Three horse campgrounds near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 offer dedicated equestrian facilities for riders planning overnight stays or day trips. Scott County Park Southeast Corner Campground offers primitive equestrian sites with hard-surface parking areas for vehicles and trailers, tie-ups for horses, picnic tables, fire rings, and charcoal grills. The sites are spacious with open areas and shade trees. An outhouse and recycling station are available on-site, but no potable water. Adjacent trails connect directly to the campsite for easy horse access. The primitive camping layout accommodates both overnight stays and day use riders.
Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Horse Corral Campground in Illinois features electric pull-in sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The campground includes a corral area with both day use and camping options. A shelter is available for group gatherings, and firewood can be purchased within the park. Equestrian trails provide riding opportunities throughout the preserve. The nearby Lake George allows for fishing and paddling when not riding. Located in Illinois along the Mississippi River corridor, this campground rates well among horse owners for its combination of camping amenities and trail access. The campground layout provides sufficient space for horse trailers while maintaining a natural setting.
"The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground."
from $15 - $20 / night
"CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."
from $20 - $26 / night
"Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground."
"Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available."
from $15 / night
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
"Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out."
"The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you!"
from $15 - $20 / night
"Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
LegendThis campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
LegendTucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground. It’s the sort of place that feels like you stumbled onto a secret level in a video game: no hookups, no frills, just you, your horse and the occasional squirrel judging your life choices. If SOC-Fox is the Brady Bunch middle child (see my review for this CG), this one is the mysterious cousin who shows up at family reunions in cowboy boots and doesn’t say much.
The sites? Bare-bones, as expected. You’re not here for 'glamping.' You’re here for space to tie up your horse, throw up a tent and feel like you’ve traveled back to 1883 (minus the dysentery). Fire rings are your only luxury item here, and if you’re expecting bathhouses with spa vibes, forget it. You’ll find pit toilets that are … serviceable. Let’s call them ‘character-building.’ Roads in here are gravelly but manageable if you take it slow, but you don’t really want to be coming here if you’re toting a 5th wheel or driving an RV as this area is really more geared for mi tent pitchin’ bredren who want the opportunity to ‘rough it’ ... ideally with their noble steeds.
What makes it shine, though, are the equestrian trails. Miles of riding paths crisscross through woods, open meadows and rolling hills. Even if you’re not on horseback, you can hike them and pretend you’re in a Western where the budget ran out before they gave you an actual horse. And because this campground is the least famous of the seven, you’re more likely to get actual peace & quiet. No cannonballing kids, no RV generators humming in the night, just plenty of crickets, the odd, stray coyote and your horse deciding 2 a.m. is the perfect time to shuffle around loudly.
Insider Tips? Giddy-up, here’s a few: (1) Bring your own water as there’s no magic spigot here; (2) If you want solitude, this is the place. It’s basically the anti-aquatic center; (3) Hungry after a day on the trail? Eldridge’s Grille on the Green dishes out hearty comfort food, and you won’t even have to tie your horse out front; and (4) If you need supplies, hit the Tractor Supply in nearby Eldridge. They won’t blink when you walk in smelling like hay and campfire.
Happy Camping!
LegendThe site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead. There is a recycling dump station nearby, and open space with shaded tree area. The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions. Pride Lake offers paddling and fishing.
TravelerThis is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.
GuideThis site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
GuideLots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.
Equestrian campgrounds near the Mississippi River between Pools 11-22 offer riders dedicated facilities for overnight stays with their horses. These specialized camping areas provide access to trail systems while accommodating both equestrian needs and camping requirements. The region features a mix of county-managed and forest preserve equestrian sites, with varying levels of amenities from primitive to developed.
Trail riding access: Scott County Park's equestrian campground connects directly to riding trails. "The trail is adjacent" notes James M., who mentions the "primitive site offers table, fire ring, grill, tie up, outhouse, open space, hard surface parking."
Telescope viewing: Big Hollow Recreation Area has designated areas for stargazing. Lisa M. shares that "there's even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!" The park balances natural darkness with camping conveniences.
Canoe rentals: Several parks offer paddling opportunities with equipment available. At Big Hollow, "canoe rental and shooting range" are among the amenities Travis R. appreciates, noting it's "the most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far."
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds provide shore fishing options. At Wanatee Park, Kristy E. notes there are "lots of opportunity to ride the numerous bike trails nearby and hike in wanatee park and nearby pinicon. The Cedar river and the wapsicon for fishing. This area has something for everyone."
Private, spacious sites: Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers secluded camping. "When i visited we were the only campers there an it was awesome!" reports Ryan. The primitive sites provide ample space between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. At Wanatee Park, Clint G. found "the bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water," while noting "our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers."
Inexpensive options: Primitive sites typically cost $10 per night. Carol M. recommends Matsell Bridge as a "nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available" with "fire pits and picnic tables at every site."
Natural surroundings: Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area offers diverse habitats. Jessica H. describes it as "675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River" where you can spot "Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch."
Flooding potential: River proximity means campgrounds may close during high water. Jessica H. warns that at Saulsbury Bridge, "when the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds." Always check conditions before traveling.
Bug preparation: Insects can be intense in warmer months. At Matsell Bridge, Carol M. found "the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up" in late May, advising visitors to "take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness."
Limited amenities: Many equestrian sites are primitive with basic facilities. At Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds, James M. notes it "offers basics: water, electric, showers some shade, stores nearby" but lacks many conveniences of developed campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds have varying reservation policies. Brett S. explains that at Wanatee Park, "half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play structures for children. Travis R. mentions Big Hollow has "a large playground and shower house" making it suitable for family camping trips with young children.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water recreation. Lisa M. notes Big Hollow has swimming, but cautions "the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you" during certain times.
Wildlife viewing: Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers nature observation opportunities. James M. describes "Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental" near the horse corral campground, providing multiple activities for family members.
Seasonal activities: Consider weather patterns when planning. Heather S. enjoyed Saulsbury Bridge even though "some of the campground was slightly flooded during our stay, we still had fun!"
Leveling needs: Many sites require adjustment for RVs. At Wanatee Park, Clint G. mentions "our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. The sites are very spacious with some shade."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Jeremy notes Big Hollow is a "great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!!" making it popular with RVers seeking utilities.
Dump station locations: Check for sanitary facilities before arrival. At Wanatee Park, Clint G. mentions they camped "with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance" which is convenient for longer stays.
Site selection: Choose sites based on privacy needs. Sarah J. recommends at Big Hollow, "if you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 is Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
