South Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is near Lehigh, Iowa. The terrain consists of open fields and wooded areas, providing a mix of landscapes for campers. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer, and nearby attractions include Brushy Creek Lake and hiking trails.
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 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The North, Middle (Beach), and South campgrounds are currently not accepting reservations for 2026 due to ongoing renovations. All campgrounds will remain closed and no camping will be allowed until the renovation is complete. The North campground is expected to reopen on July 15, 2026, while the Middle (Beach) and South campgrounds are not expected to open until Labor Day weekend. Once the project is complete and the DNR establishes firm reopening dates for all three campgrounds, we will send a notification email prior and then reservations will open up for the remainder of the season. If you wish to be notified of the reopening, please fill out the following form: **Brushy Creek Campgrounds Notification Google Form.** (Updated April 17, 2026)
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSouth 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
42.36848046 N
93.9848104 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
Verizon5GGood Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GGood 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
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 43 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 10 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 24 min from Waterloo, IA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
