Sand Ridge State Forest, near Forest City, IL
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The campground is small, but nice, it has high lines and hitching type posts. We prefer high lines for camping. There are fire pits at the sites and picnic tables. Most of the sites with High lines are in full sun. There is water, but it is a hand pump, we hauled our own water. The ranger comes around and collects payment, or you can reserve on reserve america. The trails are all sand, some areas are pretty deep. No mud or rock at all, a great work out for the horses, rolling hills and mostly all wooded. Good place to start a horse. We ride gaited and it was nice to be able to really move out the entire time. There are 49 miles of trails with an additional 120 miles of fire lanes you can ride. It was a great spot to get the horses into shape this spring, I would not go in the summer when it is hot and dry. But perfect for spring and fall. Do not put things on the ground, the "sand spurs" are brutal and will eat you alive! And watch out for the cactus on the edge of the trails :) Nice change of scenery for Illinois. We will go back, all the people and ranger were super nice. |
| Reviewed by Kim Young on 4/14/2014 2:12:01 PM |
Experience: Beginner |
Ride Date: 4/12/2014 |
Hometown: Sandwich, IL |
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Bolo Club, near Sherwood, TN
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This place was great, the people, place and trails couldn't be better. The campsites are nice with water and electric on each site. There are rooms, cabins and a house for rent if needed. Everything is newly remolded and well thought out. Bath houses are super clean, and nice. There is a lodge available to everyone that has a fireplace, TV with satellite, large tables for dining. There is a kitchen for you to cook in. Great big deck with a wonderful view. WiFi on location. The barn is big and offers stalls or you can stall in an outdoor covered stall. Safe and nice stalls with water nearby. Upstairs in the barn is a entertainment area for bands or gatherings. Live music is offered on their big weekends. George and Buddy are on site and really make you feel welcomed and will answer any questions you have. You feel right at home with all the conviences as well.
The trails were not muddy (even though day one we had 1.5 in of rain, it is mostly sand and rock bottom so it drains well. There was of course some mud, but nothing like other places, not bad. The trails are in the mountain so there is a lot of climbing up and down and it is quite rocky in places so shoes or hoof boots are required. We rode in boots on the front only and did great. Oh and do equip your horse with a Crupper, we did not and our saddles ended up on their necks. The trails are very clearly marked and correspond with the map well. I would not say they are for beginners, but experienced riders will love it. The views are amazing. Lots of creek crossings for watering your trusted steed. And a few places to take breaks when needed.
It is in a valley so be prepared to drive down the mountain and up, make sure you have plenty of fuel before starting down. There is a town only about 30 min away.
Wonderful place and we cant wait to return and enjoy this place and people. Ride your heart out during the day and relax in the lodge with a fire at night, cant beat it. Check them out on FB, The Bolo Club.
Happy Trails to You
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| Reviewed by Kim Young on 3/22/2013 7:00:44 PM |
Experience: Expert |
Ride Date: 3/20/2013 |
Hometown: Sandwich, IL |
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True West Campground, Stables and Mercantile in BSF, near Jamestown, TN
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True West and the trails are terrific. Shawn and Donna made us instantly feel welcomed. They greet you when you pull in, show you around, get you to your stalls, and even scoop out your trailer and help get your saddles put in the barn! The stalls are terrific, big, clean and safe (a must for me). There are saddle racks to put your tack (sure makes it easier to saddle and unsaddle) They have water accessible everywhere, and bucket hooks in ea stall. Bedding is easily available as well as wheel barrels and forks.
The sites are clean, and big, they have electric, water and sewer(if wanted). At the gathering spot there is even Wifi, TV, and a grill to use. They have firewood available for a reasonable price and ice.
Shawn knows all the trails very well and will give you terrific directions to suit any type of ride, long, short, easy or difficult. The trails are in good shape and offer terrific views and destination rides. He even offers to haul you to the trail head to be able to ride the far away rides(just remember to tip him for gas :)We even had to call him once for a ride home after a long day.
They also walk thru the barn every night and check the horses to make sure they do not look hurt, and will notify you if there is a problem (this is amazing I have never seen anyone do this).
I highly recommend True West to anyone wanting a great carefree riding getaway! We will be returning, I feel we made forever friends there and great memories! |
| Reviewed by Kim Young on 9/15/2013 10:06:56 AM |
Experience: Expert |
Ride Date: 9/15/2013 |
Hometown: Sandwich, IL |
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We had the most fantastic time staying at True West, Donna and Shawn are amazing and make you feel right at home. They really appreciate their customers and it is obvious. We camp lots of places and this is by far out favorite and one of the few places we continue to go back to again. The campground is very clean, safe stalls, great sites and everything you need. The trails are fabulous and Big South Fork trails are close to camp. Shawn will help you figure out a great ride no matter what you are looking for, short, long, easy or challenging. He knows his trails well. The atmosphere at this campground is truly one of being on vacation and having a ball. Great people who love their job, but be sure to call ahead and get your reservation, as they do fill up. We will not stay anywhere else! Cant wait to go back May 1, 2014. |
| Reviewed by Kim Young on 4/14/2014 2:20:31 PM |
Experience: Expert |
Ride Date: 9/1/2013 |
Hometown: Sandwich, IL |
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