The best campgrounds near Effingham, Illinois with horseback riding

Looking to go camping near Effingham, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With 158 options available in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a unique experience like the 1912 Vintage Barn Experience, a glamping getaway at the Glamp Games Retreat, or a tranquil spot like Tranquillity, we have you covered. These top campsites have rave reviews, with 45, 44, and 26 reviews respectively. Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like pets, campfires, and toilets, and take part in activities such as biking, boating, and swimming. Prices start as low as $15 per night and the average price is $30 per night. So get ready to experience the great outdoors and book your camping adventure today!

95% (74)

Top-rated campgrounds near Effingham

Looking to go camping near Effingham, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With 158 options available in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a unique experience like the 1912 Vintage Barn Experience, a glamping getaway at the Glamp Games Retreat, or a tranquil spot like Tranquillity, we have you covered. These top campsites have rave reviews, with 45, 44, and 26 reviews respectively. Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like pets, campfires, and toilets, and take part in activities such as biking, boating, and swimming. Prices start as low as $15 per night and the average price is $30 per night. So get ready to experience the great outdoors and book your camping adventure today!

95% (74)

Top-rated campgrounds near Effingham

1. Serenity Fields Farm

95%

(165)

46mi from Effingham · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

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! We are open to family reunions & parties, large gatherings of friends etc! We are happy to have a group that can party and consume adult beverages without driving or worrying about making noise. Sites 2 & 3 can accommodate big groups and vehicles. If you want the farm to yourself, book all three sites! Message me to discuss possibilities. 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 zip line, log or bridge to cross the creek. 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.

2. Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

10 sites · Newton, Illinois

Sam Parr is a scenic park located in the quaint city of Newton. Its central point is unarguably the 183-acre gem of a lake that is surrounded by rolling hills speckled with timber. This shimmering beauty is home to some killer fishing game, including bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Skim out on the glassy waters by canoe or kayak or kick back on the sandy shorelines for some much needed chillaxing.Explorations can easily be had for avid hikers and riders, with miles of foot and equestrian trails stretching throughout the park. Sing songs around the campfire and sip that cold beer in the fading sunlight next to the lake—the camp vibes are truly overflowing at this mellow spot.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

3. Lake Shelbyville

100%

(4)

322 sites · Shelbyville, Illinois

Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Wolf Creek State Park

148 sites · Findlay, Illinois

Reserve the 30-person Lost Shelter picnic area, an isolated, secluded site that overlooks the lake.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Eagle Creek State Recreation Area

106 sites · Findlay, Illinois

Why dip your toes into Eagle Creek Recreation Area when you can cannon ball in full force? Set right on Lake Shelbyville, this area offers prime access to all your favorite outdoor activities: sipping cold drinks on the shoreline, tossing the line the water, and soaking up that all-natural sunshine. Seriously, there is so much to do here—the expansive woodland areas, picturesque shorelines, and the shimmering waters of the lake are all calling your name.Whether you’re down for some hiking or mountain biking exploration or want to test out your windsurfing skills, you’ll find plenty of time to get it all in at Eagle Creek. Carp, bullhead, muskie, bluegill and others call the lake home and herds of deer are known to roam throughout the park—all that wildlife beauty will certainly move the soul (and hopefully the fishing line). Hurry up and get your outdoor escape on at this natural haven!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Fox Ridge State Park

44 sites · Charleston, Illinois

Your lazy Sunday just got a bit more action-packed! At Fox Ridge State Park, turn your lazy into relaxation: stroll through the rolling hills, causally boat around the lake, and picnic under a shady tree. Hike the trails and bring a camera to catch a snapshot of all the creatures and plants you’ll see! Nearby is the awesome Lincoln Log Historic Site, a definite must-see for historians and patriots alike.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

7. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

55 sites · Kinmundy, Illinois

Land your limit of largemouth bass, bluegill or crappie at this well-stocked, beautiful lake.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

8. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

135 sites · Ramsey, Illinois

With its rolling hills and timbered shoreline, Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area has become a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors enjoy quiet strolls in the forest, secluded picnicking, as well as more energetic activities.Fishing is huge here, so the lake is managed by draw-downs and stocking. Some species found are largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie. Hit up the concession stand for supplies. Other popular pastimes include hunting (dove, pheasant, quail, deer) and winter sports like fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating. There’s even a 13-mile designated snowmobile trail.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

9. Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

69 sites · Johnsonville, Illinois

At Sam Dale Lake, drink in all the beauty found in the gently rolling hills, lush woods, and shimmering waters. This place is certainly not short of recreational adventures, offering a bit of fishing, picnicking, and all around camp vibes. You may run into the critters that call this place home—owls, turkey, beaver, and deer that roam about the timber and brushy fields like they own the place (well, they kinda do). Undoubtedly, the best part about this place is the 194 acre lake that boasts 5 miles of sandy shoreline trials. There are also a few secluded ponds scattered about that are prime for fishing and relaxing. The camp sites here are nicely tucked away in a wooded and much more secluded section of the park, giving you the natural privacy you are in need of without taking you too far away from all the lakeside action.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Red Hills State Park

30 sites · Sumner, Illinois

A small, intimate gem of a park with a lovely little lake known for largemouth bass bank fishing.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Effingham

Sam Parr Campground

24mi from Effingham · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(3)

Coon Creek Campground

26mi from Effingham · 181 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Shelbyville

Wolf Creek Campground

26mi from Effingham · 148 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wolf Creek State Park

Eagle Creek Campground

27mi from Effingham · 106 sites · Tents, RVs · in Eagle Creek State Recreation Area

Fox Ridge Camground

29mi from Effingham · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Fox Ridge State Park

Stephen A. Forbes Campground

29mi from Effingham · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Forrest W. Bo Wood Campground

30mi from Effingham · 141 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Shelbyville

Hickory Grove

31mi from Effingham · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

White Oak Campground

31mi from Effingham · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

Sam Dale Lake Campground

40mi from Effingham · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Red Hills Campground

47mi from Effingham · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Red Hills State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

H

Heather

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields Farm

What a great place for families! We stayed at the creek-side camp and loved the privacy. It was perfect with our 5 and 7 year old as they were able to head to the playground alone with walkie talkies. For younger kids, the site closer to the playground may be a better fit. Julie was kind and helpful with every question we had! The property is also close to town, should you need anything at all - like we did!

C

Christian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields Farm

For central Illinois this place was amazing! The site itself was unique and secluded with a cool zip line within it. All the animals on the farm were fun to check out and interact with. Most of all Julie and her family were wonderful and thoughtful people to interact with.

P

Patsy

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields Farm

Literally had such a great time tent camping on Julie's Farm! From the spaced out nature of every site, the zip lines all over, and the activities for the children to do! To the responsiveness of Julie and her family 💖 We had our space but we also could nearly always find someone to ask questions or just chat 💖 The herbs and vegetables and flowers and variety of animals 💖 Julie also allowed us to have an impromptu birthday party for my daughter and she enjoyed the farm so much, she cried as we were leaving. Best private camping we've found so far! 👏👏 thanks again Julie and Serenity Farms

Cecile

August 2025

13 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields Farm

Great place to relax and recharge on our road trip. Very nice welcoming and charming property.

J

Jeff

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Serenity Fields Farm

Julie and her family were very welcoming! Our family, including our 8 year old son, loved our stay at the farm. From a zip line at our site, to kittens to play with and even a horse ride, we had a great day and night. Highly recommended!

P

Paulina

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Serenity Fields Farm

Beautiful site to camp at! It was really the weekend I went, but was able to get through it. It was so nice to be able to camp with the animals. Such a unique experience and I am so grateful that Julie can provide this experience.

M

Mel

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Serenity Fields Farm

if you love animals this is the campsite for you they are everywhere!! and so much fun things for kids to do. Would come again!

B

Brian

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields Farm

Our family loved tent camping on Julie's land. The land was beautiful and the feel was private even though you were close to the home. The directions were easy to follow. The pets were super friendly (especially Daisy)! For our first time using hipcamp it was a great experience.

E

Eric

May 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields Farm

We had a great experience at Serenity Farms! Lots of animals to see, gardens to explore and property to walk about. The host was very responsive. We had a very relaxing time.

Rainey

May 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields Farm

Took my boys camping for their first time here. We all had a very good time. We really enjoyed the doggies that hung out with us, one of them slept with my Autistic son all night he was so excited about it. We plan to be back