Within Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, South Equestrian Campground provides drive-in and walk-in access with full hookups for RVs. The DNR-managed facility operates from April through December, charging $19-$54 per night depending on site selection and season.
Sites feature electric, water, and sewer connections alongside standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to shower facilities. The campground accommodates both equestrian and non-equestrian campers, with reviewers noting the area remains relatively quiet despite horse camping activity. Campers can access hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming within the recreation area's forested and open terrain near the creek and lake. For more camping options in the region, explore campgrounds near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. Reservations are available and recommended during peak season.
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 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The North and Middle (Beach) campgrounds are currently not accepting reservations for 2026 due to ongoing renovations. Both campgrounds are currently closed and no camping will be allowed until the renovations are complete. The North and Middle campgrounds WILL NOT be open for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Once each campground is complete and the DNR establishes a firm reopening date, 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 August 12, 2026)
The South Equestrian campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - November 30 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
The South Equestrian campground is closed each year from December 1 - March 31.
The swimming beach at Brushy Creek Lake is currently closed for construction to improve drainage during rainfall events.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouth Equestrian Campground is located in Iowa near Lehigh
Public CampgroundDirections
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 CoverageLast on 9/4/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageLast on 9/4/26
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
