Forest camping in Illinois with horseback riding
From Lake Michigan beaches to Shawnee National Forest trails—campers have options in Illinois.
98% (1343 reviews)
- Illinois
98% (1343 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Illinois
Available this weekend
Under $50
12 top forest campgrounds in Illinois with horseback riding
100%
(522)
Wine Trail Wilderness
16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL
The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa".
Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest.
It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy.
Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes.
We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit.
We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience.
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$24
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McCully Heritage Project
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents940 acres · Kampsville, IL
The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville, Illinois in beautiful and remote Calhoun County.
We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.
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$25
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Welcome to our Magical Woods
9 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Marseilles, IL
Cicadas 2024 are GONE It's so quiet! Except for the birds and other soft singing insects. LOTS of tree frogs are chirping.
Grundy County Fair July 3 - 7 in Morris, IL. Fireworks from stadium seating July 3rd. Every day there is a carnival, horse show, truck/tractor pulls, auto races and more! https://grundycountyfair.org/
Nearly every local town has something going on for 4th of July, from very small towns to our larger cities in this area - just ask!
LaSalle County 4H Fair July 10 - 14 Tractor and truck pulls, rodeo, demolition derby and of course lots of critters and kids. Best lemon shake ups on the planet https://www.facebook.com/lasallecountyjrfair/
Stargazers delight! We have very little light interference out here which makes for excellent stargazing!
Upcoming celestial events:
Comet 13P/Olbers Visible beginning 6/29/24 The comet is currently approaching its perihelion — its closest point to the sun. It will reach that point on Sunday, June 30. It will reach its closest point to Earth on July 20
More here: https://wgntv.com/news/comet-not-seen-since-1956-set-to-fly-by-earth/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0aLalFEmpJV7zTJP3RG-LVLfChe6COXzKPHX8oXK-YrA6zVXdpkqbdPZg_aem_Df1Swwdh287nWq04ev5N_g
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Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to stores, sites and restaurants.
Our campsites are treated with a light essential oil to help repel bugs, like mosquitoes and ticks. Our pond is treated weekly for mosquitoes. We work hard so that you are comfortable. Your campsite is clean and stocked for you with a picnic table, five pieces of firewood, a lighter, fire starters, a couple of chairs and peace and quiet. A clean port a potty is available at the trail head and next to the stables. There is a stocked handwashing station next to the port a potties.
No bears, no wolves, no mountain lions. Plenty of owls, birds, frogs, and small critters plus the shy deer are all about.
Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you.
Cicadas 2024 are GONE It's so quiet! Except for the birds and other soft singing insects.
Up coming events:
Marseilles Fundays Now - June 30th. Carnival, food, fun, fireworks and Sunday PARADE https://www.cityofmarseilles.com/marseilles-fun-days-2024/
Grundy County Fair July 3 - 7 in Morris, IL. Fireworks from stadium seating July 3rd. Every day there is a carnival, horse show, truck/tractor pulls, auto races and more! https://grundycountyfair.org/
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$50
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Sonny Hills
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Eddyville, IL
70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with hiking trails, woods and water activities. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), RimRock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet, we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away.
Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, Completely modernized, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Kitchen is fully equipped and stocked; plates and all utensils, as well as with coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace and nice views of private lake and hills. Large back deck that wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. $85.00 per night, 2 night minimum, $60.00 cleaning fee
Primitive tent camping sites available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. No Internet.
Shade or sunny areas.
Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations.
Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond.
All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.
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$17
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Tall Tree Lake
62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL
We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.
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$10
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Horseshoe Bend
11 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Roanoke, IL
Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private.
Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek. There are several direct access points to the creel for fishing or wading. We have miles of marked trails that are easy for everyone.
Horseshoe Bend Main is a larger campground with four dispersed sites which a very spread out. This site has (3) 30 amp outlets for RV's. Porta potties are also provided.
The Horseshoe Bend Creekside sites are designated spots that are on the West Panther creek bank. There are porta potties, but no electric or water.
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$20
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The Aloha Ranch
10 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Harvard, IL
We have 26 acres of land to have fun on and enjoy nature! Turtles, rabbits, deer, possums, and snakes are just a few of the wildlife that you may encounter. The Kishwaukee river runs along the property bringing a variety of creatures as well as a nice place to cool off on hot days. You can find wild berry trees and beautiful flowers. Enjoy campfires and gaze upon the vast sky full of stars at night. There are multiple camping sites, some surrounded by trees and others in open fields to suit your preference and camping vehicle.
