Map showing campground location near Forest City, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest

Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available at $8 per night, though reviewers note the staff isn't always on-site. Horseman's Park sits within Sand Ridge State Forest and is set up specifically for equestrian use, with tie-up posts and picnic tables at each site. The loop layout puts outer sites against the woods for more privacy, while inner sites feel more open. Vault toilets and trash service are on-site. Trails head out directly from camp, with the longest running nearly 15 miles through sandy terrain and pine forest. RVs up to 55 feet are accommodated. Hikers and hunters also use the trails, so expect some shared-use activity on the paths.

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Map & DirectionsHorseman's Park is located in Illinois near Forest City

Public Campground

Address

25799 County Road 2300 N
Forest City, IL 61532

Coordinates

40.39063491 N
89.88478428 W

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Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

+13095972212

Drive Time

44 min from Peoria, IL
1 hr 5 min from Bloomington, IL
1 hr 8 min from Springfield, IL
1 hr 32 min from Decatur, IL

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Horseman's Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the unique sandy pine forest setting and quiet atmosphere, with well-equipped equestrian sites. Some noted trail map inconsistencies and lack of water sources, but found it a hidden gem worth visiting.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Jesse B.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

A Breezy, Isolated Campsite

$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. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn’t get a lot of action.

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2019

Sandy forested equestrian camping

This is the campground for horses and their riders. Tie up posts are in each campsite along with picnic tables. The campground is one loop so the inner ring of sites are almost like a group site setup. The outer ring sites are more private and up against the woods. A set of vault toilets is commonly located. Along with garbage cans there are multiple spots to pile manure. There were a couple sites occupied the first night but it emptied out on Saturday.

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. If you have an energetic horse that you want to work hard, head into the yellow loop. The ranger said it tires everyone because it’s steep hills of sand.

Across the road is a spot for day use riders to park their trailers. There were a bunch parked when we passed it.

This is a hidden gem and worth giving a chance.

Month of VisitAugust

(8) View All

Joy H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2018

Illinois’ desert

A friend and I were looking for somewhere to spend a weekend backpacking that wasn’t a 4+ hour drive away from central IL. This fits the bill but does leave some to be desired. The terrain is an interesting change from most IL hiking since the trails are incredibly sandy while the forest itself is mostly pine. Watch out for cacti along the trail! My only real complaints are the lack of water sources, and the inconsistencies between the trail map and the actual trail. Each trail is marked very clearly with directional sign posts as often as necessary, however, the first night we were hiking in to find BC1 and according to the map we should have passed it in our hike but never saw any sort of campsite at all. We ended up setting up camp off the trail in an unmarked clearing that worked quite well. The next day we moved on to look for site BC7. After hiking much farther than the map indicated, we finally stumbled on BC7. It turned out to be a pretty picturesque little clearing among the pines with an actual fire slab and a signpost marking the entrance trail. Overall it was a good trip, just don’t be fooled by how close things look on the map! Also, 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.

The forest grounds also have an equestrian campgrounds and the trails would be perfect for riding.

SiteBC 7

Month of VisitJune

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Sand Ridge State Forest Horseman's Campground?

Horseman's Park offers equestrian-focused campsites with tie-up posts at each site for horses. The campground features picnic tables and vault toilets. Sites are arranged in a single loop configuration with inner ring sites having a more open, group-like setup, while outer ring sites offer more privacy against the woods. The campground is rustic but functional, providing basic amenities for horse riders looking to enjoy the trails in Sand Ridge State Forest.

What do reviews say about camping at Sand Ridge State Forest's Horseman's Campground?

Horseman's Park offers a good option for central Illinois campers who don't want to travel far. The campground costs $8 per night, though staff aren't always present for fee collection. The camping area is arranged in a loop with more private outer sites bordering the woods and inner sites offering a more communal setting. Each site includes picnic tables and horse tie-up posts. The environment features plenty of green trees and access to trails. Facilities include vault toilets, and the area tends to be quiet with minimal crowds.

How do I find Sand Ridge State Forest Horseman's Campground?

Sand Ridge State Forest Horseman's Campground is located in central Illinois, making it accessible for those within driving distance of the region. The campground is designed specifically for equestrians. Look for signage directing you to the horseman's camping loop within Sand Ridge State Forest. For specific directions, it's recommended to contact the Sand Ridge State Forest office or check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website before your trip.

What are the best trails for horseback riding near Sand Ridge State Forest Campground?

Sand Ridge State Forest offers an interesting trail system for horseback riding with unique sandy terrain that sets it apart from typical Illinois trails. The forest features numerous trails accessible directly from the Horseman's Campground. The sandy soil creates a distinctive riding experience, though this may present some challenges depending on conditions. Trails wind through wooded areas with plenty of green trees. While specific trail names aren't detailed, the network is extensive enough to provide weekend riding opportunities. The terrain offers a welcome change from the usual Illinois landscape.

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