Welcome to Bear Branch! Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained environment for all guests. By booking a stay or participating in activities at Bear Branch, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These policies are in place to ensure a positive experience for everyone and to protect the natural beauty of Shawnee National Forest. Please review them carefully before your visit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Overview of Bear Branch, guest responsibilities, and general campground etiquette.
Welcome to Bear Branch Campground, located in the heart of Shawnee National Forest in Eddyville, Illinois. By booking a stay or participating in activities at Bear Branch, you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions. These policies are in place to ensure the safety, enjoyment, and preservation of our facilities and natural surroundings. Failure to comply may result in removal from the premises without a refund.
By following a few simple codes of conduct, Bear Branch can continue to offer you and your family some of the finest and safest horse camping and trail riding accommodations in the Shawnee National Forest.
Campers must register and pay before setting up camp.
Quiet hours are from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Negative Coggins and Health Certificates are required for out-of-state horses.
No temporary pens (except in designated picket areas).
Check-out time: 11 a.m. for all sites, stalls, lodging, and cabins (except Sunday, campsites only, 3:00 p.m.).
- Check-in time: 3:00 pm, for all sites, stalls, lodging, and cabins.
Booking requirements, deposit policies, and accepted payment methods.
All reservations require a deposit at the time of booking.
Payments can be made via credit card, debit card, or other accepted methods as outlined at the time of booking.
Full payment may be required before check-in, depending on the accommodation type.
Rates and availability are subject to change without prior notice.
Covers policies for cabins, guided rides, and general cancellations.
Guided Ride Deposits: Non-refundable. Cancel at least 24 hours in advance to reuse your deposit.
If Bear Branch cancels a guided ride due to bad weather, your deposit is valid for six months.
Cabins: No refunds if you choose to leave early, even due to weather.
General Cancellations: Terms provided at booking.
Includes cabin rules, campsite rentals, tent-pitching areas, early departure rules, and cleaning fees.
Bear Branch offers cabins, tent sites, and RV sites. Guests may also pitch tents around the Old Restaurant and the pond.
No tree tying is permitted ($150 fine if trees are chewed).
Horses cannot be tied overnight to trailers at campsites.
Stalls and picket areas must be cleaned before departure.
Water Conservation: We are on city water—please do not hose out your trailer.
No animals (horses or dogs) can be tied to utility poles with water and electric.
A $25 minimum fee will be charged if your animal breaks a water pipe.
Do not throw trash, bottles, or cans in fire pits.
Bear Branch offers eight rustic cabins, all equipped with electricity. Seven cabins include bathrooms with running water, sinks, and beds, while one is a primitive cabin with no bathroom or water. These Ruff-n-Tuff cabins are perfect for those who love the outdoors!
What’s Provided:
✅ Toilet paper (for cabin bathrooms)
✅ One trash bag per stay
✅ Mini-fridges in all cabins
✅ Fire pits & a few grills for outdoor cooking
What to Bring:
- Bedding & towels
- Paper towels
- Additional trash bags (if needed)
- Cooking supplies (if you plan to grill or use the fire pit)
- A cooler (optional, but allowed)
Enjoy a cozy stay surrounded by nature and get ready for an adventure in the Shawnee National Forest!
Explains non-refundable deposits, cancellation rules, and how weather affects bookings.
Guided horseback rides must be booked in advance and require a deposit.
Rides take place in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe by Bear Branch staff.
Riders are responsible for wearing appropriate attire and following all safety guidelines.
Stopping along the trail: Riders may take breaks, including lunch and rest stops, at designated areas in Shawnee National Forest.
- No refunds will be issued if a rider becomes frightened or falls off during the ride. Our guided trail rides are scheduled by appointment, and our guides travel specifically for each booking, preparing the horses in advance.
Covers assumption of risk, damages, and code of conduct.
Guests acknowledge that activities at Bear Branch, including horseback riding and camping, carry inherent risks.
By staying at Bear Branch, guests assume full responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their pets, family members, and belongings.
Bear Branch is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
Any guest causing damage to the property or engaging in disruptive behavior may be asked to leave without a refund.
Rules for pets on the property and associated cleaning fees.
Pets are welcome at Bear Branch but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Pets need to be crated or in a kennel while in cabins
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
A cleaning fee may apply if a pet causes excessive mess or damage to the lodging facilities.
Aggressive animals or excessive barking may result in removal from the premises.
Box Stalls
Reserved/bedded, approx. 10′ x 12′, $15/night; one horse per stall shavings include. There will be a $2.50 additional daily fee for each stall not reserved prior to arrival.
Stalls will be clean when you arrive, and you must clean them before you leave. Clean the stalls before you leave or you will charged $10 per stall. This means, stripe the stall completely.
We supply the wheelbarrows and shavings; please bring your own fork.