Learn more about this land:
Welcome to our 26 acres surrounded by the Kishwaukee River. Small trails, secluded yet near food, shopping and activities. Pet friendly, bon fires, barbecuing, gorgeous sunrises and tranquil sunsets. We are a family run small farm with dogs, horses, ponies and chickens. Only 1 hour 20 minutes from downtown Chicago and 1 hour from Ohare airport.
Near Wisconsin border, Fox River, Lake Geneva, Rush Creek, Volo Museum & Antiques. Look up things to do in McHenry as well.
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94%
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Serenity Fields Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL
We are originally from Northern California. We are enjoying our expansive farm with all it's fresh air, fresh food, plants, animals, and fun events.
We enjoy time relaxing in hammocks and letting the world pass us by.
Bring your family out to enjoy all the farm has to offer, or take advantage of the serenity and privacy!
Learn more about this land:
Pitch your tent near the creek (site 1) in a completely private site (kids can sleep in the truck bed topper or fort if they'd like) or on the field to the side of the house (site 2) for a semi-private spot nearest to the bathroom and with a wood chip drive entrance for larger vehicles or (site 3) a semi- private spot down by the creek and the hay bales to the left of the house. (Or pick a spot of your choosing). Enjoy the farm animals, walk the property, build a fire, and enjoy the outdoors!
There are more animals to pet from April through October (typically we have bunnies, chickens, sheep, cats, dogs, alpacas, miniature horses, horses, pig, goat, etc.). In the winter the horses, alpacas, chickens, dogs, cats and sometimes bunnies are available to visit.
Firewood bundles available for $10
The creek at times is swimmable, other times it's walkable, and sometimes in the heat of July it's very shallow.
There is a state park (Ft. Daniel) less than 5 minutes away and others a bit further (Spitler or Sand Creek)
Horseback riding may be available upon request - $25.00 per person or $50.00 per family.
There is a large shaded playground in the front yard for the kids with a trampoline, small zip line, ninja line, slack line, silks, climbing dome, hammocks, etc.
BATHROOM: If you are looking at the house from the street, the bathroom is on the right of the house, attached to the house. It is a small shed looking building and is pictured. It has a toilet and running hot and cold water.
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Triangle H Farm, LLC
8 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Edwardsville , IL
Once a large cattle operation, Triangle H Farm has evolved through being a corn, soybean and horseradish farm before its present use as a horse boarding, training, and lesson facility. As a matter of fact, depending upon the season, you can schedule a tour of our horseradish farm. We are top 10 producers of horseradish in the nation! Come see our 100 acres of camping possibilities and enjoy nature at its finest! We look forward to having you with us.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or plug in your RV (30 or 50 amp, or 110 volt) on our 110 acre horse farm. Choose between staying up closer to the barns or out in the timber. We have a nice primitive spot under a 100+ year old cottonwood tree that is near a stream. There is a picnic table there as well. About 1.25 mile down the trail from the main barn is a walnut grove with a picnic table. The same stream runs past the walnut grove. There is a spot for a fire too. If you want more rustic, feel free to cross the creek to the timber and choose a primitive camping spot there. Enjoy mowed trails to hike or bike. Water (from hydrants and hoses) and portopotty are up near main barns. We have 60 horses on the farm as well as goats, cats, and chickens. We do not offer access to horses unless you're in a riding lesson, or have scheduled a pony riding session. We look forward to sharing our little piece of heaven with you!
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Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
1 site · RV, Tent600 acres · Galena, IL
Learn more about this land:A peaceful respite with a breathtaking view of the Galena and Mississippi River valleys. The secluded campsite is situated on a high point on Pilot Knob that overlooks the entire valley with 180 degree views to the South, West and North. The tent site is a flat 20'x20' spot next to a Birch tree, fire ring and table; plenty of room for two tents and a car or two. In the foreground is a natural field with small Cedar trees, Scrub Oak, Sumac and prairie grasses where deer often eat and bed. The site is situated on about 25 acres - plenty of space to take a walk through the fields. Further out are natural woods, and in the distance is the entire Mississippi River valley South to Bellevue, IA and North of Dubuque, IA. Sunsets are absolutely breathtaking from this vantage point.
