The horse camp has been greatly improved from its humble beginnings 10 years ago. Nine level campsites are a breeze to back into with some having shade. Hitching posts are heavy metal and the ground around them is not eroded from overuse. The combo grill/fire place is the designated area for all campfires. Site superintendent, Jeff Wepprect, asks campers to refrain from using high lines or tying to trees. He will allow pens in camp, but like everything else if we do not use caution that could go by the wayside too. Some horse camps already ban pens because people have overgrazed areas and left lots of hay and manure in the pen upon departure. The grass in this camp is lush and if we take care of things it can stay that way. The only drawback to this camp is that we still have to hand pump our horse water or take the easy way out and cart it from home. Water in camp is not for human consumption.

Trail length totals 12 miles between two loops that are easy to follow. One of the first state parks to open on April 1st, it gives us a close up look at many spring wildflowers. About the time you see daffodils at home head out to see trails brushed with the color of bluebells, violets, and spring beauties. Sweet smells waft by from wild plum trees and lavender redbud trees provide a burst of color. They are the only visible signs of former farmsteads.

A good portion of the trail traverses the mighty Kankakee River providing views of limestone outcroppings. The trail surface changes frequently from dirt to sand with a few small rocky areas. Most horses would not need to be shod to ride here. The one wooden bridge on trail is quite wide and easy to navigate. Half of the trail is under shady tree cover.

Horses have use of the trails and camp until October 31st due to hunting in the park. Refer to the riding schedule under “Particulars” for restricted times during hunting seasons. Trails often pass small plantings of corn or other crops that attract area wildlife. Some lots are planted with sunflowers, which put on a spectacular show in September. Along the river there is evidence of tree bases chomped to nothing by local beavers. Deer and fox are often sighted on rides while you are more likely to hear the coyote during the nightly campfire. Horse trails are designated for “horses only”, but you may encounter hikers or fisherman along the banks of the river. There are access points to water your horse in the river; be careful since the currents are strong. Kankakee River area has the usual early summer tick season with the deerfly, mosquitoes and horseflies following later in summer. The state of Illinois charges horse campers coming from any state a reasonable camping fee of only $7.00 per night. Modern type pit toilets and other camp improvements make this quite a bargain. A ranger will collect fees on his rounds if you plan to stay overnight.

If you cover the trails in one day and want another activity try Reeds Canoe rentals for 2-6 hour trips on the Kankakee River. The horse camp is located half way between Kankakee and Wilmington providing an endless choice of stores and restaurants.

Future plans for the camp include more campsites and an electric water pump. Site superintendent Jeff Wepprecht would like to ask local horsemen to volunteer for trail cleanup and pruning. Just let him know when you can come so he can log the volunteer hours and give credit to horsemen. This is all he shared with me when I asked if he had any comments about horse issues that horsemen need to improve upon. He had no real complaints, only conveying that he needed help. I was so proud and happy to hear this. Horsemen have a good relationship going here and that is to be commended. Any clubs want to take a ride and prune the trails?

I know it is hard for serious trail riders to believe this, but not everyone in the family
likes to ride horses all day. This would be a perfect place for a family campout to do a little riding and canoeing too. Diversification could be the key to a fun family horse campout. For more info or to volunteer contact the park at 815-933-1383. For canoe rentals: 815-wecanoe or www.reedscanoetrips.com.