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Equestrian Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers primitive camping sites specifically designed for horse owners in southern Illinois. Located approximately 45 miles from Benton, Missouri, this Class C campground provides drinking water, shower facilities, toilets and designated areas for horses. The campground connects directly to the park's trail system, allowing riders immediate access to scenic routes through the Shawnee National Forest. Campsites accommodate both horses and camping equipment with ample space for trailer parking. The level gravel pads provide clean, stable ground for setting up camp, particularly beneficial during damp weather. Park staff maintain the facilities regularly, with trash collection services available throughout the camping area. The campground requires reservations, which helps manage capacity and ensures space availability for horse trailers.
The bridle trails throughout Ferne Clyffe State Park and nearby Shawnee National Forest provide extensive riding opportunities on varied terrain. Trail systems connect to broader networks throughout southern Illinois, with routes suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Water access points for horses appear at strategic locations along the trails, though riders should verify seasonal availability. Giant City State Park, located about 40 miles west of Benton, offers additional equestrian camping options with trail access to its distinctive sandstone formations and bluffs. The equestrian trails in the region remain open year-round, though spring and fall provide optimal riding conditions with moderate temperatures and scenic views. Campground hosts at both parks prove helpful and welcoming, often providing current trail condition updates and local riding recommendations. Most equestrian campsites in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis outside of peak summer and fall weekends.
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground."
"The Trillium Trail in the Park has beautiful views and rock formations. Get ice cream and walk the Secret Garden in Makanda. Lake Glendale is close by for swimming and kayak rentals."
"Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."
"Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."
"We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."
"It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW!"
from $30 - $90 / night
Check Availability"There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake. The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, "hidden" spring, and trout streams)."
"You have to walk from the parking lot into the basic sites but they are super close. Trying here was nice, and campsites a quiet and well taken care of."
GuideI stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.
GuideCampground was quiet and peaceful when I was there. Numerous trails within the park and I had them to myself while out hiking.
GuideThis hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW! On the trail there is a sign to set up for selfies. With a dog it wasn’t as easy as I’d hope to capture the moment. Ha
LegendPicked a spot that unknowingly left me a sitting duck for tornadoes later that evening. Great view, though. And never saw a single person. Moved to the spillway the second night... little less vulnerable.
ScoutUpon entering at about 3:30pm on a random Wednesday, there were three deer just hanging out just a hop before the sites you are not able to reserve (we easily switched our site over there- just a side note). The wildlife on that side is ruthless though! We gained an evening visitor (and I got the Blackstone pre cleaned every night!) but the lil critter stole the marshmallows and pizza crust from the small storage tent!
TravelerTwo bathouses with two private bathrooms each. More geared for self-contained RVs. Toilet didn't flush.. Friendly host. All sites are pull through and very nice. 1/4 mile from interstate.
GuidePlenty of dispersed camping on a well maintained dirt road. There’s fire pits all over and no shortage of spots.
GuideWe pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.
GuideOverall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.
Equestrian camping options near Benton, Missouri extend beyond Ferne Clyffe State Park's facilities. Southern Illinois offers several horse-friendly campgrounds within 45-60 minutes of Benton. Most sites in this region sit on rolling, forested terrain with elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level, creating moderate trail grades suitable for horses of varying experience levels. Winter temperatures typically remain mild enough for year-round riding with proper preparation.
Trail riding at Shawnee National Forest: Connect to extensive bridle paths from Shawnee Forest Campground where "the paved trails around the large CG area made it nice to walk our dogs" according to MickandKarla W. The campground provides access to wider Shawnee National Forest trail networks.
Fishing opportunities: Many equestrian campgrounds include fishing access for when you're not riding. At Dutchman Lake Camp, Jonathan H. mentions it's a "great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing."
Rock formations exploration: When taking a break from horseback riding, explore the unique geology at Giant City State Park Campground. Kyle K. notes "Lots of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders. Easy drive to many other picturesque and unique parks."
Direct trail access: Horse owners appreciate campgrounds with immediate trail connections. At Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, Hannah S. highlights "Great covered spots, trails to and from the campground all across the park, great personnel, accessibility throughout the park."
Level camping surfaces: Horse trailers require stable, level parking. At Apple Creek Conservation Area, Ralph S. appreciates that "It's a level spot with gravel, so it's a 'clean' place in damp weather." This practical feature becomes especially important during spring rains.
Clean facilities: After a day on horseback, riders value proper facilities. At Deer Ridge Campground, Stephanie S. notes "Clean open campground with little privacy. Well kept bathrooms and water pumps throughout."
Reservation requirements vary: While Ferne Clyffe's equestrian sites require reservations, not all area campgrounds do. At The Art Farm Women's Retreat, Laura P. mentions they "offer tiny home rentals, yurt-style glamping tents, RV spots with 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 outlets" with reservations recommended.
Water availability fluctuates: Water access points may not be consistently maintained. At Apple Creek Conservation Area, "Apple Creek is a very short distance north on the gravel road. The creek is a good place to fish and you can launch a kayak the boat ramp."
Some areas lack cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across horse campgrounds near Benton, Missouri. At Dutchman Lake Camp, J A. points out "Verizon works well," which can be important for checking weather or trail conditions.
Seasonal considerations: Equestrian camping comfort changes with seasons. Anton T. notes at Ferne Clyffe State Park, "The area is really a hidden gem - one has to hike down to discover the natural canyon with the awesome sites."
Firefly viewing opportunities: Families with children can enjoy natural displays at Ferne Clyffe. Stephanie S. observed, "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!"
Educational geology features: Kids learn from the unique rock formations. At Devils Backbone Park, Atlanta D. shares it's "Great place to go for a day hike or stay for a few days. There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake."
Playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds offer family amenities. James D. notes that Devils Backbone has "a lot of campsites available for both tent and RV, and they do offer grills, tables, camp fire pits, toilets, and a playground."
Kayaking options: Families can alternate between riding and water activities. At Devils Backbone Park, Atlanta D. mentions "They have kayak and canoe rentals available for the lake and it appeared to be a great place to fish."
Site selection matters: Choose the right spot for larger rigs. At Equestrian Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, Hannah H. advises "I've stayed here a couple of times, car camping and tent camping. You have to walk from the parking lot into the basic sites but they are super close."
Limited full hookups: Many equestrian campgrounds offer partial connections. At Shawnee Forest Campground, MickandKarla W. reported "The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice. The water pressure was good around 50 psi."
Levelness varies: Prepare leveling equipment for your rig. Greg S. notes about Shawnee Forest Campground: "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Benton, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Benton, MO is Shawnee Forest Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Benton, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Benton, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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