Gun Creek
Great Digs
Rend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.
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Giant City State Park offers 25 equestrian campsites in a separate area from the standard RV and tent campground. The sites have been upgraded with 50-amp full service hookups, accommodating horse owners who prefer bringing their trailers. Each site includes a horse hitch, fire ring, and access to potable water. The campground connects directly to an extensive network of horse trails that wind through the park's distinctive rock formations and forested areas. Campers regularly note the well-maintained horse facilities and convenience of having dedicated space for both horses and riders. The equestrian area operates on a reservation system separate from the main campground.
Johnson Creek Recreation Area in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National Forest features a loop specifically designed for equestrian camping with multiple horse hitches throughout the grounds. This primitive camping area sits on the edge of the forest with more open spaces than the wooded tent camping loops. Self-check-in stations collect the $10 nightly fee for equestrian sites. The campground provides access to several connecting trails suitable for horseback riding, though seasonal maintenance varies considerably. Some riders report significant poison ivy along certain trail sections during summer months. Bathrooms consist of clean pit toilets, and potable water is available at the entrance. Randolph County State Recreation Area adds additional options with an equestrian site containing eight stalls for horses near its group camping area.
"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."
"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)."
"single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"
"The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."
"As with all of southern Illinois it’s very senic rock formations neat trails and fishing."
"Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful."
"Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, , 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground."
"Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak."
"The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer."
"This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."
"Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week."
"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"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."
Rend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.
I 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.
Campground was quiet and peaceful when I was there. Numerous trails within the park and I had them to myself while out hiking.
We arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!
Paved roads and campsites. Convenient to the interstate but removed enough to be peaceful. Beautiful sunset at the lake. Bathhouse is outdated but functional.
Met up with some family at this campground had a nice time. Everything was clean. The bathrooms were magnificently clean at the South Sandusky in Rend Lake. The lake was nice. There was lots of trees very very nice campground.
This 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
Picked 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.
Upon 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!
Frohna, Missouri sits in proximity to the Shawnee National Forest, placing it near numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Most campgrounds near Frohna are within 30-40 miles, concentrated in southern Illinois across the Mississippi River. The region features wooded hills, limestone formations, and several lakes that provide habitat for diverse wildlife.
Hiking trails: Giant City State Park offers multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. "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 (i.e. Garden of the Gods, Ferne Clyffe)," notes Kyle K. about Giant City State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes near Frohna provide fishing access. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, visitors can fish the 65-acre lake. As Joel R. mentions, "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."
Rock formations: The region features unique geological formations. Ashley Y. reports that Giant City State Park "does offer rock climbing (if you have the expertise and your own gear)." For those interested in exploring without climbing gear, trails lead through impressive rock features throughout the area.
Spacious campsites: Many campsites in the area provide ample room. At Crab Orchard Lake, Never Sitting S. notes, "This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees."
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings support abundant wildlife. Ferne Clyffe State Park offers evening nature shows, as Stephanie S. describes: "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!"
Multiple water activities: Lakes near Frohna provide various water recreation options. Wendy C. reports at Johnson Creek Recreation Area, "Lake Glendale is close by for swimming and kayak rentals."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. At Crab Orchard, "All sites are FC/FS. Full hookups are in Loop B & it was full. Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week," explains Tracie E.
Facilities range widely: Campground amenities differ significantly throughout the region. Em P. notes about Johnson Creek Recreation Area: "single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared."
Trail conditions: Trail maintenance varies seasonally. As Daniel B. mentions about Giant City, "the trail itself is tricky. It does have markings, which keep you on the trail, but there's no way of knowing how far along the hike you are, or how long the hike even is."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Frohna, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Frohna, MO is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Frohna, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Frohna, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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