Camping opportunities around Ashland, Illinois focus primarily on areas surrounding lakes and state forests. The region sits within a transition zone between prairie and forest ecosystems with most camping areas located within a 30-minute drive of Ashland. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with occasional storms, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures but increased rainfall potential.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest provides extensive trail systems for equestrians seeking outdoor recreation. According to visitor Art S., "Most trails in this natural area are accessible to horses. Trails head out from camp. The longest being almost 15 miles. Hiking and hunting also happen here so keep an eye open on the trails." The forest terrain creates unique riding conditions with sandy soil.
Fishing: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers good angling opportunities in a peaceful setting. Camper Amy S. notes it's "a great little place to go fishing and just spend some time relaxing. Deer Run is mostly trailers and RVs, but can easily accommodate tent campers, and is less crowded than Hickory Point." The park has multiple fishing access points throughout the campground areas.
Kayaking: Lake access from Waverly Lake City Park provides opportunities for water recreation. John H. mentions, "Nice little lake and camp ground. I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do." The small lake size makes it suitable for beginner paddlers with minimal boat traffic.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many reviews highlight well-maintained restrooms and shower buildings at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground — Hickory Point. Camper Kaitlin D. explains, "This is our close to home, fave weekender site. Electric only but still love. Spaced out, gravel sites and asphalt roads. We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from." The campground maintains multiple bathroom buildings throughout the property.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous camping areas at several locations. At Deer Creek Campground, Kate M. reports, "Large, quiet campsites that are not too crowded. Near the back you can camp right alongside the river." Sites typically provide good separation between camping parties with natural barriers like trees and shrubs.
Affordable pricing: The horse campgrounds near Ashland, Illinois offer reasonably priced options. Jesse B. commented about Sand Ridge Horse Campground: "$8. The staff isn't always there, so you could end up with a free place to stay (especially if you come late.) Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees." Most campgrounds in the region maintain competitive pricing compared to other parts of Illinois.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground facilities have specific seasonal availability, with David F. noting: "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. Primitive Camp has seven three-sided shelters to camp near or in for a fee of $6 per night. 3. Group camp area."
Limited shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer shower buildings. Jamie C. reports about Sangchris Lake State Park: "Have camped here a few times and have walked the trails for years. I camped at the primitive sites my first time. The sites were clean and fairly well maintained for primitive. Picnic table and fire pit were in good shape. Plenty of shade!" Some locations only offer vault toilets or portable toilets instead of flush toilets.
Bug preparation: The regional forests can have significant insect activity during warmer months. Joy H. warns about Sand Ridge State Forest: "The bugs (of all kinds including ticks and mosquitoes) are pretty terrible and I would recommend going either in the early spring or late fall. Not June." Campers should pack appropriate repellents and protective clothing.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. J N. notes about Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park: "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. Playground was great for kiddos." These areas provide on-site recreation for younger campers.
Child-friendly events: Some campgrounds schedule activities during peak seasons. A camper at Illinois State Fair Campground shares, "Great place to spend a night or even longer to see Lincoln historical sites!" The proximity to Springfield allows for educational day trips to historical attractions.
Safety considerations: When selecting campsites with children, look for locations away from water hazards. At Sangchris Lake State Park, Jessica D. cautions, "Not a lot to do with littles though. It does have a great play area but nothing else for kids. Good shower houses. Surrounded by nothing but trees and stars." Families should bring additional entertainment options for children at more remote locations.
Tips from RVers
Electric options: Illinois State Fair Campground provides full hookup capabilities for larger rigs. 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. Very quiet. Not too close to your neighbor." Many sites throughout the fairgrounds can accommodate larger RVs with slideouts.
Camp selection based on rig size: Not all equestrian campgrounds near Ashland can handle larger trailers. For standard-sized RVs, Illinois State Fair Campground offers Jeffrey F. points out, "$20 a night. Campground attendant Mike very nice and helpful. Large campground over 300 sites. All sites have electric, most have water. Dump station. Shaded camping on grass, only paved sites are the parking lot (no shade)."
Weather impacts: Wind conditions can affect camping comfort at some locations. Lucas T. warns about Primitive Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek: "Under developed CG. Lots of hunting and fishing opportunities but grounds are years always from being fully grown. Always super windy too!" RV users should prepare with appropriate stabilizers and consider wind direction when positioning their units.
