Asphalt roads wind through this equestrian-focused campground, where hitching posts stand behind each site even when horses aren't present. The North Equestrian Campground sits within mixed terrain of open grassy areas and younger trees that provide some shade coverage, though afternoon sun can be intense on exposed sites.
Many sites lack electrical hookups, creating more spacing between occupied areas during busy periods. Randi notes the campground offers "very spacious and grassy sites" with "clean and modern bathrooms." The maintained trail system connects to fishing spots along the creek and lake, where muskie have been spotted during spawning season.
A playground anchors a large grassy area suitable for group activities. The shower facilities operate seasonally from April through December, with clean drop latrines available year-round. Sites accommodate both RVs with full hookups and tent camping, though some electrical boxes may not handle 50-amp rigs. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore campgrounds near Lehigh.
The campground works well for campers who don't mind limited shade and want access to equestrian facilities without bringing horses.
Description
Brushy Creek is one of Iowa's premier outdoor recreation destinations. At 6,500 acres, it has the largest tracts of public recreation land with a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian and lake habitats. The 690-acre lake is the deepest artificial permanent pool lake in Iowa and has an extensive network of trails. Join our interpreter in the summer for nature-related programs and hikes. Each spring, the park hosts a geo-caching event and fishing derby for kids. Program event details are posted at the campground kiosks.
Trails are closed to non-foot traffic during wet conditions. Horses are not to be hitched or tied to trees, shrubs or park facilities in a manner that will cause injury or damage to the plant or facility. Animals may be hitched to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and saddling. Animals must be stabled inside a trailer, at a hitch rail or in stalls or corrals if provided. Portable stall/pens or electric fences are not allowed.
Multi-Use Trail System Rules:
- Always call ahead for current trail conditions (515) 543-8298.
- Stay on designated trails only.
- Respect others' trail rights.
- Report any trail problems to park staff.
Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information.
This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Modern restroom and shower buildings are closed for the season. (Posted October 16, 2025)
The North, Middle (Beach), and South campgrounds are not accepting reservations for 2026 due to ongoing renovations. The current expected reopening date is July 15, 2026. We anticipate that one or more of the campgrounds may reopen earlier than July 15, 2026. When the project is completed and a final reopening date is set for all three campgrounds, the DNR will send a notification email. If you wish to be notified of the reopening, please fill out the following form: **Brushy Creek Campgrounds Notification Google Form.** (Posted December 19, 2025)
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundNorth Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is located in Iowa
Directions
Visitors from the North From Hwy 20 go south on P73, for West Entrance go east on Lake View Dr.; for South Entrance continue on P73 and go east on D46. Visitors from the South Get on D46- the South Campground and South Day Use Area are located off of this road. For all other facilities go north on Brushy Creek Rd. which curves and becomes Lakeview Dr. Trap Shooting Range can be reached by taking 250th from County Rd P73, then turn right onto Taylor Ave.
Address
2802 Brushy Creek Rd.
Lehigh, IA 50557
Coordinates
42.40216516 N
93.99490075 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 47 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 13 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 21 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 54 min from Sioux City, IA
