Cited as one of the best horseback riding regions in the nation, Pope County is home to the Trail Riding Capital of Illinois: Eddyville, IL. With a wide variety of Equestrian Trails available across Southern Illinois, beginners or expert Equestrians have a variety of options to choose from whether you are looking for a short ride through the woods with a trail guide or a more extended adventure into the heart of Shawnee National Forest. You will find all of the resources and accommodations you will need to outfit your horseback riding adventures in Pope County.
Shawnee national forest provides a variety of equestrian trails intermingled with hiking trails that sprawl the Southern Illinois region. Find a variety of private horseback riding trails at any of the horse camps in the area. With stalls, highlines, and corrals; keep your horse close while you camp under the bright canopy of Southern Illinois stars or rent a horse for a new and exciting hiking experience.
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Bay Creek Ranch Inc. With trails open year- round and no rain closures, Bay Creek can accommodate groups of any size for riding through pine forests or the more difficult bluff areas. 78 Cedar Grove Church Road
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Hayes Canyon Campground and Cabins Featured on the television show Best of America by Horseback, rent a campsite or a cabin at Hayes Canyon and enjoy all of the natural beauty that Shawnee National Forest has to offer. PO Box 186 1 Hayes Canyon Camp Lane Eddyville IL 62928 (618) 672-4751 info@hayescanyon.com |
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Little Lusk Creek Campground With a variety of trails to choose from, rent a campsite or bring an RV and your equine pal to enjoy long rides through wooded forest areas or rocky bluffs in the Shawnee National Forest. 1615 St Hwy 145 N
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TK Ranch Campground Located in the heart of the One Horse Gap Trail Area, TK Ranch Campground is one family’s dream come true. Enjoy the trails during prime riding season, March – November. 584 Lusk Road
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Wingos Bear Branch Horse Camp Rent a campsite or cabin at Bear Branch (each with a highline onsite) or cabin and enjoy the use of the onsite corrals, a variety of outdoor stalls, and a barn with 40 box stalls. P.O. Box 10 |
Other Southern Illinois Horseback Riding Links:
| Find all of the necessities for hitting the trail right in Southern Illinois. From authentic western clothing to tack and feed, everything that you need is at your fingertips. |
McKinney’s Western Store: Feed and Tack Hathaway Feed, Seed, and Yard |