds of water for each push…
Overall it was a great camp spot for Illinois and a good place to stay if your prepared for it!
TravelerGorgeous camp ground with lots of trees and a lake. They could do a little better cleaning out the fire pits. Had garbage and cigarette butts from the previous camper that we cleaned out.
Scout
You will never know the person that you are until you have enjoyed this camp and quoncored.
ScoutThe park used to be so well maintained by volunteers and it seems have gone downhill over the years
TravelerNice state park in the not so great state of Illinois. Stayed July 4th weekend and it was blistering hot. This was a couple years ago. Pretty noisy also but that can happen anywhere. Nice lake for fishing and the whole park was great to take bike rides in. State park operated restaurant in park is a nice touch. Very handy for ice and drinks on a hot weekend.
GuideCamped here in a tent. Loved it. Raccoons are really brave and ate not afraid of humans. They know how to rip open a tent for food. Nothing is safe here. But a beautiful lake and campground.
TravelerThis campground surprised us. We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds. We got in without a reservation and upgraded to a beautiful spot on the water. The LTE was a bit weak, that’s the only downside.
ScoutWe walked in to do camping and we only had spots available at Tall Timber. It’s primitive along with nice trail.
GuideA suitable local choice for camping if you desire more trees surrounding your site. There are a few very short hike-in primitive sites for extra seclusion.
ScoutWe went here with a group of tent campers sight unseen, so that’s always rolling the dice. We stayed until the main part where you could reserve online through reserve America. Would not recommend that area to anyone. Sites are right on top of each other in every direction. Not sure who would seek this out or agree to it after seeing it.
Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we’d wished we’d known about that area before going. Those were still a little close together but were at least wooded and you could walk from your car.
The dispersed camping sites were the closest to what I’d been used to coming from New Hampshire, but it was more of a hike than I would be looking for.
GuideStayed overnight here... it was fairly quick of the highway. Easy in and easy out. Did check out the facilities.
TravelerLarge body of water. Not really clean enough to enjoy swimming. Campsites are a little cramped. We have stayed here a few times with our camping club.
There is a boat club near by. Gibson City has a great drive in movie theater and German Restrurant. Gibson is about 20 minutes from the camp ground.
Only electric hook ups.
ScoutNice place no alcohol. 'Lake' has had a lot of algae over the last couple years
GuideHas sections of niceness hiking and kayaking
ScoutNNice lake for fishing and kayaking. Excellent restaurant on site also
TravelerSites arent crazy on top of one another... but quiet and family friendly. May not be suitable for some large RVs as saw some motorcoach and 5th wheel struggle. Decent bathhouse and boat ramp for lake access. Great lake to kayak at. Hosts were very nice.. had family movie Saturday night.
GuideThe campground offers electric and non-electric. We were camping next to friends and the electrical area didn't offer much in the way of privacy between neighbors.
There are regular and handicapped showers. Also a small playground for the kiddos. There is a beach within walking distance if you like to hike or drive by car. The beach wasn't kept up on cleanliness as it was covered in spots with geese droppings. The campground also has some hiking trails and fishing.
The camp hosts are very nice and allowed us to pick another camp site spot due to severe rain storms that hit a few days before.
ScoutLiving less than 5 mi away from Moraine Hills, I seem to never get bored. Every season, rain or shine, you’ll always find somethin new. Between endless geocaches, climbing trees, walking/bike trails, and picnic spots, its the perfect place for a quick stop or a sunrise to sundown day! Mark my word.
ScoutI visited this campground for the hiking. I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer. Not going to lie we did get lost due to lack of proper signage but it all worked out when we found the equestrian trail. Beautiful walks through the trees and great campsites. Super cool but most sites are a hike to get there since they are in the woods. Small boat and kayak rentals are available here for fun in the daytime along with a great little food shack you can eat either inside or outside. Great spots to fish away from the open, very large lake. Would recommend attending this park for a day.
ScoutGreat Hosts, clean facilities, nice lake, clean beach, separate equine campground areas, great shelters, lots of hiking trails, spacious sites, plenty of room to wander. Concession stand/ small resturaunt on site, marina on site.
TravelerThe good: swim beach is not right in campground but nearby. $3 entry for beach. The RV campground is on the water, book far enough in advance for a waterfront site. You can kayak or fish from campground. Sites all seemed flat (meant for RVs but most had grass good for tent setup) and most were shady. There's a playground by bathrooms which have showers. Showers were a good temp. Campground was not particularly loud when we were there (even on a holiday weekend).
The bad: bathrooms seemed dirty even for campground bathrooms & 1 stall was broken, leaving 3 showers & 2 flush toilets for the whole campground. Sites could have been a little more spaced out/ private.
We live 20 minutes from Moraine view so I'm sure we'll be back. :)
Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, with several well-reviewed spots catering to horse enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Urbana, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Urbana, IL is Moraine View State Recreational Area with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.
