No horse corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities are available at campgrounds near Valmeyer, Illinois based on the provided data. Campers traveling with horses must seek alternatives for horse camping as none of the listed campgrounds show "horse-corral" as an available feature. Camping options in the region include St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, St. Francois State Park Campground, and Greensfelder County Park, but these locations lack specific horse amenities such as corrals, wash racks, or dedicated equestrian camping areas.
Horseback riders planning trips in this area should contact campgrounds directly to inquire about potential accommodations for horses. While several campgrounds feature trails and outdoor recreational opportunities, none specifically advertise equestrian-friendly features or dedicated horse facilities. Mark Twain National Forest's Berryman Trail & Campgrounds offers access to outdoor recreation areas but lacks horse-specific amenities according to the available data. Randolph County State Recreation Area permits camping with pets but does not indicate whether horses are allowed or if trailer parking for horse transport is available.
"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
$15 - $27 / night
"My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."
"All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."
$15 - $35 / night
"There is no equestrian camping and the parking for horse trailers is super small. There’s a neat 7 mile loop goes by old stable as well."
"Babler State Park Wildwood, MO
💰 $12-$21/night
🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022
Site 48 ⚡️💧
🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)
➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access"
"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
"Heavy equestrian park, it’s not required (to have a horse) to stay here. A few piles of horses droppings but very well maintained."
"Pretty nice wooded campground close to St. Louis! Each site has a picnic bench, a fire pit and grill."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."
$15 - $52 / night
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
"The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that’s nice."
$25 - $36 / night
"We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."
"Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area."
"This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."
"It's remote and off the beaten path. A small campground with only 8 spots, some big enough for RVs. No hook ups or water. Pack it in and pack it out. Each site had enough space from each other."
"Pavillion, parking and horse tie out area adjacent trailhead. Excellent place to bring the kids if you want to unplug them from the media world. Trails and bugs and things that go bump in the night."
RangerNice park with a large camp sites with premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, two swimming beaches, equestrian trails, a hiking and bicycling trail and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.
LegendThis campground was packed, but it started off on the wrong foot. The entrance comes up quick and is right off a state highway with traffic moving between 65-80 mph so of course I passed the entrance and had to double back.
When I pulled into the park there was bunch of construction. There were a few trails but honestly it really seemed like an RV park with very few tents. The showers and bathrooms were clean but there were too many people, it was very crowded.
I should add as a positive that here were equestrian trails and a large parking lot to park your horse trailer.
St. Francois State Park is close to St. Louis so it is probably a popular destination, it just didn't feel like camping. I'm sure it will improve a little when the construction is completed, but I doubt it will be above three stars.
LegendCampground Review: This is a nice little hidden gem outside St Louis in a great county park. If you are a Six Flags kinda person, the amusement park sits at the southern entrance to Greensfelder. The park itself has some great hiking and biking trails, but the big draw is equestrian in nature (including eventing jumps along some of the trails). This campground caters to the horse-set, with more campsites attached to the equestrian park than not, which means you should make reservations in advance as it is a busy little campground. The equestrian camping area has a standing stall type open barn, a round pen for turn out, and large campsites designed for horse trailers. All of the sites with electric are meant for horse trailers as there are no amenities for RV's. The showers and toilets are in the horse camping portion of the campground. The non-horse camping area seemed to be an afterthought, and is along side a park artery leading to a boarding barn and more trails. I did like that there were two trail heads on opposite sides of the camping lot, and the trails were well marked. Expect this campground area to be busy as it is the staging area for equestrians who use the park.
Product Review: In July I won some gear from Primus for reviewing some campgrounds I visited earlier this summer. This was the first opportunity I had to try out my Primus Profile Camp Stove. This is a nice car camping stove; at eleven pounds, it isn't something to carry far. Things I liked about it include the wind guards, the latching lid, and the fairly thin profile when collapsed. For a two burner stove, it really didn't take up much room in my trunk and it is sturdy enough that I wasn't worried about piling gear on top of it. However, while new out of the box, the igniter didn't work. Glad I always pack a lighter. It's not going to boil water in record time, but certainly held a steady flame and was easy to adjust. I have other stoves, but this one seems like it will be my go to when car camping with friends as I can cook more on two burners than one. https://primus.us/collections/camping-stoves
GuideThere is no equestrian camping and the parking for horse trailers is super small. There’s a neat 7 mile loop goes by old stable as well.
LegendThis is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.
Park Information:
West Central Illinois
4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233
618-826-2706
N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..
Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.
