Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park campground
Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park
Reservations are accepted at Horseback Campground, which guarantees you a spot, especially during peak seasons. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance to secure your preferred campsite. The campground is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Matthiessen State Park offers various activities for campers to enjoy. The park features several hiking trails that showcase stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Visitors can also explore the nearby Starved Rock State Park, which offers even more outdoor recreational opportunities. It is important to note that this camping area does not offer electric hookups, so campers should come prepared with alternative power sources if needed.
In summary, Horseback Campground at Matthiessen State Park provides an excellent camping experience with its well-maintained campsites, amenities, and beautiful surroundings. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak seasons, and the best time to visit is during the spring and fall. With its scenic hiking trails and proximity to other attractions, campers are sure to have a memorable and enjoyable stay.
What's on-site at Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starved Rock State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Lake De Pue City Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Illini State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Illini State Park Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Tony's Cabin | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Vermilion River Near Leonore | 519 cfs | → |
| Fox River At Dayton | 1,940 cfs | → |
| Illinois River At Marseilles | 4,960 cfs | → |
| East Bureau Creek Near Bureau | 2 cfs | → |
| Illinois River At Henry | 11,900 cfs | → |
| Big Bureau Creek At Princeton | 58 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Salle 0.1 W | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Peru 0.7 Ene | 1.5 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Hennepin | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Earlville | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Princeton 1.1 Se | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Amboy 0.5 Ssw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Lehigh Memorial Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Dickinson Field
- Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen Park
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park
Can I make reservations at Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park.