Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Waverly? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Iowa horse camping excursion.
Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.
The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.
Camping at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
The Shellrock River Greenbelt Preserve provides both primitive and equestrian camping opportunities all year round. Two small shelters, fire rings, pit toilets, and hitching posts are provided at this site.
Located on Yucca Avenue between 290th and 280th Streets.
Open Year Round
There is no charge for using this rustic campground
The Albany Campground has equestrian and non-equestrian campsites. The equestrian campsites all have electrical hook-ups. The non-equestrian sites are non-modern with non-electric sites. There is a water hydrant for the non-equestrian campsites. There is water and vault toilets but no showers. A portion of the area is available for equestrian campers and those sites have hitching posts.
Volga River State Recreation Area is located in one of the most scenic parts of the state. Northeast Iowa is often referred to as "Little Switzerland" because of its rugged topography, rock outcroppings and forest cover - a sharp contrast to the rolling hills, farmland and scattered stands of timber found in the majority of the state. The heavily wooded, rugged area of Volga River is an exciting setting for a variety of outdoor recreation activities throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waverly, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waverly, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waverly, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Waverly, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
