Best Equestrian Camping near Lyons, WI

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Lyons

168 Reviews of 12 Lyons Campgrounds

• 

  Addison G.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 23, 2024

  Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

  Awesome choice for campers on a budget

  These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There’s some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night. Bathrooms could’ve been cleaner but we were grateful for the facility which doubled as a storm shelter. There’s indoor showers and bathrooms. There are also cabins at this campsite, not sure on pricing tho

• 

  Brian O.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

  Fine camping in Northern Illinois

  We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)

• 

  Julia B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 18, 2024

  Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

  Nice lake

  The campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car. The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by. This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all rvs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy.

• 

  Abbe W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 16, 2024

  Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

  Lovely Pine Forest, Quiet, Clean Campground

  Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules. We did walk over to the other loops where there was more of a party atmosphere at some sites with larger groups, music, and kids. 

  The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain.  Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight. The pit toilets are about 3 sites away, a short walk. There is room for two tents.

  There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds.

• 

  Rebecca C.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Not well maintained

  We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping. They came, told us the park was old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer. We had to rent a motel for the night because we couldn't even pull out the slide or anything. This was after spending about 6 hours pulling apart all the electrical in the trailer. Went to camping world the next day just for us to use their plugs and it was fine. We thought maybe it was our cord so we bought a new one and still nothing. We called the Rangers again who came to look at it. Told us that the park was just so old that it probably couldn't keep up and moved us to a 50 amp sight. The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again. So we ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp. Wasted about 30 hours of our trip over their electrical not being updated and they knew that. Tried to reach out to get the first night reimbursed since we literally couldn't even stay there or use our trailer. Was told we had to come back the next day to speak to the head ranger, came back and he wasn't there again. Was told he would call us two different times and never got a call. Will never stay here again.

• 

  Addison G.

  Guide

  

  May. 30, 2024

  Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

  Great access to Scuppernong Hikes

  Stayed in campsite directly connected to Green Trail of the Scuppernong Trailhead. Campsite was clean and quite private for being near people.

• K

  Kevin C.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 14, 2024

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  So close to home

  We camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not to expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond.

• L

  Lauren S.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 18, 2023

  Harnischfeger County Park

  A hidden gem

  We booked a week here in 2022 and ended up staying for two summers as camp hosts. The park is quiet, family orientated, and the park caretaker John is a national treasure. He’s been with the park since before it was county owned and knows every nook and cranny, critter and creature, and appreciates each and every guest who comes to the park. His one rule is to enjoy the park and let the staff know if you have any ideas to help to “keep it fresh”. Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future. The last weekend of September is FallFest and often books a year in advance.

• 

  Justin G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 22, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Fall Getaway

  A perfect spot for a weekend trip. We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house (which could have been a little bit cleaner but still usable). There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 17, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Campground Jackpot in Northern Illinois

  For whatever reason you find yourself up here in northern Illinois, whether just entering the Land of Lincoln or fleeing to the 'nation of cheese curds' to the north (a.k.a. Wisconsin) – only 10 minutes from this natural outcrop by the way – be sure to stop by this multi-campus nature preserve camping outpost. With more than 3,000 acres of wetlands, tall grasses and protected forest preserves, Rock Cut SP packs a punch from a camping perspective as it offers up so much in such a concise area of land that has Pierce Lake perfectly placed in its center. 

  The biggest problem you are likely to encounter here is exactly which of the 7 (yes, I just said 7!) campgrounds to stay at: Staghorn, Prairie View, Plum Grove, Hickory Hills, White Oak, Equestrian or Youth Group. And if 7 campgrounds aren’t enough, there’s also a single rustic cabin with electricity (mind you, no running water or even a bathroom) you can rent as well as 3 other smaller, really intimate primitive camping spots (that are actually my favorite) with the following names: Hawk, Crow and Owl, which sit along the same lane opposite the Youth Group campground on this eastern stretch just due north of the lake.  Over here, you'll also see the boat launch area.

  For this particular review, I will focus my efforts on detailing Staghorn, which is the second campground (with the first campground you pass by being Prairie View) you will come across after entering Rock Cut SP from its northernmost entrance, with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east. Once you enter the park, you will follow the long winding nicely paved roadway until you begin seeing the signs highlighting where to go for the various campgrounds. Once you access this road, you’ll come across a small building with a smiling SP ranger inside where you will register, after which, you will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend where you will take your second right (careful: taking that first right will have you driving into Staghorn the wrong way!). 

