Crazy Horse Campground

Are you an Illinois resident looking for an outdoor escape that offers a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities? Crazy Horse Campground in Ashland, IL, has long been a destination for campers seeking to connect with nature, whether for a weekend getaway or a seasonal stay. Nestled among the cornfields of Central Illinois, this 55-acre campground traditionally offers a variety of accommodations, from RV sites to cabins and tent spots, aiming to cater to different camping preferences.

However, recent feedback from long-term and returning campers indicates significant changes under new management. While the campground's website continues to highlight a wide array of amenities and activities such as stocked ponds for fishing, swimming, outdoor play areas, and an indoor game room, it's crucial for prospective campers to be aware of the experiences shared by current residents. These experiences include concerns about reduced operating hours for facilities, issues with road maintenance (mud and dust), unaddressed safety concerns (like insect infestations in play areas), and unexpected changes to key activities like fishing. It also appears there have been challenges with communication and a shift in community dynamics. Despite these concerns, the potential of the property, with its natural setting and range of facilities, still exists. For Illinois locals considering Crazy Horse Campground, a thorough understanding of these recent developments is essential for a realistic expectation of their camping experience.

Crazy Horse Campground is located at 2113 Crazy Horse Rd, Ashland, IL 62612, USA. This address places the campground in a rural setting, north of Jacksonville and west of Springfield, offering a peaceful retreat away from urban hustle while remaining accessible to key Illinois cities.

Ashland itself is a small community, providing a quiet backdrop for the campground. For Illinois residents, the campground's location offers a convenient escape without requiring extensive travel. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Springfield, the state capital, which provides access to a wider range of services, historical sites (such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library), dining, and shopping. Jacksonville, a larger town with amenities like a country club and golf course, is also "just down the road," offering additional conveniences and attractions within a closer proximity.

Access to Crazy Horse Campground typically involves navigating local roads off major highways. While some reviews mention roads within the campground needing improvement (specifically concerning pot holes, mud, and dust), the overall regional accessibility is generally good for vehicle travel. This balance between a secluded countryside feel and reasonable proximity to larger towns makes Crazy Horse Campground an appealing option for Illinoisans looking to enjoy the outdoors without being too far removed from necessary resources.

Crazy Horse Campground traditionally aims to offer a comprehensive range of services to enhance the camping experience for all guests. However, it's important to note that recent customer reviews indicate a potential disconnect between advertised services and their consistent availability or quality under new management. Based on the campground's stated intentions and typical offerings of similar facilities, services would include:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers various types of sites, including full hookup RV sites (with 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer, available in both pull-through and back-in configurations), tent sites (often primitive or with water/electric), and cabin rentals (ranging from basic camping cabins to deluxe cabins and cottages with more amenities like private bathrooms and kitchens).
• Restrooms and Showers: Communal bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers are provided for guest convenience, though cleanliness has been a point of concern in some reviews.
• Laundry Facilities: A laundromat or laundry room is typically available on-site for campers.
• Camp Store/Cafe: The campground often features a camp store for essential camping supplies, snacks, drinks, sundries, firewood, and ice. A "Crazy Horse Cafe" is also mentioned, though its operating hours and availability have been a source of frustration for some guests.
• Recreational Amenities: Planned amenities include swimming facilities (e.g., a pool or lake access), boating opportunities, stocked ponds for fishing, outdoor play areas (like a playground, although one review noted issues with sand fleas), a disc golf course, horseshoes, and an indoor game room.
• Planned Activities & Events: The campground promotes a calendar of themed weekends, planned crafts, activities, and live music, indicating a desire to offer a vibrant, engaging experience.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Crazy Horse Campground is generally pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the camping adventure, though specific rules and leash requirements apply.
• Seasonal Sites: For those looking for a more permanent camping solution, seasonal sites are available, allowing campers to keep their rig set up for extended periods.

Given the significant concerns raised in recent reviews, prospective campers are highly advised to contact the campground directly to confirm the current operational status and quality of specific services, amenities, and activities before making a reservation. This proactive step can help manage expectations and ensure a more satisfactory experience.

Crazy Horse Campground, despite recent challenges noted by some campers, promotes several features and highlights that are intended to make it a desirable outdoor destination for Illinois locals. It’s important to distinguish between advertised features and current resident experiences when considering these points:

• Diverse Accommodation Options: A key highlight is the variety of camping choices, including full hookup RV sites (pull-through and back-in, 30/50 amp), primitive and electric/water tent sites, and cabins (ranging from basic to deluxe with more home-like amenities). This allows the campground to cater to various comfort levels and group sizes.
• Stocked Ponds for Fishing: The campground traditionally boasts stocked ponds that have been a major draw for campers, allowing for convenient on-site fishing. While recent reviews indicate a change in fishing access and policy without prior notice, the presence of these ponds remains a foundational feature.
• Swimming Facilities: The campground offers a swimming area, which is a popular amenity for families during warmer months. This could be a pool or designated lake/pond access.
• Family-Friendly Activities & Amenities (Advertised): The website highlights a range of family-oriented activities and features such as a barrel train, Bigfoot hunt, arts & crafts, hayrides, a bounce house, building blocks, and an indoor game room. Planned activities and themed weekends aim to provide continuous entertainment.
• Outdoor Recreational Areas: Beyond the structured activities, the campground provides ample space for outdoor play, including a playground (though concerns about sand fleas have been raised), disc golf, and horseshoe pits.
• Camp Store & Cafe: For convenience, the campground features a camp store for supplies and a cafe, aiming to provide on-site dining options.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing many families to bring their beloved animals along for their camping adventure.
• Proximity to Central Illinois Attractions: Its location near Jacksonville and Springfield provides easy access to historical sites (like Abraham Lincoln sites), shopping, and dining, offering options for off-site exploration.

Prospective campers are highly encouraged to contact the campground directly for the most current information regarding the operational status, quality, and availability of these features, especially in light of the significant concerns raised in recent guest reviews.

As of June 19, 2025, Crazy Horse Campground in Ashland, IL, is participating in a "Summer Escape Sale" through Campspot, which offers a direct promotion for potential campers. This indicates that despite any internal changes or challenges, the campground is actively seeking to attract new visitors through discounted rates. While specific, ongoing, or general offers beyond this time-limited sale are not widely advertised, typical promotions for campgrounds can include:

• Current Promotion: Summer Escape Sale: As observed, Crazy Horse Campground is offering a discount through the Campspot platform. Specifically, by entering the promo code "ESCAPE25," campers can receive 50% off their stay when booking 2 or more nights during the 2025 season. This offer is valid for reservations booked between June 16-22, 2025, but can be applied for stays throughout the entire 2025 camping season (excluding holiday weekends).
• Newsletter Sign-Up: The campground's website encourages visitors to "Sign up for our newsletter and never miss out on the fun and memories being made throughout the year," suggesting that future promotions or special events might be communicated directly to subscribers.
• Seasonal Site Offers: For those interested in longer stays, campgrounds often have specific rates or benefits for seasonal campers, though recent reviews imply changes and challenges in this area at Crazy Horse.
• Membership Discounts: Some campgrounds offer discounts for affiliations with organizations like Good Sam Club, though specific active discounts should be verified.

Given the nature of the current promotion, prospective campers should act quickly if they wish to take advantage of the "Summer Escape Sale." For any future offers or to confirm the details of current promotions, directly contacting Crazy Horse Campground or checking their official booking channels is the best approach.

For any Illinois residents interested in booking a stay, inquiring about specific amenities, or seeking clarification on any concerns related to Crazy Horse Campground, direct contact is the most reliable method. Preparing specific questions about current operations, facilities, and rules, especially in light of recent public feedback, is highly recommended.

Address: 2113 Crazy Horse Rd, Ashland, IL 62612, USA

Phone: (217) 886-2089

Mobile Phone: +1 217-886-2089

Email: reserve@crazyhorsecamp.com (as listed on their website)

While some reviews have noted difficulties with communication and responsiveness from management, utilizing the provided phone numbers and email address for inquiries about reservations, current conditions, and specific amenities will be crucial for prospective campers to gain accurate and up-to-date information.

For Illinois residents, Crazy Horse Campground in Ashland offers a unique and, at times, complex proposition for an outdoor getaway. Its suitability for locals hinges on their specific expectations and willingness to engage directly with the campground for current information. Historically, Crazy Horse has positioned itself as a family-friendly destination, leveraging its natural setting, variety of camping options (RV, tent, cabins), and a range of recreational amenities like fishing ponds and swimming areas. This inherent structure still appeals to many Illinoisans seeking affordable and accessible outdoor recreation close to home, avoiding lengthy drives to more distant destinations.

The campground's location, nestled in the cornfields between Jacksonville and Springfield, provides a tranquil rural escape while maintaining reasonable proximity to urban conveniences and historical sites. This allows local families to enjoy the peace of nature without feeling isolated, providing options for both on-site relaxation and off-site exploration of Central Illinois. For those who value the flexibility of different campsite types, from full hookup RV spots for modern campers to more rustic tent sites, Crazy Horse aims to accommodate a broad spectrum of preferences.

However, it is paramount for any local considering Crazy Horse Campground to be fully aware of the recent, publicly shared challenges regarding new management, infrastructure maintenance (roads, pest control), inconsistent operating hours of facilities, and changes to established activities like fishing without prior notice. These issues have led to dissatisfaction among some long-term campers. Therefore, while the potential for a great camping experience exists given the property's features, the current suitability for locals is best assessed by directly contacting the campground to clarify expectations and verify the operational status and quality of all advertised amenities. For those who prioritize a convenient location and the fundamental aspects of camping, and are prepared to confirm current conditions, Crazy Horse Campground might still offer an Illinois outdoor adventure.