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Red Gate Farm, LLC
2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Creal Springs, IL
Welcome to Red Gate Farm, LLC, a farm with a vision! We previously ran a very successful Hipcamp site at our previous property, but completely relocated and are starting fresh! We purchased 50 acres of GORGEOUS timbered property, with rolling forested hills, several creeks, trees towering over 100 feet tall, and abundant wildlife. It's absolutely perfect for Hipcamp!
Building a new farm (and Hipcamp program) from scratch takes time--years even, but we decided now is as a good a time as any to share our beautiful timber with Hipcampers looking for some peace and privacy. While the site itself will be groomed and set up as listed, the surrounding grass won't be perfectly green yet, there will still be a lot of dead-wood and natural debris around the sites, and trails are a bit rough and uneven. If you can overlook the "rustic" aspects though, and enjoy the beauty of the peace and quiet of just enjoying nature, as it has sat unmanaged for roughly 50 years around the sites, then you are likely to love every moment!
If you desire more adventure than just hanging around and enjoying nature, be sure to check out the additional experiences we offer here on the farm, as well as the entire surrounding area. Southern IL is made up of the Shawnee National Forest and multiple state parks and recreational areas. You can find a wide variety of activities to keep you busy! Even the local towns have much to offer, whether you enjoy fine dining, casual restaurants, antique shopping, or a nice theater production.
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Honey Bee & Bee Homestead
1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Hanover, IL
Escape from the ordinary as you immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of our hidden sanctuary. Tucked away on a sprawling 40-acre haven of natural beauty just outside Galena, Illinois, our retreat unfolds in the heart of the stunning Driftless Area.
Embrace tranquility by the serene pond, explore the meandering trails through 26 acres of protected forestry, and encounter the delightful presence of our charming residents - from chickens and guinea fowl to the gentle hum of honey bees. Meet Oxford, our friendly Great Pyrenees, who adds an extra touch of warmth to our idyllic setting.
The Driftless Area beckons with its renowned geological wonders, presenting a captivating landscape of rolling hills, picturesque bluffs, and unparalleled scenic beauty. Delight your senses with the award-winning flavors of local Galena wines at nearby vineyards, where each sip is a celebration of the region's rich terroir.
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Star Hosts in Illinois
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Forest camping in Illinois with horseback riding guide
Overview
Illinois might be notoriously flat—the state’s highest natural point, Charles Mound, is easily eclipsed by Chicago's Willis Tower—but there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the Land of Lincoln. Head to the windswept shores of Lake Michigan, grab your backpack and hit the trail in the Shawnee National Forest, or hop in your RV and set out along Route 66. With more than 300 state parks to explore, and a huge choice of campgrounds, glampsites, and cozy cabin rentals, campers have options to suit all four seasons. Summer is peak season, so book well in advance.
Where to go
Chicago & Around
Once you’ve marveled at the skyscrapers and filled up on hot dogs in Chicago, you’ll find several of Illinois’ most impressive state parks within day-trip distance of the Windy City. Cool off at Illinois Beach State Park along the shores of Lake Michigan, hike to waterfalls and camp in the woods at Starved Rock State Park, or admire the fall foliage in Matthiessen State Park. For winter campers, Rock Cut State Park is a hotspot for cross-country skiing.
Great Rivers Country
Nineteenth-century towns, vineyards, and scenic river valleys provide a change of pace in Western Illinois. Hop between towns like Peoria, Moline, and Galena along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers; spot bald eagles in Grafton, or rent a cabin at nearby Pere Marquette State Park. Mississippi Palisades State Park is another regional highlight, where you can hike, rock climb, or cross-country ski, depending on the season.
Land of Lincoln
Illinois’ bucolic heartland was the long-time home of Abraham Lincoln, and historic sites are scattered around the countryside between Springfield, Bloomington, and Decatur. If you’re up for one of the world’s most famous road trips, drive your RV on down to Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66, or if woodland views and lake fishing are more your jam, head to Walnut Point State Park, Wolf Creek State Park, or Sangchris Lake State Park.
South Illinois
The rambling Shawnee National Forest stretches over much of southern Illinois, encompassing miles of hiking and horseback riding trails between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Take your pick of some of the state’s most rewarding hikes, including the River to River Trail and the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, and don’t miss the extraordinary rock formations of the Garden of the Gods. First-come, first-served campsites are available at several NF campgrounds, or you can pitch your tent or park your RV in the dispersed camping areas.
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