  The sites begin with #300 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect for just about any RV or 5th Wheel. You will note that the odd numbered sites are on the exterior while the even numbered sites are located on the interior of the loop. There are two his / her restrooms located at Staghorn with the first being placed behind the campground host sites (#302 and#304) at the beginning of the loop, while the second is strategically placed towards the end of the loop behinds sites #324 and #326. At the end of the loop there is also a designated trash area just past site #331. To access the shower, you will need to go back to the main road and hike it down the road with your towel and toiletries, which makes the latter sites (#318+) more attractive for their convenient location to the bathhouse (if that’s important to you). 

  As far as amenities go, Rock Cut SP offers up an awful lot (if the 7 campgrounds weren’t enough to help you arrive at that conclusion). In addition to all of the camping options, of course, one of the greatest assets here is the very massive Pierce Lake, which is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. In the Staghorn campground specifically, in addition to restroom and waste disposal, you’ll also have access to running water spigots at each site along with running electric. A single amphitheater is located centrally just past the camp store and before reaching the Hickory Hills campground. While I'm at it, this camp store in the middle of Rock Cut SP is just decent (not amazing) and offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries and a number of other sundries you might need while camping. In all, there are 5 shelters that have electricity, water and restrooms nearby, with each shelter available by reserving them well in advance. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children’s playgrounds nearby. To launch your watercraft, you’ll have to head south to Hickory Hills campground where on the eastern side of this area you’ll be able to find the boat launch. To make a reservation either to camp or rent out a shelter, you’ll have to visit the ExporeMoreIL site to make a reservation. 

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites here in Staghorn are those that are positioned on the exterior of the loop and located furthest from the main road, for the obvious reasons being less traffic, less noise and more privacy. As such, odd-numbered sites from #301 to #319 are the best spots as they deliver peace & quiet, privacy and thus an intimate nature experience; (2) Once you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your onboard RV fridge, fret not, and just head out of the park where you will find a handful of dining options, including: Tom& Jerry’s, Fresh Start Café, Waffle Shop, Golden Chopsticks Buffet, Sunrise Family Restaurant, Beef-A-Roo (in fact, there’s like 4 of these that the park is surrounded by, so apparently they are very popular), but one of my absolute favorites is Pig Minds Brewery Company, which is, surprisingly, a Vegan joint, but one nonetheless that you can grab a number of seriously astonishingly awesome brews; (3) If you are on the prowl to see some of the most amazing animals that call northern Illinois their home, then you’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, woodchucks and beavers; (4) But because there are so many wild animals out here, be sure to keep your domesticated pets on a leash (as its a requirement here at Rock Cut SP); and (5) If you would like to experience a bit of Illinois history, you could go for a nice long drive to the northwest corner of Illinois where you can experience Galena or if you don’t have enough time for that, then just head south of Rock Cut SP to check out Midway Village Museum. 

  Happy Camping!

• K

  Kent B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 19, 2023

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Nice tent/bike camping

  Rode my bicycle for an overnight test run. I stayed in the primitive tent area. There are 5 wooded and 5 prairie sites. There is water and vault toilets by the tent area and flush toilets a 3 minute walk into the RV area.

  As noted in other reviews, I heard 3 trains between 10 pm and 6 am. Otherwise no other excessive noise issues. Tent area was very quiet.

  Staff was also very pleasant and helpful.

• 

  Dante V.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 3, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  June 8, 2018 @ Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Pretty Good size camp site.

• 

  Grayson H.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2023

  Paul Wolff Campground

  INCREDIBLE

  Amazing and friendly staff, beautiful grounds, and very well kept. There are mainly RVs and campers but we brought our little tent and were welcomed with open arms. The price is perfect whether you’re a resident of the area or not. There’s options for everyone. 10/10 would recommend!!!

• 

  Dan W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 17, 2023

  Elkhorn Campgrounds

  Trip #2- Post Malone

  Campsite 65- Rita, the mgr/owner, returned call to assist in selecting a site. The outer lanes had shade, while our site was in the middle open area. Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office. Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space. Great location to visit Lake Geneva (~8mi.) or see a concert at Alpine Valley (~20 min). There’s a shuttle from the campground (outer sites near racetrack.). You pay for the shuttle through Lakeshore shuttle. This weekend had their annual Ribfest. Great food and music that you can walk to from your site (~2 min walk). Due to the fest, there was some late noise, but nothing obnoxious. Definitely recommend as a home base for area fun, music, shopping, and restaurants.

