Horse Rental & Trail Riding at Bear Branch Horse Campground

You’ve been thinking about going horseback riding.

Maybe you’re visiting Southern Illinois and want to experience the Shawnee National Forest from the saddle.

Maybe you’ve ridden before and would love to get back on a horse—but you don’t own one anymore.

Maybe you’re traveling with your partner and want to do something different together.

Or maybe you’re bringing a group of friends and somebody says:

“Why don’t we go horseback riding?”

There’s just one problem:

You don’t have a horse.

Good news.

You don’t have to own one.

At Bear Branch Horse Campground in Eddyville, Illinois, horses are available for rental, giving riders the opportunity to enjoy a horseback riding experience without bringing a horse of their own. Bear Branch also offers guided riding packages where the horse rental is included in the riding experience.

So whether you’re looking for an independent ride or would rather have a guide show you the trails, there’s more than one way to get in the saddle at Bear Branch.

Horse Rental or Guided Ride? Which One Is Right for You?

This is probably the first question you have.

The answer depends on how you want to experience the ride.

🐎 I Want to Rent a Horse and Ride on My Own

If you’re already comfortable around horses and know how to ride, horse rental gives you the opportunity to enjoy the experience with more independence.

You don’t have to own a horse.

You don’t have to haul a horse trailer.

And you don’t have to figure out how to bring a horse with you from home.

You simply come to Bear Branch, rent a horse, and enjoy your ride.

This can be a great option for experienced riders, solo travelers, couples, and groups who want more freedom during their riding experience.

[ASK ABOUT HORSE RENTAL]

🤠 I Want Someone to Show Me the Trails

If you’re less familiar with the area—or you simply want someone else to take care of the route and lead the way—a guided ride may be the better choice.

Bear Branch offers guided horseback riding experiences ranging from shorter scenic rides to longer adventures through the Southern Illinois landscape.

Depending on the experience you choose, rides can include forests, bluffs, valleys, creeks, caves and other destinations.

And here’s the important part:

The horse rental is included in the guided riding package.

You don’t need to arrange a separate horse rental when you book one of the guided ride experiences.

[EXPLORE GUIDED RIDES]

Do I Need to Be an Experienced Rider?

This is one of the questions I’d want answered before I ever booked.

And the answer isn’t simply “yes” or “no.”

Different riders have different levels of experience, and Bear Branch offers different riding experiences.

If you’re an experienced rider looking for the freedom of an independent rental, ask about horse rental options and which horses and riding arrangements are appropriate for your experience level.

If you’re newer to riding—or simply aren’t sure how comfortable you’ll be on a horse—talk with Bear Branch about choosing an appropriate guided ride.

Not sure which option is right for you?

That’s exactly what the Bear Branch team is there to help you figure out.

Tell them your riding experience, what kind of outing you’re looking for, and who’s coming with you.

They can help you determine the best option.

What If I’m a Beginner?

Maybe you’ve always wanted to ride a horse but haven’t had many opportunities.

That’s different from being an experienced rider who simply needs a horse.

Don’t assume that “horse rental” automatically means you should head out on your own.

If you’re new to horseback riding, a guided experience is likely the better place to start because you’ll have a guide and a planned riding experience.

Bear Branch’s guided rides include the horse, so you don’t need to worry about arranging one separately.

The goal isn’t to prove that you can ride alone.

The goal is to have a great experience.

What About Couples?

Horseback riding makes a pretty great Southern Illinois date.

Instead of dinner and a movie, imagine spending part of the day riding through the forest together, exploring the landscape, and getting away from your normal routine.

You don’t need to own horses.

One person doesn’t need to be an expert.

And you don’t necessarily have to make horseback riding an all-day commitment.

You can choose an experience that fits your schedule and comfort level.

After your ride, you can return to Bear Branch, relax at camp, stay in a cabin, or continue exploring the area.

A horseback riding getaway can be the experience—not just an activity.

What About Solo Riders?

Absolutely.

Sometimes you don’t need a group to have an adventure.

A solo traveler may be looking for something completely different:

“I’m visiting Southern Illinois by myself. What can I do that’s actually memorable?”

Horseback riding can be that experience.

If you’re an experienced rider, ask about independent horse rental.

If you’d prefer the structure and company of a guide, choose a guided ride.

Either way, you can experience Southern Illinois from a completely different perspective.

What About Groups?

Horseback riding can also be a fun option for groups.

That could mean:

• Friends traveling together
• Family getaways
• Couples traveling together
• Small celebrations
• Riding groups
• Outdoor adventure groups

Bear Branch already offers a variety of guided riding experiences, and multiple-day horseback riding vacation packages can also be quoted for groups looking for a longer experience.

If you’re planning for a group, don’t wait until everyone arrives to figure out the horses.

Contact Bear Branch ahead of time so they can help you determine the best riding option for your group.

Do I Have to Bring My Own Horse?

No.

That’s one of the biggest advantages of riding at Bear Branch.

You have choices.

Bring your own horse.

Bear Branch is a horse campground with campsites, horse stalls and horse pens available for horse campers.

Rent a horse.

If you want to ride but don’t own a horse, ask about horse rental.

Book a guided ride.

If you’d rather have a guide lead your experience, choose one of Bear Branch’s guided riding packages. The horse is included.

Three ways to experience Bear Branch on horseback.

Why Ride in Southern Illinois?

Southern Illinois is home to the Shawnee National Forest, and horseback riding is one of the best ways to slow down and experience the landscape.

This isn’t an arena ride.

You’re getting out into the Southern Illinois countryside.

The region is known for forested landscapes, rock formations, bluffs, creeks, caves and scenic riding opportunities. Southernmost Illinois tourism specifically promotes the region as a destination for horseback riding and overnight equestrian experiences.

And Bear Branch is located in Eddyville, Illinois, in the heart of this riding country.

What If I Want to Stay Overnight?

Here’s where Bear Branch gets even more interesting.

You don’t have to make your horseback riding experience a quick afternoon outing.

You can make it a getaway.

Stay in one of Bear Branch’s rustic cabins.

Bring your RV or horse trailer.

Set up a tent.

Or, if you’re bringing your own horse, rent a stall or horse pen.

Spend the day riding and the evening relaxing around camp.

Ride. Stay. Experience Bear Branch.

Still Wondering Which Option Is Right for You?

Here’s the simple version:

I own a horse.

Bring your horse and camp at Bear Branch.

I don’t own a horse, but I’m an experienced rider.

Ask about horse rental for an independent riding experience.

I’ve never ridden—or I’m not very experienced.

Ask about a guided ride.

I’m traveling with a partner or friends.

Talk to Bear Branch about the best riding option for your group.

I want to turn riding into a getaway.

Combine your ride with a cabin, RV site, or tent camping stay.

Ready to Get in the Saddle?

You don’t need to own a horse.

You don’t need to haul a horse halfway across the country.

And you don’t have to figure everything out yourself.

You just need to decide how you want to ride.

Want to ride independently?

[ASK ABOUT HORSE RENTAL]

Want a guide to lead the way?

[EXPLORE GUIDED RIDES]

Want to bring your own horse?

[EXPLORE HORSE CAMPING]

Come Ride With Us

Whether you’re traveling alone, planning a weekend with someone special, or bringing a group of friends, Bear Branch gives you a chance to experience horseback riding in one of Southern Illinois’ most beautiful outdoor destinations.

Bring your curiosity.

We’ll help you find the horse.

The trails are waiting.