WE WILL BEGIN TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR 2026 ON JANUARY 16TH. PLEASE REVIEW THE CHANGES TO OUR FEE SCHEDULE AND UPDATED RESERVATION FORM. CALL 618-275-4494 TO CHECK AVAILABILITY OF CAMPSITES AND CABINS STARTING JANUARY 16TH. THE CAMPGROUND WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS UNTIL FEBRUARY 1ST. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE FOR THE UPCOMING RIDING SEASON! THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE DURING THE TRANSITION OF OWNERSHIP. WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO JOJO FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN HIGH KNOB CAMPGROUND! IT HAS BEEN A LIFELONG DREAM THAT SHE MADE POSSIBLE! MARK & JILL THOMPSON
High Knob Ranch Campground is nestled inside the beautiful Shawnee National Forest, spread over 45 acres. Our 165 campsites consist of both permanent campsites and overnight campsites, which all include water and electricity. We are open year-round for your mule/horse riding pleasure!
High Knob Ranch Campground is the only campground that has the River-to-River Trail running through the center of camp. We are located inside the Shawnee National Forest, with forest property on 2 sides of the campground and are the only campground that has 7 separate trails leading into the forest. From the center of camp, you're just a 5-minute horseback ride to 100 feet tall rock bluffs.
Explore the High Knob area which offers the best trail riding and hiking. Garden of the Gods wilderness area is a 6-hour round trip ride out of camp on the River-to-River Trail. Pack a lunch, take a break at the picnic table, and tie up at the hitching post, while you hike the nature trail in the Garden of the Gods bluffs. Come visit us for your next trail riding adventure. We guarantee you will keep coming back!
In The Area Attractions
During your down time, there are several things to do in the surrounding area. You can swim at Pounds Hollow Lake, go hiking at Rim Rock and tour the scenery at Garden of the Gods. Cave-in-Rock state park is just a short drive away where you can explore the old river cave that was used by pirates and occasional outlaws.
You may want to take a free ferry ride across the river into Kentucky to Amish country for a day of shopping at Yoder's, where bread, baked goods and crafts are made daily. It's only a 1 hr drive to Paducah, KY to visit the quilt museum or the indoor flea market.
The town of Harrisburg is approximately 30 minutes away where many places to eat and shop can be found. A new 8-line, 3 hour zipline course has just been constructed in the area for an afternoon of summer fun!! You can also visit local winery's & a chocolate candy factory located in Dixon Springs, IL. No trip would be complete without a visit to McKinney's Western Store located in Marion, the largest western store in Southern Illinois.
Places to Ride
- Tee Pee
- Old Log Cabins
- Rice Hollow
- Silver Mine Trail
- Dead Horse Canyon
- Inital Tree
- Snow Cone Trail
- Whiskey Cave
- Colbert Spring
- Hurricane Bluff
- Garden of the Gods
- Buzzards Roost
- No-No Rock
- Thacker Hollow
- Knights of the Golden Circle
Reservation Information
Thank you for choosing High Knob Ranch Campground!!
If you would like to make a reservation:
* FIRST call or text the office @ 618-275-4494 to inquire about availability.
* Have your information and dates ready.
Reservations can be made by emailing the completed form (see below) to info@highknobranch.com, mailing the form to:
HIGH KNOB RANCH CAMPGROUND
2245 Knob Hill Lane
Equality, IL 62934
Phone and email reservations and will be held for 5 days for receipt of payment.
Please make checks payable to HIGH KNOB RANCH CAMPGROUND.
If you have any questions or need help with the reservation form, just give us a call, we'll be happy to help!
Information sheet details:
* Name
* Contact phone number
* Arrival and departure dates
* Number of people staying on your site
* Number of equines you’re bringing
* Number of covered stalls or pen needed
* Area of campground you’re requesting
* Group you are camping with, if applicable
**Confirmation of receipt of deposit will be sent via text to the contact number above, unless otherwise instructed.
1. All reservations require advance payment of one night for each cabin, campsite and stall reserved.
2. Reservations are not accepted for arrival or departure on a Saturday.
3. Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day weekends have a 3-night min stay and must be paid in full at the time the reservation is made. These reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
4. All weekend reservations require a 2-night minimum stay.
5. CANCELLATION POLICY. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS OR THE ANNUAL McALLISTER MULE RIDE.
Cancellations over 30 days from scheduled arrival will be fully refunded except for holiday weekends.
Cancellations within 5-30 days of arrival will be given as a campground credit for a future stay or store merchandise within 1 year.
No refund/credit will be given for cancellations within 5 days of arrival.
Office and Store Hours
Mon 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sun Open for camping but we do not take calls or respond to text or emails for reservations.
FAQs
* We can only accept cash and checks. We are unable to process credit/debit cards.
* LATE ARRIVALS MUST notify the office before 6pm on the arrival date.
* Washing your animals, truck, trailer, etc. is not allowed in the camping areas. Please use designated horse washing stations only to wash your equines.
* Speed limit in camp is 10mph to help reduce dust in the campground.