GuideSmall campground ground ram by saint louis county parks. We were the only ones here. Heavy equestrian park, it’s not required (to have a horse) to stay here. A few piles of horses droppings but very well maintained. We stay about 30 feet to the right of the horse pin, and behind it where they dump the horse stuff really can’t smell anything. Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can’t be reserved. Pro -Most sites are great for trailers 26’ or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft) -2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug -Not to many trees hanging over your camper that would drop branches -site 29 where we stayed can fit a 40’ fifth wheel -a lot of room to back in -showers and restrooms year around -frost free water at both ends of the campground -usual fire pit, picnic table and grill -park campers on grass to be closer to one side or another of your site -sites are reservable
Cons -no water at sites -no 50 amps -no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away
-site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn’t realized till we parked. Only this one doesn’t have 30 -horses traffic on Saturday eventually from what the ranger told me once Covid is better -most sites back up to main road(mostly light traffic and none at night)
GuideI’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.
CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.
Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!
Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!
RangerSo, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario. The park is big enough you don’t hear the small engine vehicles over here.
The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that’s nice. Hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails. There’s even a nice 11 mile long paved trail that has some hills but will work for kids/strollers/etc.
There are a number of more interesting parks in the area for what I think of as a true camping experience, but this is a good one if you’re also on the pokemon plan (gotta camp ‘em all). If you like atv/utv/dirt bike stuff, man, campground one is for you, and it looks like a blast, read up on the lead mine tailing warnings.
TravelerPretty nice wooded campground close to St. Louis! Each site has a picnic bench, a fire pit and grill. It was very quiet when we stayed there on a Friday night, but it go really busy on Saturday morning because the equestrian folks use the campground as a staging area. There are two trail heads near the campground(very nice hiking!)
The Valmeyer area sits in southwestern Illinois near the Mississippi River, creating diverse terrain options for campers and equestrians. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers reaching the mid-80s and winters with temperatures that can drop below freezing. Trail access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering dedicated paths while others provide connections to larger trail networks.
Fishing opportunities: At Randolph County State Recreation Area, campers can enjoy the 65-acre lake that was completed in 1961. "This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating," notes Joel R.
Trail exploration: The Berryman Trail & Campgrounds in Mark Twain National Forest offers extensive hiking options. "The trails there were one of a kind and the best looking trails I've seen and walked on after going on trips to almost half the country. The 100 foot tall pine trees really make Mark Twain National Forest amazing," explains Jake K.
Swimming and water activities: Several campgrounds offer water access during warmer months. "They have a nice, small, clean campground... Right on the Big River and they offer floats," shares Natalie F. about Cherokee Landing. The river provides options for paddleboarding and swimming when water levels permit.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate well-spaced accommodations. "This campground is completely free and most of all well spaced out. There is plenty of room to keep to yourself and remain undisturbed between the 8 available spots," Hannah F. notes about Berryman Trail Campgrounds.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers find value at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground. "Great spot and great value. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," reports Helge Vandel J. Travis adds, "Self service pay system makes it simple, easy, and fast. Camping can be reserved but no need."
Natural features: The landscapes draw consistent praise. At Brazil Creek, one camper mentions "Beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this 'pull off' campground," while another noted it's "ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in." The natural surroundings compensate for limited amenities.
Limited equestrian facilities: Though Greensfelder County Park has some horse-friendly features, they're still limited. Annie C. explains, "The park itself has some great hiking and biking trails, but the big draw is equestrian in nature (including eventing jumps along some of the trails). This campground caters to the horse-set, with more campsites attached to the equestrian park than not."
Variable site quality: Site conditions can differ dramatically between and within campgrounds. "The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel," notes Cody S. about St. Francois State Park, while Gonzo A. adds "The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer."
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds have seasonal restrictions. Horseshoe Lake State Park operates from May 1 to September 30, while other parks limit water availability during colder months. Check with individual parks about winter operation before planning cold-weather trips.
Playground access: St. Joe State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. Shannon M. notes, "Really nice pull through sites and the kids loved the beach." The park includes swimming areas that work well for families with children.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience unexpected noise. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, Brian W. warns, "Be prepared for a lot of noise from the busy main road and passing trains in the near distance." Consider bringing white noise machines for light sleepers.
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreational choices. Crystal H. notes that Route 66 KOA offers "a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more. You can bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or stay in a cabin."
Hookup availability: Electric options vary significantly between parks. At Randolph County, "Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area," according to J K.
Site layout challenges: Many RV campers mention navigation difficulties. Matthew H. notes about Greensfelder County Park, "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved," adding there are "tight spots and harsh back up angles."
Dump station locations: Plan emptying tanks strategically. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, J K. advises, "Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It's approximately a mile before the campground on your left."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Valmeyer, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Valmeyer, IL is St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Valmeyer, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Valmeyer, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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