• 

  Dan W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 17, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Trip #1 (Camper life begins)

  Campsite 201- spot was nice with plenty of space behind us along the woods. Camp store just 100 ft away. Park was very nice. Lake was great. Rented kayak for $20/hr. Has a dump station and water hookup just inside the entrance past the office. Area construction didn’t affect experience for camping, but did not allow you to hike around the entire lake. Overall, nice campground for a relaxing weekend.

• 

  Brittany R.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 15, 2023

  Harnischfeger County Park

  Review

  Cute peaceful campground. Only 9 sites. Has a 9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person. Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking.

• 

  Bob C.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 10, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Overnighter

  Our first trip out with our pop up was to the local state park. We were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was. Bathrooms were meh. Some sites had good shade, but many had very little. Our site was okay, but friends across the road had no shade.

• 

  Darcy M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 5, 2023

  Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

  Clean, quiet and great hiking!

  I camped for two nights in Loop 1, site 21 (24-hour quiet enforced - no pets or speakers allowed). My site was pretty open, but still had nice shade and flat areas for my tent. I also hung a hammock and clothesline and had plenty of space to move about!

  Five stars for the camp hosts -- so friendly and they keep the campground very clean! You can also get firewood and ice from the camp hosts, so extra points for convenience!

  Hiking at Scuppernong and the Ice Age Trail are both accessible from the group camping area and/or near the showers, depending on which trails you are accessing. 

  Firepits were cleaned out daily, so no soggy ashes or smoky fires :)

  You could hear a bit of road noise, especially motorcycles and heavy trucks, but nothing crazy. There are also several hike-to sites that are nice as well.

• M

  Mariusz P.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 23, 2023

  Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

  Great RV Park

  Very friendly staff and people. Great accommodations. Spots are ok size. Pretty level.

• 

  John M.

  Traveler

  

  May. 29, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  State park close to Chicago

  This is a great state park not too far from Chicago. Has a lot of rv sites and dedicated tent site close to the lake.

• B

  Bradley F.

  Scout

  

  May. 19, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Great site

  First time camping at Rock Cut State Park. Sites are spaced out well enough to provide privacy. Close to biking and hiking trails. Add bonus for EV owners, electricity is included in most sites so bring the travel charger.

• D

  Donna D.

  Scout

  

  May. 19, 2023

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Nice Suburban Campground

  The campground has nicely spaced sites. If others think these sites are close, they haven’t been to campground with close sites. There is a train next to the campground that runs once a day, but it is before 10pm. The rules say you cannot take any plants or animals whether dead or alive from the forest preserve and campground. There is a limit to the length of stay for all campers, except for the six campground attendants, of 14 days in a 21 day period.

• 

  Kytharah L.

  Scout

  

  May. 12, 2023

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Not for serious campers

  This is definitely more of a rest area than a campground. All the sites are pretty tightly packed, was awoken by a toddler screaming across from us like it was being murdered for about an hour at 6 am. Relaxing. They do have flush toilets as well as vaults that were both kept fairly clean. Firewood is a scam. Spent an hour collecting dead, dry, fallen wood OFF THE TRAIL(NOT out of the woods), only to have it taken because they sell wood. But the wood they DO sell was knotty and not dried well enough and couldn't get half of it to burn well at all. Basically, don't come here for an actual camping experience, because it will not be what you're expecting.

• 

  Joseph B.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 19, 2022

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Ok for an overnight stay

  The sites were separated pretty well.

  Our site was not very level, the gravel area (pad) was washed away and needed some repairs.

  Decent bathrooms, about 100yds from site.

• 

  Lesley R.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 4, 2022

  Kettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

  Woodsy Wisconsin Hiking Secret

  A local favorite to hike during the weekend, relax and get back in touch with nature. All seasons have their own beauty and especially here. If you enjoy ooing and ahhing over fall color leaves, mushrooms, native plants and the wonders of nature, hiking here won’t disappoint.

• 

  Alex A.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 25, 2022

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Awesome

  Awesome place for camping!!No highway noise, nice trail for walking…We will be back!

• J

  Judy

  Scout

  

  Sep. 24, 2022

  Paul Wolff Campground

  Very Noisy

  This campground is well maintained. The tent sites are nicely arranged for privacy. There are a few wooded trails from the campground. Just don’t count on sleep unless you are in the habit of sleeping through trains, traffic and planes taking off at least once per hour from nearby airport. It was torture. Bathrooms are okay not great.